Journeyman Carpenter

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A historic educational institution located in Virginia is seeking a Journeyman Carpenter to provide skilled carpentry services for the preservation and maintenance of 18th-century buildings. The role involves using both traditional and modern carpentry techniques, ensuring safety and quality standards are met. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of relevant experience and a valid Virginia driver's license. This position requires flexibility for a varied work schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• 5 years of relevant carpentry experience.
• Must possess valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

Responsibilities

• Provide skilled carpentry services for preservation and construction.
• Perform construction, repair, and maintenance of 18th-century buildings.
• Utilize traditional and modern carpentry methods.

Skills

Journeyman-level carpentry practices

Knowledge of construction methods

Ability to read and interpret drawings

Workplace safety practices

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Non-electric hand tools

Power 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 built‑reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive research. The Foundation also owns and operates the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, the Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library. Additionally, the Foundation manages five world‑class accommodations and many on‑site restaurants.

About the Position

The Journeyman Carpenter provides skilled carpentry services to support Foundation operations in a safe, efficient, and cost‑effective manner. The role performs the alteration, construction, repair, and maintenance of 18th‑century original and reconstructed buildings, support structures, and related building components, including shingles, doors, windows, framing, and hardware. Work supports facilities, preservation, and departmental needs across the Foundation and is performed in accordance with established trade, safety, and historical standards.

Main Duties

• Produce high‑quality carpentry work consistent with established trade, craftsmanship, and organizational standards.
• Perform carpentry work using traditional 18th‑century techniques and non‑electric hand tools to alter, construct, and repair buildings, fences, gates, signs, and timber components.
• Utilize power tools and modern carpentry methods to replicate joinery techniques used in both contemporary construction and 18th‑century applications, as appropriate to the project.
• Perform a broad range of carpentry tasks, including work layout and framing; installation and repair of shingles, flashing, stairs, handrails, flooring (wood and tile), doors, windows, and glazing; installation and rekeying of locks; and the preservation, repair, and integration of original and reproduction structures and components.
• Coordinate and integrate carpentry work with building systems and finishes, including plumbing, wiring, heating and air conditioning, insulation, shutters, draperies, hardware, and related architectural elements, as assigned.
• Identify and address safety hazards within work areas in accordance with established safety guidelines and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• 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 graduate or equivalent.
• 5 years of relevant carpentry experience.
• Within three months after start date must possess and keep current certifications in Renovation, Repair and Painting (Lead Safety), Asbestos Class 3 Training and Supported Scaffold Competent Person.

Required Qualifications

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 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.
• Must not have any serious motor‑vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, or similar offenses.

Preferred Qualifications

• 8 or more years’ experience gained on restoration carpentry/millwork at museums, historic sites, colleges, universities, National Park Service, or similar organization engaged in building preservation and maintenance.

Key Skills / Competencies

• Knowledge of journeyman‑level carpentry practices, construction methods, materials, and tools used in the alteration, construction, repair, and preservation of buildings and architectural components.
• Skilled in the use of both traditional 18th‑century carpentry techniques and modern carpentry methods, including the safe operation of non‑electric hand tools and power tools in field and shop environments.
• Ability to perform a wide range of carpentry tasks, including layout, framing, installation and repair of shingles, flashing, stairs, handrails, flooring (wood and tile), doors, windows, glazing, hardware, and related building components.
• Knowledge of traditional joinery techniques, including mortise and tenon joinery and other woodworking joints, and the ability to apply these techniques in accordance with Colonial Williamsburg’s quality and historical standards.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, measurements, specifications, and work orders related to carpentry and preservation projects.
• Knowledge of workplace safety practices and the ability to identify and address safety hazards associated with carpentry tools, materials, equipment, and work environments.
• Ability to coordinate carpentry work with other building systems and trades, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, and architectural finishes, as assigned.
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively as part of a team to meet project timelines and operational needs.
• Ability to maintain tools, equipment, materials, and work areas in an organized and safe condition.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues regarding work progress, priorities, and project needs.

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Involves frequent talking and hearing, as well as constant use of hands and fingers for handling tools, materials, and equipment, including frequent reaching with hands and arms.
• May involve sitting, climbing, or balancing occasionally.
• Requires lifting and exerting force, including lifting up to 10 pounds on a constant basis; lifting up to 25 pounds and up to 50 pounds with assistance on a frequent basis; and lifting up to 100 pounds with assistance on an occasional basis.
• Involves regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and airborne particles associated with carpentry, millwork, and shop operations.
• May involve occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and cleaners, as well as occasional work in extreme cold or extreme heat, depending on project assignments and work location.
• Work is performed in shop and field environments where appropriate safety procedures and protective equipment are required.

Typical Work Schedule

This position is essential and critical to support Foundation operations. The employee must be willing to work additional hours in and around the set schedule as needed during inclement weather conditions, emergencies, and other critical situations. Availability for routine work scheduled on weekends, nights, holidays, and response to emergency recall to work is required. This is a non‑exempt position eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, as directed and approved by the supervisor.