Apprentice Carpenter

CW Talent; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime eligible

A supportive collaborative environment

Job summary

CW Talent in Williamsburg, VA is seeking an Apprentice Carpenter to support their educational mission through hands-on learning of colonial carpentry methods. The successful candidate will engage with visitors, research historical techniques, and collaborate closely with artisans.

This role requires a high school diploma or GED, a valid Virginia driver's license, and at least 21 years of age. Strong communication and research skills are essential, along with a passion for 18th-century history.

Qualifications

• General knowledge of 18th‑century colonial history.
• Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

Responsibilities

• Engage guests with accurate 18th-century history.
• Assist in historically accurate building construction.
• Learn traditional carpentry using 18th-century methods.

Skills

Communication skills

Research skills

Safety procedures

Team collaboration

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Four‑year degree in American History

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Location: ROSCOW COLE HOUSE, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA

Position Overview

An Apprentice Carpenter 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, work with artisans, historians, curators, and conservators, and provide interpretation of the work, technology, and people of the 18th century.

Responsibilities

• Engage guests with accurate 18th‑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• Provide site orientation and foundational historical content.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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Adhere to safety procedures for tools and worksites.
• Ensure crew and guest safety, demonstrating safe practices in all environments.

Required Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED with a general knowledge of 18th‑century colonial history.

Additional Requirements

• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Must 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 excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Four‑year degree in American History or successful completion/certification from a trade school with a concentration in handwork.
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
• Ability to work in collaboration and independently with minimal direction, meeting deadlines and shifting priorities.
• Strong knowledge of computer systems, including Microsoft 365.
• Excellent customer service to internal and external clients.
• Ability to do research, learn, and teach different skills; logical and creative problem‑solving in a fast‑paced environment.
• Flexible schedule, including weekends.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Stand: Frequently, Walk: Frequently, Sit: Frequently, Use hands/fingers: Occasionally, Climb or balance: Frequently, Stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl: Frequently, Reach with hands/arms: Frequently, Talk or hear: Constantly, Lifting up to 10 lbs: Constantly, Lifting up to 25 lbs: Frequently, Lifting up to 50 lbs (with assistance): Occasionally, Lifting up to 100 lbs (with assistance): Occasionally, More than 100 lbs (with assistance): Occasionally.

Wet/humid conditions: Frequently, Work near moving mechanical parts: Rarely/Never, Fumes/airborne particles: Rarely/Never, Extreme cold: Frequently, Extreme heat: Frequently.

Typical Work Schedule

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

Employee Benefits

Non‑exempt position eligible for overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Overtime may be required during high peak times as directed and approved by supervisor.

Job Description Statement

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.