Temporary Museum Assistant Jobs in Virginia (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 Floral Operations Assistant position assists the Floral Designer with conditioning, transport, installation, maintenance, removal, disposal, storage, and inventory of all floral materials, property, and arrangements required for day-to-day, annual, and seasonal events across the Foundation.

Main Duties:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assists designers with preparation and conditioning of floral materials; prepares basic floral
  arrangements as directed.
• Prepares completed arrangements for delivery; delivers, installs, and maintains
  arrangements on-site.
• Monitors installations and advises staff of required maintenance or reinstallation.
• Transports, protects, and returns items borrowed for special events and seasonal displays.
• Assists with seasonal installations in collaboration with carpenters, electricians, and
  temporary staff.
• Maintains control of floral studio inventory, including props, flowers, and custom containers;
  tracks prop locations to ensure accessibility.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization of the floral studio and cooler.
• Performs routine maintenance checks of the delivery van (e.g., fuel and oil levels).
• 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:

• 3-6 months experience with a floral, nursery, or landscaping operations.
• Interest/knowledge of floral and plant materials.

Key Skills / Competencies:

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects under deadline with limited direction
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities
•  Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people
• Ability and willingness to work in all outside weather conditions
• Ability to establish a well-ordered work routine/schedule that ensures completion of tasks
• Ability to drive a panel van.
• Ability to create and maintain an inventory system.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Ability bend, stoop, walk and transport up to 50 pounds
• Ability to drive a panel van

This position requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift for extended periods. The role involves lifting and carrying materials such as floral containers, supplies, and equipment (typically up to 40 pounds). Work is performed in a variety of environments including indoor workspaces, event areas, public spaces, and occasional outdoor settings. Exposure to water, floral materials, fragrances, and temperature variations may occur. The position requires manual dexterity, attention to detail, and the ability to work safely in a fast-paced, time-sensitive environment.

Typical Work Schedule:

This position typically operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Flexibility is required to support business needs, including occasional weekends, holidays, and extended hours during peak periods such as major events, seasonal demand, and special programming. Schedule adjustments will be communicated in advance whenever possible.

Compensation Disclaimer: The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role.

Range: $16 to $23 per hour