Accessories Craftsperson

Open To External And Internal Candidates•Williamsburg, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As part of the Historical Clothing and Dress Team, the Accessories Craftsperson works collaboratively with other members of the Accessories, Historical Clothing and Dress (HCD), and Employee Relations and Human Resources (ERHI) teams to provide appropriate researched reproduction costume accessory items for Colonial Williamsburg’s costumed interpretive staff. 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.

Requirements

High School Education or G.E.D diploma
Excellent sewing skills (hand and machine)
Additional fiber art skills, including, but not limited to, embroidery (hand and machine), knitting (hand and machine), Hat making (felt and straw), finger weaving, basic knowledge of other weaving methods, and leather work.
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.
Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
Ability to work in collaboration
Strong knowledge of computer systems, including Microsoft 365
Provide Excellent Customer Service to internal and external clients
Maintain an accurate and organized inventory
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.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of eighteenth-century attire and material culture as it relates to the Chesapeake.
Additional fiber arts skills include lacemaking, spinning, finger weaving, crochet, tatting, and fan making.

Responsibilities

Works collaboratively with other Accessories Team members and the Manager to maintain a cohesive and balanced workflow and ensure established standards of production quality and efficiency.
Provides responsive, empathetic customer service by producing, fitting, and maintaining accessory items, including but not limited to shoes, hats, gloves, jewelry, kerchiefs, stockings, etc.
Provides instruction and guidance to costumed staff on proper wear and maintenance of costume items.
Produces and maintains (repairs and refurbishes) accessory stock using a variety of sewing equipment (machines, sergers, industrial irons, knitting machines) and techniques (patterning, machine and hand sewing); occasionally working with chemical cleaners.
Monitors Accessory stock levels and initiates requisitions for items to be constructed (caps, neckerchiefs, trimmed hats, mitts, bows, etc.)
Maintains adequate stock levels for purchased items (stockings, shoes, hat blanks, supplies, etc.).
Works with other team members and manager to ensure appropriate stock levels.
Serves as a liaison between customers, other ERHI units and vendors.
Works with other team members(s) and manager to develop and research dress accessory items for potential use in historic area programming.
Prepare reports on research findings and suggested implementation.
Prepares reports regarding inventory, production and interdepartmental traffic.
Patterns and produces specialty items, prototypes, reproduction dress items and accessories from study of antique dress items, period depictions, and descriptions.
Creates (writes) process instructions for construction of newly introduced items.
Coordinate with other team members to perform other related duties as required.