Apprentice Carpenter

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th‑century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is a 301‑acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 reconstructed to their 18th‑century appearance. The Foundation also owns and operates two world‑class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, the Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and the John

D. Rockefeller Jr. Library.

An Apprentice Carpenter supports the Education and Preservation Mission of Historic Trades by learning and demonstrating the hand skills required to manufacture traditional work of the colonial period. The Apprentice will research primary and secondary 18th‑century sources and object‑based study, work with artisans of various trades, historians, curators, and conservators, and deliver engaging interpretation to guests. This role combines hands‑on traditional trade work with public education, requiring strong communication skills, curiosity, and dedication to preserving historic craftsmanship.

• Engage guests with accurate 18th‑century history and daily life.
• Provide site orientation and foundational historical content.
• Foster guest interactions and adapt presentations to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with senior interpreters on complex topics.
• Continuously improve interpretive skills and meet departmental goals.
• Maintain performance standards essential for journeyman advancement.

• Synthesize historical scholarship and primary sources into engaging narratives.
• Conduct object‑based research using original artifacts.
• Understand period techniques and styles to enhance interpretive work.
• Balance content across interpretation, technique, and aesthetics.

• Learn traditional carpentry using 18th‑century methods.
• Assist in historically accurate building construction.
• Train under journeymen while progressing to independent tasks.
• Execute trade tasks to period standards and perform public demonstrations.
• Develop skills in timber framing and material fabrication.
• Follow the curriculum with annual evaluations and complete all apprenticeship components for promotion.

• Adhere to safety procedures for tools and worksites.
• Ensure crew and guest safety, demonstrating safe practices in all environments.

This is a non‑exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times as directed and approved by the supervisor.

This job description reflects the general responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Duties and responsibilities may evolve over time based on operational needs.

• High school degree/G.E.D. with a general knowledge of 18th‑century colonial history.

• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria.
• Provide a 5‑year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• May not have more than 1 moving violation or at‑fault accident within 12 months.
• May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months.
• May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license.

• Four‑year degree in American History and/or successful completion or certification from a trade school with a concentration in handwork.

• Excellent communication…