Apprentice Milliner and Mantuamaker 3.5 3.5 out of 5 stars 301 S. Nassau St., Williamsburg, VA 23185 Who We Are 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 and best-known 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 the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. 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 a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library. Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally. About the Position The primary function of the apprentice Milliner and Mantuamaker is to rediscover, preserve, learn and practice the varied trade skills of the 18th-century, and to share with and interpret those trade skills to Colonial Williamsburg guests. Additionally, practicing the skills of the trade, the apprentice is expected to add to Colonial Williamsburg’s present knowledge of 18th century textile history. As the apprentice becomes proficient in the skills of the trade and progresses towards journeyman status, he/she should be able to assist in teaching future apprentices, thus insuring the trade is perpetuated. Job Details: Works on trade projects to refine and practice skills as assigned by the supervisor or mistress of the shop. Learns and develops proficiency in the hand skills of 18th century. Increases knowledge in each skill area and uses information to expand interpretation to the guests, gained through completing work assignments outlined in the apprentice milliner and mantuamaker curriculum. The progression of the apprenticeship is based on the successful completion of object based reproductions as defined in the apprentice curriculum. Researches available information on the trade, including the culture and 18th practitioners of the trade as well as equipment/tools; 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. Gives presentations on research as appropriate. Works with and may assist with representatives of this and other departments on sharing present programs and developing new and/or varied programs. Assists with and may train interns and junior staff members in providing work direction who may be working with millinery staff. May instructs other foundation employees on the history of the trade and in ways to interpret the trade skills and their products. Assists with in-depth seminars, workshops, and/or forums dealing with the trades. Represents the trade when needed on departmental, divisional, and Foundation committees. Follows safety and security procedures established for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the site, tools, materials, and equipment. Ensures that the safety and security procedures are followed in the absence of the master or supervisor. Adheres to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation policies as stated in “The Employee’s Handbook.” 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. Maintain a high level of hospitality and courtesy and professionalism while dealing with all guests and fellow employees. Performs other related duties as required. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to meet the physical requirements of the trade which may include: Perform repetitive work safely with traditional 18th-century tools. Work under extreme weather conditions from 20 degrees to temperatures well over 100 degrees and heavy humidity while wearing 18th-century clothing properly. It may be necessary to come in contact with pollen, dust, lint, and mold on a regular basis. May work with dyestuffs including hazardous materials. Must perform physical activities such as repeated standing, kneeling/squatting, lifting, stooping, and moving or lifting up to 50 pounds. Participate in other strenuous physical activities as needed. QUALIFICATIONS: Fundamental knowledge of 18th century Virginia History; ability to quickly absorb written and oral information for the purpose of developing interpretation Ability to clearly interpret historical information to the public Ability to conduct in-depth research into the trades and present results in an effective manner, oral and written – generally gained through a high school degree/G.E.D., plus three years progressive experience working with the trade; previous public contact experience (similar to that gained working in a living history museum). Must be able to demonstrate hand/eye-coordination through demonstrated hand-sewing proficiencies. Must be able to commit to multi-level apprentice training program. Must be able to perform repetitive work safely with traditional 18th century tools while meeting production goals and assuring standards of quality in work and workmanship. Must be able to handle multiple priorities while working within a set of guidelines and procedures with general supervision and be able to adapt to a changing work environment and work a flexible schedule; including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Preferred Qualifications: Four-year degree in American History or on subject matter relating to18th century or proficiency in period clothing construction, costume history. Previous living history museum experience; previous work with public speaking, familiarity with the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Trades program.