Whitewater Farms Heritage Class Instructor

U S National Whitewater Center•Charlotte, NC

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Heritage Class Instructor facilitates hands-on educational experiences focused on traditional crafts, heritage skills, and time-honored practices. The instructor teaches classes that connect participants with traditional methods of making, building, and creating. Classes may cover soap making, candle making, felting, blacksmithing, sourdough bread making, leatherworking, woodworking, natural dyeing, basket weaving, and other heritage crafts. Candidates need demonstrated knowledge and experience in at least one relevant craft, but are not expected to be experts in every discipline. The ideal candidate enjoys sharing skills, engaging participants with varying experience levels, and creating a welcoming, educational, and memorable guest experience. This is a part-time, on-site position involving hands-on instruction, class preparation, and collaboration with the Whitewater Farms team. The role is part of Guest Services, which creates a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, provides guest care and communication, and manages event production, private groups, retail operations, and pass sales at the Whitewater Center.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge, practical experience, or proficiency in at least one traditional craft or heritage skill relevant to the programming offered.
Ability to teach, demonstrate, and explain a craft in an approachable and engaging manner.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Commitment to providing an excellent guest experience.
Willingness to learn and follow established safety procedures and instructional guidelines.
Reliable, organized, and attentive to detail.
Availability for a part-time schedule that may include weekends, holidays, special events, or scheduled classes based on program needs.

Responsibilities

Plan and facilitate engaging, hands-on heritage classes in one or more areas of demonstrated expertise.
Teach participants traditional techniques, tools, materials, and processes associated with the assigned craft or discipline.
Prepare class materials, tools, equipment, and workspaces before each session.
Adapt instructions for participants with varying skill levels, ages, and learning styles.
Promote a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all participants.
Demonstrate proper use, care, and storage of tools, equipment, and materials.
Follow established safety procedures, particularly when working with heat, sharp tools, chemicals, or specialized equipment.
Maintain clean, organized, and functional instructional spaces before, during, and after classes.
Monitor material inventory and communicate supply needs to Whitewater Farms management.
Assist with developing class content, demonstrations, and new heritage programming based on individual areas of expertise.
Support the guest experience by answering questions, encouraging participation, and sharing the history or practical applications of traditional crafts when appropriate.
Collaborate with the Whitewater Farms team to coordinate scheduling, class preparation, and program logistics.
Perform other duties as assigned.