Decorative Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

The primary function of the cabinetmaking apprentice is to rediscover, learn, and preserve the varied trade skills of the 18th-century cabinetmaker and interpret those skills to the public, both orally and in writing. This work is primarily accomplished in a public venue that recreates the vibrant workspace of the period, with off-site study or research as needed. The apprentice must become proficient in these skills so that he/she can teach future apprentices, ensuring that the trade is perpetuated.

Main Duties

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Learns and develops proficiency in working with appropriate materials, tools, and 18th c. methods as outlined through a five-level curriculum under the direction of the master or journeyman supervisor.
• Research available information and may conduct ongoing supplemental research to the existing body of knowledge.
• Applies learned hand skills and research through demonstration while employing the National Association of Interpretation techniques to provide in-depth seminars, workshops, and forums as required, using Colonial Williamsburg's assigned technological platforms.
• Adheres to safety and security procedures for work, workshops, tools, and people.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

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: 

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• 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: 

Bachelor's degree or equivalent education, experience, and training. Woodworking or related craft experience. Some knowledge of 18th-century American history and decorative arts history. 

Key Skills / Competencies: 

Must have good communication skills; ability to learn, execute, demonstrate, research, and teach varied hand skills usually gained through progressive work experience. 
Must have familiarity with various universal and specific computer platforms as designated by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. 
Must have the ability to handle multiple priorities while working with a set of guidelines and procedures with general supervision, adapting to a changing work environment, and working a flexible schedule, including weekends. 

Physical and Environmental Demands: 

Stand: Constantly (5–8 hrs/shift) 
Walk: Constantly (5–8 hrs/shift) 
Sit: Frequently (2–5 hrs/shift) 
Use hands/fingers: Constantly (5–8 hrs/shift) 
Climb or balance: Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift) 
Stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl: Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift) 
Reach with hands/arms: Constantly (5–8 hrs/shift) 
Talk or hear: Constantly (5–8 hrs/shift) 
Lifting up to 10 lbs: Constantly (5–8 hrs/shift) 
Lifting up to 25 lbs: Frequently (2–5 hrs/shift)  
Lifting up to 50 lbs (with assistance):  Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift) 
Lifting up to 100 lbs (with assistance):  Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift) 
More than 100 lbs (with assistance): Rarely (not a regular part of the job)  
Wet/humid conditions: Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift) 
Work near moving mechanical parts: Frequently (2–5 hrs/shift)  
Fumes/airborne particles: Constantly (5–8 hrs/shift) 
Extreme cold: Rarely (not a regular part of the job)  
Extreme heat: Rarely (not a regular part of the job) 

 Typical Work Schedule: 

Regular/ FT; 40 hours/week (8:45 am to 5:15 pm)