Exhibits Technician

DHRM•Williamsburg, VA

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation is seeking a skilled Exhibits Technician to construct and maintain the outdoor period-style structures that bring 17th- and 18th-century Virginia to life at our living-history sites. The primary responsibility of this hands-on role is building outdoor replica structures including houses, fences, workshops, outbuildings, Indigenous yehakins, and heavy timber-frame buildings using traditional, non-power woodworking methods. The technician reads and interprets detailed plans developed from curatorial guidance, research, and archaeological data, and applies specialized historic techniques such as thatching, wattle and daub, riving, and treating lumber against pests. Historic structure-building experience is essential, with prior experience in thatching, wattle and daub, and log-house building strongly preferred. Beyond new construction, the Exhibits Technician maintains all outdoor exhibits at both sites including timber-frame and Indigenous structures, historical fencing, period fixtures and furniture, artillery carriages, benches, and signage, responding with initiative to safety, breakage, and public-appearance needs while keeping repairs on a progressive maintenance schedule. The role also calls for strong planning and organization: submitting project plans and materials lists in advance, notifying site coordinators and security of scheduled work, maintaining an orderly and well-stocked shop, and complying with all Foundation safety, timekeeping, and administrative policies. Some periodic work before and after normal business hours may be required.

Requirements

Historic woodworking knowledge.
Historic masonry knowledge.
Metalworking knowledge.
Thatching knowledge.
Skills in woodworking and multiple materials utilization for reproductions.
Ability to read, comprehend and analyze new information from curators.
Ability to read and produce plans.
Ability to plan maintenance schedules.
Discipline to keep existing structures safe and functioning.
Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively in a creative environment with other builders.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of other historic crafts.
Knowledge of Indian village building skills.
Knowledge of farm life.
Historic structure-building experience.
Prior experience in thatching, wattle and daub, and log-house building.
Knowledge of museum education techniques and resources.
Demonstrated ability to research, write and organize resources effectively to achieve objectives.
Effective collaborator and team player.
Ability to assist and provide support in areas of training, coaching and mentoring.
Experience mentoring a diverse staff.
Teaching experience at a variety of levels.
Historical research experience at a variety of levels.

Responsibilities

Construct and maintain outdoor period-style structures.
Build outdoor replica structures including houses, fences, workshops, outbuildings, Indigenous yehakins, and heavy timber-frame buildings using traditional, non-power woodworking methods.
Read and interpret detailed plans developed from curatorial guidance, research, and archaeological data.
Apply specialized historic techniques such as thatching, wattle and daub, riving, and treating lumber against pests.
Maintain all outdoor exhibits at both sites including timber-frame and Indigenous structures, historical fencing, period fixtures and furniture, artillery carriages, benches, and signage.
Respond with initiative to safety, breakage, and public-appearance needs while keeping repairs on a progressive maintenance schedule.
Submit project plans and materials lists in advance.
Notify site coordinators and security of scheduled work.
Maintain an orderly and well-stocked shop.
Comply with all Foundation safety, timekeeping, and administrative policies.