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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

An apprentice 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 the trade skills by providing a pro-active interpretation of the work, the state of technology, and the diverse people who populated and produced such work in the 18th century. 
Apprentices advance Colonial Williamsburg’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and accountability utilizing credible research and resources to share the full and complete story of 18th century America with our guests. Regardless of gender or religion, whether enslaved, indentured, or free, Apprentices communicate the relevance of our shared past.  

  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 thematic interpretations of the trade, history, and products and services in the community, region, and world.  
• Assists with in-depth seminars, workshops, and forums as required using Colonial Williamsburg 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 degree/G.E.D.  with a general knowledge of 18th c. colonial history.
• Preferred: Four-year Degree in American History and or Successful Completion or Certification from a Trade School with a concentration in handwork. 

• 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: 

• Basic to advanced Drawing skills. Metalsmithing experience helpful.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have good communication skills, 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 within a set of guidelines and procedures with general supervision, adapting to a changing work environment, and working a flexible schedule, including weekends.  
  

Key Skills / Competencies:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

Physical and Environmental Demands: 

Stand | Frequently 5-8 hrs
Walk | Frequently
Sit | Frequently 5- 8 hrs
Talk or Hear | Frequently 5- 8 hrs
Use hands, fingers, feel | Frequently 5- 8 hrs
Climb or balance | Occasionally (up to 2hrs/shift) stoop, kneel. crouch, crawl | occasionally (up to 2hrs/shift)
Reach with hands and arms | Occasionally (up to 2hrs/shift)
Lifting up to 40 lbs
Using chemicals Yes - Acetone, Alcohol, Naphtha, Polishing compounds
Heat and Cold  Yes- indoor controlled but occasionally 

Typical Work Schedule: 

Full time 8 hour day, 5 days a week.  Usually, 8:45 am to 5:15 pm. Weekends, holidays.