Brickyard Interpreter (Summer)

Open To External And Internal Candidates • Williamsburg, VA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Those hired will work primarily in the Brickyard site and be employed in the production of hand- made bricks used throughout Colonial Williamsburg in our ongoing reconstruction and conservation efforts. Working as a member of a team you will be expected to do the work necessary in brickmaking including digging clay, treading clay with water using your bare feet to achieve a workable consistency, molding and stacking dry bricks. You will be working in costume and will be in front of the public, interpreting and engaging guests into the work where appropriate. In turn you will learn about the masonry trades, develop hand skills, interpretive techniques, and public contact experience.

Requirements

• Fundamental knowledge of the 18 th -century Williamsburg, American, World history
• Ability to clearly interpret historical information to the public
• Previous public contact experience (similar to that gained working in a living history museum).
• Must be able to do strenuous physical work in all weather conditions
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule; including evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the trade including… Ability to lift and carry 75 lbs.
• Ability to carry 150 lbs. on a wheelbarrow
• Ability to perform all of the steps required in the production of bricks, plaster, mortar, lime etc.
• Ability to work in excavated trenches and on scaffolding or other uncomfortable work environments as work needs require.
• Ability to work in dusty environments while wearing proper safety gear including respirators.
• Ability to safely handle and work with chemical materials such as lime, mineral spirits, linseed oil, etc.
• Ability to perform repetitive work safely with traditional 18th century tools
• Ability to work under extreme weather conditions including temperatures over 100 degrees with heavy pollen and humidity.
• Ability to perform activities that require repeated or long term standing, kneeling/squatting, lifting, stooping

Nice To Haves

• Four-year degree in American History or on subject matter relating to American history and/or the masonry trades.
• Previous living history museum experience.

Responsibilities

• Works to make bricks using traditional tools and techniques.
• Provides in-depth interpretations on the trades, their history, and their products and services in the community, region, and the world; the technology, processes, skills organization and working environment of the trades; the lives and times of those who pursued the trades; the evolution of the trades; relationships between trades, etc., with emphasis on the 1607-1781 time period to a variety of audiences in a variety of settings.
• Creates a welcoming environment for guests and encourages learning.
• Wears appropriate period clothing (provided) while performing the work in order to maintain an 18th century atmosphere.
• Maintains costuming as set forth in standards established by the Historic Clothing and Dress Department.
• Follows safety and security procedures established for the site, tools, materials, and equipment.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed