Potter, Lead

Reports to: Vice President of Programs (acting Manager of Historic Trades)

Direct Reports: N/A

Summary: Part-time, 20 hours/week on average (more in summer), weekends are regularly required.

Genesee Country Village & Museum is the largest living history museum in New York and the third largest in the country. The Museum opened in 1976 and includes 68 buildings in Historic Village, the Genesee Country Nature Center with 5 miles of trails, and the John L. Wehle Gallery collection of wildlife and sporting art (700 pieces) and 19th‑century clothing (4,000 pieces).

The Potters are collaboratively responsible for providing daily interpretation, pottery production, and occasional pre‑scheduled workshops and experiences.

• Research, develop, and support pottery‑focused activities in the Village; staff pottery shop 1 – 3 days/week during Museum’s high season (May – October)
• Ensure that all interpretation and programs are of the highest quality and are mission and value driven – supporting the Museum’s goals, incorporating diverse voices, and providing both educational and engaging experiences for visitors
• Develop and continuously maintain own skills and those of seasonal pottery interpreters through practice and preservation of historic trades; train, instruct, and mentor interpreters in historically accurate, safe, and efficient techniques by providing hands‑on instruction and resources
• Occasionally execute hands‑on experiences (classes, workshops, camps) that introduce trades skills and historical culture
• Follow provided guidelines, standards, processes, and procedures in alignment with field‑wide and institutional best practices

• Determine annual and/or seasonal production lines based on budget goals and Museum Store needs
• Produce and deliver historic trades items to Museum Store for sale within stated deadlines

• Support the development and management of pottery budget and supply purchasing including management of own hours worked
• Maintain pottery shop, tools, equipment, and furnishings in collaboration with Facilities and Curatorial departments
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Museum to provide programming to support activities of those departments, including special events, school field trips, camps, group tours, and development activities

• 3+ years of experience in a museum or educational institution; proven ability in mentoring, and oral and written communications
• Ability to work with diverse audiences and individuals of varying cultural backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities in an enthusiastic, friendly, and open manner
• Demonstrated historical research skills and competency in ceramics

• Ability to stand and work foot wheel for extended periods of time
• Working in inclement weather including rain, snow, heat, and cold
• Perform physical work such as kneeling, reaching, bending, crouching, pulling, and pushing, lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds

$16.50-$17.00 per hour

We are proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes accrued NYS Sick Leave and an employee assistance program. Every employee is provided with a yearly family level membership to GCV&M.

Interested applicants should visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). to apply and include both a cover letter and resume.

Genesee Country Village & Museum is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity with respect to all employees, applicants, and interns for employment. We recruit, hire, train, and promote without discrimination due to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, citizenship, national origin, military or veteran status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Museums have a vital role to play as community anchors—spaces where history, culture, and identity are preserved, celebrated, and made accessible to all. To truly fulfill this mission, museums must build intentional, ongoing relationships with the communities they serve—especially those historically underrepresented. Genesee Country Village & Museum is actively committed to expanding our interpretation and exhibits to include voices and perspectives frequently underrepresented in museum collections, the telling of history, and outdoor spaces.

Guided by our mission, values, and inclusive culture of curiosity, we strive to ensure that all visitors, volunteers, and employees feel safe, welcomed, and celebrated throughout their museum experiences.