Apprentice Historic Gardener

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is seeking an apprentice gardener to learn the plants, tools, and cultural techniques of an 18th-century garden. The role trains through public interpretation, demonstrations, and leadership in the historic site, emphasizing mastery in hand skills, research, and interpretation.

The apprenticeship progression is based on project work, including reproductions, research, and interpretive presentations, with mentoring from a master/journeyman and opportunities to

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
• Ability to work in collaboration and team settings.
• Ability to provide logical and creative solutions in fast-paced environments.
• Strong knowledge of computer systems, including Microsoft 365.

Responsibilities

• Learns and develops proficiency in 18th-century garden skills and tools under supervision.
• Maintains plant knowledge and seasonal planning at the interpretive site.
• Assists with seminars, workshops, and lectures on 18th-century horticulture.
• Provides historical information about gardening and interprets trade topics for the public.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Problem solving

MS 365

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

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.

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.

About The Position

An apprentice gardener learns the plants, tools, and cultural techniques required to manage a colonial-period garden. This work is accomplished in a public venue that recreates the trade of a professional gardener and demonstrates the knowledge and materials of the colonial period. Progression through the apprenticeship is based on demonstrated growth in three core competencies: Hand Skills, Research, and Interpretation. Apprentices advance by mastering increasingly complex techniques, conducting and applying historical research, and effectively communicating the history, significance, and practice of the trade through public interpretation, instruction, and leadership. Advancement is measured through the successful completion of progressively challenging object-based reproductions, scholarly research projects, interpretive presentations, and the demonstrated ability to mentor others while contributing to the mission of preserving, perpetuating, and presenting the historic trades of Colonial Williamsburg.

Responsibilities

Trade Skills

• Learns and develops proficiency in the skills of tending vegetable, fruit, and ornamental gardens with eighteenth-century methods and materials under the direction of the master/journeyman.
• Acquires a basic knowledge of all plants at the interpretive site as well as conspicuous plants throughout Colonial Williamsburg properties.
• Demonstrates a familiarity with and anticipates seasonal changes in work responsibilities
• Maintains tools and workspace under direction of master/journeyman.
• Assists with seminars, workshops, and lectures related to 18th century horticulture.

Research

• Studies historical documents and information about the trade and its practitioners in North America and Europe to become proficient in the knowledge and understanding of the period and people.
• The progression of the apprenticeship is based on the successful demonstration of horticultural skills and knowledge represented by work in the garden and a research project as defined by the apprentice curriculum and overseen by the master/journeyman-supervisor.

Interpretation

• Provides historical information about gardening to include plant identification, exploration, introduction, and cultural techniques in Virginia and how the trade was influenced by European precedent.
• Provides biographical information about notable gardeners, nurserymen, and botanists of colonial America
• Recreates the work environment of an eighteenth-century professional gardener using the clothing, tools, and materials provided.
• Involves families and their children in interactive programs.
• Present proactive interpretations of historical information to support historic area themes.

Required Education and Experience

High school degree/G.E.D. with a general knowledge of 18th c. 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. Experience in Horticulture preferred.

Key Skills / Competencies

• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
• Ability to work in collaboration
• Ability to work under extreme weather conditions, including cold temperatures, well over 100 degrees, and heavy pollen
• Must perform physical activities such as repeated standing, kneeling/squatting, lifting, stooping, and moving up to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Strong knowledge of computer systems, including Microsoft 365 Provide Excellent Customer Service to internal and external clients Ability 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 environment Ability to work independently and with minimal direction, meeting deadlines and shifting priorities
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends.

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.

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: $18.55-$21.50 per hour