Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Job overview
The Apprentice Gardener role at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation involves learning and demonstrating traditional 18th-century hand skills to support education and preservation of historic trades.
Responsibilities and impact
The apprentice will develop proficiency in traditional materials and methods, conduct research, demonstrate skills using interpretive techniques, assist with seminars and workshops, and adhere to safety protocols.
Experience and skills
Requires a high school diploma or GED with knowledge of 18th-century colonial history; preferred qualifications include a degree in American History or trade school certification; must have good communication, research, teaching skills, computer literacy, and flexibility in scheduling.
Work environment and culture
The Foundation values historical education and preservation, offering a work environment focused on living history and collaboration with artisans, historians, and curators.
Company information
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit institution founded in 1926, operating one of the largest living history museums in the U.S., preserving 18th-century Williamsburg and offering cultural, educational, and hospitality services.
Team overview
The apprentice works alongside master artisans, historians, curators, and conservators in a collaborative environment to preserve and interpret historic trades.
Job location and travel
Located in Williamsburg, Virginia, within the 301-acre restored colonial capital area, with a historic and educational setting.
Unique job features
The role offers unique opportunities to engage with 18th-century history through hands-on skill development, research, and public interpretation in a renowned living history museum.
Company overview
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a not-for-profit educational institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of 18th-century America. They operate the world's largest living history museum in Williamsburg, Virginia, featuring restored and reconstructed buildings, costumed interpreters, and interactive exhibits. The foundation generates revenue through ticket sales, donations, endowments, and hospitality services, including hotels and restaurants. Founded in 1926 by Reverend Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin and philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr., the foundation aims to educate the public about America's colonial past and its relevance to contemporary society.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight your passion for 18th-century colonial history and any hands-on experience with traditional crafts or trades, emphasizing your eagerness to learn and preserve historic skills.
Focus on your ability to research historical sources and your familiarity with 18th-century materials, tools, and methods, as well as your communication skills to effectively demonstrate and teach these skills.
Apply through multiple platforms such as the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s official careers page, LinkedIn, and other job boards where this position is posted to maximize your chances of being noticed.
Connect with current artisans, educators, or preservation staff at Colonial Williamsburg on LinkedIn; start conversations by complimenting their work on historical preservation or asking about their experiences working with colonial trades.
Optimize your resume for ATS by including keywords from the job description like '18th-century colonial history,' 'hand skills,' 'research,' 'interpretation techniques,' and 'traditional crafts' to ensure your resume passes initial screenings.
Use Jennie Johnson’s Power Apply feature to automate applications across multiple platforms, tailor your resume with relevant keywords, and identify LinkedIn contacts in the division to network with, saving you valuable time and increasing your chances of success.
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