Benefits Eligible - Yes - Starting Rate - $14.62 - Additional Benefits - Meals - Type of Position - Full-Time - Work Hours - Up to 40 hours weekly including days, weekends, and holidays - Requires Valid Virginia Drivers License - No - Minimum Age - 18 - City - Williamsburg - Zip Code - 23185 - Apprentice Cabinetmaker - -- - Job Description: - 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 offsite study or research as needed. The apprentice must become proficient in these skills so that he/she can teach future apprentices, insuring that the trade is perpetuated. WORK TO BE PERFORMED: Trade Skills - Learns and develops proficiency in the skills of the eighteenth-century cabinetmaker. - Increases knowledge in each skill area through work assigned by the master/journeyman-supervisor and journeyman and through the completion of assignments outlined in the Apprentice Curriculum. - Experiments with period technology to solve problems. - Maintains records of new skill discoveries and procedures. - Assists others to maintain an organized, historically accurate, and efficient workplace. - 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 master and journeyman. - Assists with in-depth seminars, workshops, and/or forums dealing with the trade. - Represents the trade on departmental, divisional, and Foundation committees. - Instructs other Foundation employees on the history of the trade and in ways to interpret the trade skills and its products. - Participates in Foundation training as needed. - Works as a team member to accomplish common goals within the shop and Colonial Williamsburg as a whole. - Performs other related duties as required. Interpretation Skills - Provides in-depth interpretations (oral and written) on the trade to a variety of audience types in a variety of settings. Interpretation will cover aspects such as the history, evolution, products, and services of the trade; the tools, technology, processes, shop organization, and working environments of the trade; the lives and times of those who practiced the trade and their changing roles within the community; relationships among the various trades etc. all of this with emphasis on the 1690-1800 time period. Also provides interpretation that addresses the related trades of harpsichord making, upholstery, and carving. - Particular emphasis will be placed on 18th century Williamsburg, Virginia and its relationship to the rest of the Atlantic world. - Proactively incorporates information gleaned through research and craft-work into interpretation. - Participates in formal interpretive situations as assigned (as in the Working Wood in the 18th Century Conference). - Instructs other Foundation employees on the history of the trade and in ways to interpret the trades skills and products. - Works with colleagues across the Foundation to develop recommendations on new and/or varied interpretive programs. Research Skills - Studies primary documents and secondary scholarship on the historical cabinetmaking trade, its practitioners, its product, and its customers. - Studies and documents historical objects (furniture, tools, etc.) to gain knowledge of period manufacturing techniques and 18th century material culture. - Independent research will be encouraged. - Gives presentations on research as appropriate. - Job Requirements: - Rudimentary knowledge of/and experience with eighteenth-century, hand tool-centered cabinetmaking techniques (as evidenced in portfolio of work); foundational knowledge of 18th century British and American furniture history - Ability to clearly interpret historical information to the public - Familiarity with museum curatorial and archival practices - Ability to train interpretive personnel in trade-related techniques - Ability to conduct in-depth research into the trade and present results in an effective manner, orally and written generally gained through a high school degree/G.E.D., plus experience working with the trade; previous public contact experience (similar to that gained working in a living history museum). - Must be able to perform repetitive work safely with traditional 18th century tools while meeting goals and maintaining standards of quality in work and workmanship. - Must be able to do strenuous physical work in all weather conditions. - Must be willing to commit to multi-level apprentice training program; must be able to work a flexible schedule; including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Preferred Qualifications: - Certificate in cabinetmaking from accredited trade school - Four-year degree in American History, Public History, Fine Arts, Art History, Material Culture History, or on subject matter relating to cabinetmaking. Previous living history museum experience - Previous work leadership or supervisory responsibilities - Familiarity with the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Trades program, work experience in a shop that produces fine furniture.