Who We Are
Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.
Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.
Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.
About the Position
An Apprentice Carpenter supports the Education and Preservation Mission of Historic Trades and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation by learning and demonstrating the hand skills required to manufacture traditional work of the colonial period. The Apprentice will research primary and secondary 18th-century sources and object-based study. The Apprentice will work with artisans of various trades, historians, curators, and conservators to better understand a specific trade. The Apprentice will preserve and perpetuate trade skills by providing a proactive interpretation of the work, the state of technology, and the diverse people who produced it in the 18th century.
The Apprentice Carpenter supports Historic Trades by learning and demonstrating 18th century carpentry, conducting historical research, and delivering engaging interpretation to guests. This role combines hands on traditional trade work with public education, requiring strong communication skills, curiosity, and dedication to preserving historic craftsmanship. Apprentices study period techniques, tools, and materials; assist in constructing buildings using traditional methods; and develop interpretive narratives grounded in historical research. Progression toward journeyman status requires demonstrated growth in interpretation, research, trade proficiency, and adherence to safety standards.
Main Duties:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Interpretation:
- Engage guests with accurate 18th-century history and daily life.
- Provide site orientation and foundational historical content.
- Foster guest interactions and adapt presentations to diverse audiences.
- Collaborate with senior interpreters on complex topics.
- Continuously improve interpretive skills and meet departmental goals.
- Maintain performance standards essential for journeyman advancement.
Research:
- Synthesize historical scholarship and primary sources into engaging narratives.
- Conduct object-based research using original artifacts. -
- Understand period techniques and styles to enhance interpretive work.
- Balance content across interpretation, technique, and aesthetics.
Trade Skills:
- Learn traditional carpentry using 18th-century methods.
- Assist in historically accurate building construction.
- Train under journeymen while progressing to independent tasks.
- Execute trade tasks to period standards and perform public demonstrations.
- Develop skills in timber framing and material fabrication. -
- Follow the curriculum with annual evaluations and complete all apprenticeship components for promotion.
Safety
- Adhere to safety procedures for tools and worksites.
- Ensure crew and guest safety, demonstrating safe practices in all environments.
This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.
This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs.
Required Education and Experience:
Required: High school degree/G.E.D. with a general knowledge of 18th c. colonial history.
Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria.
Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment
Must be at least 21 years of age
May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months
May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months
May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.
Preferred Qualifications:
Four-year Degree in American History and or Successful Completion or Certification from a Trade School with a concentration in handwork
Key Skills / Competencies:
Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
Ability to work in collaboration
Strong knowledge of computer systems, including Microsoft 365
Provide Excellent Customer Service to internal and external clients
Ability to do research, learn, and teach different skills, varied hand skills usually gained through progressive work experience.
Able to provide logical and creative solutions within a fast-paced environment
Ability to work independently and with minimal direction, meeting deadlines and shifting priorities
Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends.
Physical and Environmental Demands:
Stand: Frequently
Walk: Frequently
Sit: Frequently
Use hands/fingers: Occasionally
Climb or balance: Frequently
Stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl: Frequently
Reach with hands/arms: Frequently
Talk or hear: Constantly Lifting up to 10 lbs: Constantly
Lifting up to 25 lbs: Frequently
Lifting up to 50 lbs (with assistance): Occasionally
Lifting up to 100 lbs (with assistance): Occasionally
More than 100 lbs (with assistance): Occasionally
Wet/humid conditions: Frequently
Work near moving mechanical parts: Rarely/Never
Fumes/airborne particles: Rarely/Never
Extreme cold: Frequently
Extreme heat: Frequently
Typical Work Schedule:
5 days/week, 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
