Internship Museum Interpreter 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 88 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, 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

Historic Trades internships are ten to twelve-week experiences working with the Historic Trades department at Colonial Williamsburg. Usually, interns are assigned to a particular trade shop or group of related trades, where they assist the full-time staff in operation of the shop(s), including interpretation and demonstration to guests, production, and research. In turn, interns can learn about the trade(s), develop trade skills, gain experience with public contact and service, and acquire insights about museum and living history careers. Other internship opportunities may entail opportunities like assisting with department administration, specific research projects, or publications. Internships usually require commitment to a 40-hour work week. If appropriate, costumes are provided. Locating housing is the responsibility of the intern. While internships are not offered for educational credit, we will work with individuals if their school has credited programs for which an Historic Trades internship might qualify.  

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Assists the shop staff by interpreting and demonstrating trades to guests, engaging in production, and undertaking assigned research projects.
• Provides outstanding customer service.
• Follows safety and security procedures established for the site, tools, materials, and equipment. 
• Ensures that the safety and security procedures are followed in the absence of the supervisor and journeymen. 
  
• Performs other related duties as required. 

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 HSE 

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:  

• Enrollment or completion in an undergraduate program in American History or on subject matter related to the intern experience.  
• Experience working with the trade. Interest in 18th-century material culture.  
  
• Previous living history museum experience.  
  
• Familiarity with the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Trades program.  

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. 
Ability to work safely with heat and sharp tools.  

Physical and Environmental Demands:  

Stand: Frequently  (2-5 hrs/shift) 

Walk: Occasionally (up to 2 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: Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)  

Talk or hear: Constantly (5-8 hrs/shift)  

Lifting up to 10 lbs.: Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)  

Lifting up to 25 lbs.: Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)    

Lifting up to 50 lbs. (with assistance): Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)  

Lifting up to 100 lbs. (with assistance): Rarely (does not exist as regular part of the job) 

More than 100 lbs. (with assistance): Rarely (does not exist as regular part of the job) 

Wet/humid conditions: Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift) 

Work near moving mechanical parts: Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)  

Fumes/airborne particles: Rarely (does not exist as regular part of the job) 

Extreme cold: Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift) 

Extreme heat: Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift) 

Risk of electrical shock: Rarely (does not exist as regular part of the job) 

Typical Work Schedule: 
 Casual/PT 10-12 weeks of 40 hours per week