Apprentice Carpenter

CW Talent; Rockville (VA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in Virginia is seeking an Apprentice Carpenter to learn and demonstrate 18th-century carpentry while supporting Historic Trades and public education. You will study period techniques, tools, and materials, assist in constructing buildings using traditional methods, and develop interpretive narratives grounded in historical research.

This non-exempt role offers hands-on trade work, safety training, and opportunities to progress toward journeyman status through

Qualifications

• Required: High school diploma or GED with general knowledge of 18th-century colonial history.
• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Engage guests with accurate 18th-century history and daily life.
• Synthesize historical scholarship into engaging narratives.
• Learn traditional carpentry methods and assist in constructing buildings to period standards.
• Develop interpretive narratives grounded in historical research.
• Follow safety procedures and maintain a safe work environment.

Skills

Communication

Public speaking

Microsoft 365

Customer service

Collaboration

Research

Adaptability

Independent work

Flexibility (hours)

Education

High school diploma or GED

General knowledge of 18th-century colonial history

Preferred: Four-year degree in History or trades certification

Tools

Carpentry tools

Job description

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

An Apprentice Carpentersupports the Education and Preservation Mission of Historic Trades and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation by learning anddemonstratingthe hand skills required to manufacture traditional work of the colonial period. The Apprentice will research primary and secondary 18th-century sources and object-basedstudy. The Apprentice will work with artisans of various trades, historians, curators, and conservators to better understand a specific trade. The Apprentice will preserve and perpetuatetradeskills by providing a proactive interpretation of the work, the state of technology, and the diverse people who produced it in the 18th century.

The ApprenticeCarpentersupports Historic Trades by learning anddemonstrating18th century carpentry, conducting historical research, and delivering engaging interpretation to guests. This role combineshands ontraditional trade work with public education, requiringstrong communicationskills, curiosity, and dedication to preserving historic craftsmanship. Apprentices study period techniques, tools, and materials;assistin constructing buildings using traditional methods; and develop interpretive narratives grounded in historical research. Progression toward journeyman status requiresdemonstratedgrowth in interpretation, research, tradeproficiency, and adherence to safety standards.

Main Duties

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Interpretation

• Engageguests withaccurate18th-century history and daily life.
• Provide site orientation and foundational historical content.
• Foster guest interactions and adapt presentations to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with senior interpreters on complex topics.
• Continuously improve interpretive skills and meet departmental goals.
• Maintain performance standards essential for journeyman advancement.

Research

• Synthesize historical scholarship and primary sources into engaging narratives.
• Conduct object-based research using original artifacts. -
• Understand period techniques and styles to enhance interpretive work.
• Balance content across interpretation, technique, and aesthetics.

Trade Skills

• Learn traditional carpentry using 18th-century methods.
• Assist in historically accurate building construction.
• Train under journeymen while progressing to independent tasks.
• Execute trade tasks to period standards and perform public demonstrations.
• Develop skills in timber framing and material fabrication. -
• Follow the curriculum with annual evaluations and complete all apprenticeship components for promotion.

Safety

• Adhere to safety procedures for tools and worksites.
• Ensure crew and guest safety, demonstrating safe practices in all environments.

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

Required: High school degree/G.E.D. with a general knowledge of 18thc.colonial history.

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

Four-year Degree in American History and or Successful Completion or Certification from a Trade School with a concentration in handwork

Key Skills / Competencies

Excellent communication skills, verbal and writtenAbility to work in collaborationStrong knowledge of computer systems, including Microsoft 365Provide Excellent Customer Service to internal and external clientsAbility 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 environmentAbility to work independently and with minimal direction, meeting deadlines and shifting prioritiesMust be able to worka flexible schedule, including weekends.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Stand: FrequentlyWalk: FrequentlySit: FrequentlyUse hands/fingers: OccasionallyClimb or balance: FrequentlyStoop/kneel/crouch/crawl: FrequentlyReach with hands/arms: FrequentlyTalk or hear: Constantly Lifting up to 10lbs: ConstantlyLifting up to 25lbs: FrequentlyLifting up to 50lbs(with assistance): OccasionallyLifting up to 100 lbs (with assistance): OccasionallyMore than 100 lbs (with assistance): OccasionallyWet/humid conditions: FrequentlyWork near moving mechanical parts: Rarely/NeverFumes/airborne particles: Rarely/NeverExtreme cold: FrequentlyExtreme heat: Frequently

Typical Work Schedule

5 days/week, 8 hours/day,40 hours/week.

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: $20.30 to $22.10