Apprentice Carpenter

Open To External And Internal Candidates • Williamsburg, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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. The Apprentice will work with artisans of various trades, historians, curators, and conservators to better understand a specific trade. The Apprentice will preserve and perpetuate trade skills by providing a proactive interpretation of the work, the state of technology, and the diverse people who produced it in the 18th century. The Apprentice Carpenter supports Historic Trades by learning and demonstrating 18th century carpentry, conducting historical research, and delivering engaging interpretation to guests. This role combines hands on traditional trade work with public education, requiring strong communication skills, curiosity, and dedication to preserving historic craftsmanship. Apprentices study period techniques, tools, and materials; assist in constructing buildings using traditional methods; and develop interpretive narratives grounded in historical research. Progression toward journeyman status requires demonstrated growth in interpretation, research, trade proficiency, and adherence to safety standards.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

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

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.
• Maintain performance standards essential for journeyman advancement.
• 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.

Benefits

• eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED