Cooper​/Woodworker, Lead

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

Direct Reports: N/A

Hours/

Schedule:

Part-time, 30 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 Cooper/Woodworker is responsible for providing daily interpretation, wood‑related production, and occasional pre‑scheduled workshops and experiences.

• Research, develop, and support wood‑focused activities in the Village; staff Cooper, Woodworker, or Cabinetmaker shop 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 woodworking seasonal 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 wood‑based trades budget and supply purchasing including management of own hours worked
• Maintain shops, 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 woodworking
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with diverse audiences in an enthusiastic, friendly, and open manner.

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to walk up to 1-3 miles a day while 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 30 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 Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, NYS Disability, Supplemental Disability, Vacation, Personal time, Floating Holidays, 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.

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.