Entry Level Historic Preservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Title:  Teak Preservation Assistant

Position Summary

The Teak Preservation Assistant supports the preservation, restoration, repair, and maintenance of the Battleship Missouri's historic teak deck systems and related wooden structures. Working under the direction of the Teak Preservation Supervisor, this position performs skilled and semi-skilled carpentry, woodworking, deck restoration, and preservation activities throughout the vessel.

The Teak Preservation Assistant plays an important role in preserving the historical authenticity, structural integrity, and visitor experience of one of the world's most significant historic naval vessels. This position requires attention to detail, craftsmanship, a commitment to safety, and the ability to work in a dynamic maritime preservation environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Teak Preservation and Restoration

• Assist with the restoration, repair, replacement, and preservation of historic teak deck systems throughout the vessel.
• Perform deck preparation activities including removal of deteriorated decking, cleaning, surface preparation, and layout work.
• Assist in the installation of:
• • Deck underlayment systems
  • Furring strips
  • Teak planking
  • Deck fasteners
  • Caulking systems
  • Associated deck components
• Measure, mark, cut, shape, and fit teak and other wood materials using hand tools and power tools.
• Assist with seam preparation, caulking, sanding, and finishing of teak deck surfaces.
• Help replicate historic deck layouts and plank patterns to preserve the vessel's historical appearance.
• Support preservation projects involving wooden furnishings, cabinetry, doors, partitions, decking components, and other shipboard wood structures.

Carpentry and Woodworking

• Perform rough and finish carpentry tasks in support of preservation and maintenance projects.
• Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair wooden structures, furnishings, fixtures, and components.
• Operate woodworking equipment, power tools, and hand tools safely and effectively.
• Assist with fitting, trimming, and adjusting wood components to meet project specifications.
• Install hardware, adhesives, sealants, gaskets, insulation, and related materials as required.

Project Support

• Assist with project setup, material staging, cleanup, and worksite organization.
• Maintain accurate measurements and layout markings using measuring instruments and marking devices.
• Support inventory management and material handling activities.
• Assist with loading, unloading, and transporting materials and equipment throughout the vessel.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow all OSHA regulations, organizational safety policies, and established work procedures.
• Properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
• Report hazards, equipment deficiencies, and safety concerns promptly.
• Safely handle adhesives, sealants, coatings, and other materials used in preservation activities.
• Participate in required safety meetings, training programs, and emergency response activities.

Visitor and Volunteer Engagement

• Maintain professional and courteous interactions with visitors, volunteers, contractors, and fellow employees.
• Conduct preservation activities with consideration for visitor safety and experience.
• Assist volunteers participating in preservation projects when assigned.

Other Duties

• Support other Engineering Department projects as assigned.
• Perform additional duties consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Required

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in carpentry, woodworking, construction, maintenance, restoration, or a related trade; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Preferred

• Two (2) or more years of experience in carpentry, woodworking, marine construction, historic preservation, or related fields.
• Experience working with teak, hardwoods, decking systems, or finish carpentry.
• Experience in maritime, shipyard, museum, military, construction, or industrial environments.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of carpentry and woodworking principles.
• Ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, and woodworking equipment.
• Knowledge of measuring and layout techniques.
• Ability to perform detailed, precision-oriented work.
• Strong attention to quality, craftsmanship, and historical preservation objectives.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Certifications and Licenses

Required

• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Preferred

• First Aid/CPR Certification.
• Fall Protection Training.

Must be able to obtain and maintain required certifications and training as assigned.

Working Conditions

Work is performed throughout a historic battleship and adjacent facilities, both indoors and outdoors. Conditions may include:

• Exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, humidity, rain, wind, and direct sunlight.
• Work on exterior weather decks and exposed shipboard surfaces.
• Exposure to dust, wood particles, adhesives, sealants, noise, vibration, and industrial equipment.
• Active restoration and preservation environments with multiple concurrent projects.
• Frequent interaction with museum visitors while preservation activities are underway.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position:

• Frequent standing, walking, climbing ladders, and navigating steep stairways throughout the vessel.
• Frequent bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, balancing, and working at deck level for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands and arms to operate tools, equipment, and machinery.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying environmental conditions.
• Ability to safely navigate shipboard spaces, hatches, bulkheads, ladders, and low-clearance passageways.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials, tools, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds regularly, with heavier loads moved using proper assistance or mechanical equipment.
• Ability to distinguish colors, measurements, markings, and alignment references.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including hearing protection, eye protection, gloves, respirators, protective footwear, and fall protection equipment when required.
• Sufficient visual acuity, depth perception, peripheral vision, hearing, and situational awareness to safely perform assigned duties.

Schedule

Full-Time, Non-Exempt Position

Typical schedule is:

• Monday through Friday
• 5:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Additional hours, weekends, holidays, or alternate schedules may be required to support operational needs, restoration projects, special events, or emergency repairs.