Benefits Eligible - Yes - Starting Rate - $14.62 - Additional Benefits - Costumes - Type of Position - Full-Time - Work Hours - 40 hours weekly including days, evenings, weekends, and holidays - Requires Valid Virginia Drivers License - Yes - Minimum Age - 21 - City - Williamsburg - Zip Code - 23185 - Apprentice Wheelwright - -- - Job Description: - The primary function of an apprentice wheelwright is to rediscover, learn and preserve the varied trade skills of the 18th-century wheelwright and interpret those skills to the public. The apprentice must become proficient in these skills so that he/she can teach future apprentices, insuring the trade is perpetuated. WORK TO BE PERFORMED: - Learns and develops proficiency in the use and maintenance/care of the 18th century tools of the trade. Learns and develops the unique skills and knowledge of the eighteenth-century wheelwright. Increases knowledge in each skill area and uses information to expand interpretation to the guests, gained through completing work assignments outlined in the wheelwright apprentice curriculum. The progression of the six year apprenticeship is based on the successful completion of object based reproductions as defined in the apprentice curriculum. - Responsible for increasingly complicated tasks and projects as progresses through apprenticeship, commensurate with skill level. - Researches available information on the trade and practitioners of the trade; works with members of the department and representatives of other departments (for example: research) in developing recommendations on new and/or varied interpretive programs. - Provides in-depth interpretations on the trade, its history, and its products and services in the community, region, and the world; the technology, processes, skills organization and working environment of the trade; the lives and times of those who pursued the trade; the evolution of the trade; relationships between trades, etc. to a variety of audiences in a variety of settings. - Assists with in-depth seminars, workshops, and/or forums dealing with the trade. - Follows safety and security procedures established for the site, tools, materials, and equipment. Ensures that the safety and security procedures are followed in the absence of the master and journeyman. - Represents the trade on departmental, divisional, and Foundation committees. - Instructs other Foundation employees on the history of the trade and in ways to interpret the trade skills and its products. - Maintain a high level of hospitality and courtesy and professionalism while dealing with all guest and fellow employees. - Performs other related duties as required. - Job Requirements: - Final candidates are to present in person to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Employment Office a valid driver's license and an original MotorVehicle Record transcript (MVR). The MVR is to be no older than 30 days, issued by the same state as the drivers license, and must cover the past seven years. New residents must obtain a Virginia drivers license by date of hire. Fundamental knowledge of eighteenth-century woodworking with emphasis on techniques and history; aptitude to learn the skills of the trade; ability to clearly interpret historical information to the public; ability to train interpretive personnel in trade-related techniques; ability to conduct in-depth research into the trade and present results in an effective manner, oral and written generally gained through a high school degree/G.E.D; previous public contact experience (similar to that gained working in a living history museum). Must be able to do strenuous physical work. Must be able to commit to multi-level apprentice training program; must be able to work a flexible schedule; including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Highly desired: Four-year degree in American History or on subject matter relating to museum education. Experience in wood working. Previous living history museum experience. Familiarity with the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Trades program. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to work in extreme heat (heat index 116). Must be able to work in extreme cold (temps as low as 25). Must be able to stand on bricks for 6-8 hours per day. Must be able to safely work around sharp tools. Must be able to safely work around large fires. Must be able to work around hot iron (in excess of 600 degrees). Must be able to lift 75 pounds. Must be able to work at very repetitive tasks. Must be able to climb very steep steps. Must be able to twist your torso repetitively (planning, use of tapered reamer). Must be able to work at a high aerobic pace for 15-25 min. while turning the lathe. Must be able to work in a dusty environment on a regular basis