Journeyman Carpenter

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 89 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 Journeyman Carpenter provides skilled carpentry services to support Foundation operations in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner. The role performs the alteration, construction, repair, and maintenance of 18th-century original and reconstructed buildings, support structures, and related building components, including shingles, doors, windows, framing, and hardware. Work supports facilities, preservation, and departmental needs across the Foundation and is performed in accordance with established trade, safety, and historical standards.

Main Duties:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Produce high-quality carpentry work consistent with established trade, craftsmanship, and organizational standards.
• Perform carpentry work using traditional 18th-century techniques and non-electric hand tools to alter, construct, and repair buildings, fences, gates, signs, and timber components,
including the use of mortise and tenon joinery and other traditional woodworking joints in accordance with Colonial Williamsburg’s quality and historical standards.
• Utilize power tools and modern carpentry methods to replicate joinery techniques used in both contemporary construction and 18th-century applications, as appropriate to the project.
• Perform a broad range of carpentry tasks, including work layout and framing; installation and repair of shingles, flashing, stairs, handrails, flooring (wood and tile), doors, windows, and glazing; installation and rekeying of locks; and the preservation, repair, and integration of original and reproduction structures and components.
• Coordinate and integrate carpentry work with building systems and finishes, including plumbing, wiring, heating and air conditioning, insulation, shutters, draperies, hardware, and related architectural elements, as assigned.
• Identify and address safety hazards within work areas in accordance with established safety guidelines and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

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.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• 5 years of relevant carpentry experience.
• Within three months after start date must possess and keep current certifications in Renovation, Repair and Painting (Lead Safety), Asbestos Class 3 Training, and Supported Scaffold Competent Person.

Required Qualifications:

Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record
based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria.

o Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment
o Must be at least 21 years of age
o May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months
o May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months
o May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited to excessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 8 or more years’ experience gained on restoration carpentry/millwork at museums, historic
sites, colleges, or universities, National Park Service or similar organization engaged in
building preservation and maintenance.

Key Skills / Competencies:

• Knowledge of journeyman-level carpentry practices, construction methods, materials, and tools used in the alteration, construction, repair, and preservation of
buildings and architectural components.
• Skilled in the use of both traditional 18th-century carpentry techniques and modern carpentry methods, including the safe operation of non-electric hand tools and power tools in field and shop environments.
• Ability to perform a wide range of carpentry tasks, including layout, framing, installation and repair of shingles, flashing, stairs, handrails, flooring (wood and
tile), doors, windows, glazing, hardware, and related building components.
• Knowledge of traditional joinery techniques, including mortise and tenon joinery and other woodworking joints, and the ability to apply these techniques in
accordance with Colonial Williamsburg’s quality and historical standards.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, measurements, specifications, and work orders related to carpentry and preservation projects.
• Knowledge of workplace safety practices and the ability to identify and address safety hazards associated with carpentry tools, materials, equipment, and work
environments.
• Ability to coordinate carpentry work with other building systems and trades, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, and architectural finishes, as assigned.
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively as part of a team to meet project timelines and operational needs.
• Ability to maintain tools, equipment, materials, and work areas in an organized and safe condition.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues regarding work progress, priorities, and project needs.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• This position requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
• The role involves frequent talking and hearing, as well as constant use of hands and fingers for handling tools, materials, and equipment, including frequent reaching with hands and arms.
• Sitting and climbing or balancing may occur occasionally.
• The position regularly requires lifting and exerting force, including lifting up to 10 pounds on a constant basis; lifting up to 25 pounds and up to 50 pounds with assistance on a frequent basis; and lifting up to 100 pounds with assistance on an occasional basis.
• Work involves regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and airborne particles associated with carpentry, millwork, and shop operations.
• The role may involve occasional exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals and cleaners, as well as occasional work in extreme cold or extreme heat, depending on project assignments and work location.
• Work is performed in shop and field environments where appropriate safety procedures and protective equipment are required.

Typical Work Schedule:

This position has been designated essential and has been determined to be critical to the support of the company. Must be able to work additional hours in and around set schedule as needed during inclement weather conditions, emergencies and/or liberal leave situations. Must be available for routine work scheduled on weekends, nights, holidays, and respond positively at emergency recall to work.

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, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.

Equal Opportunity Employer


This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.