Preservation Carpenter Position at Mount Vernon, VA

Full-time, Temporary

George Washington’s Mount Vernon is pleased to invite applications for the temporary, full-time, non-exempt, benefitted position of Preservation Carpenter working within the Historic Preservation and Collections Department under the supervision of the Restoration Manager and Architectural Research Manager. The carpenter is charged with supporting the overall mission of the Mount Vernon Lades’ Association and the Historic Preservation and Collections department to conserve, maintain, record, and study the historic resources of Mount Vernon, with a particular focus on restoration projects on original 18th-century buildings, as well as maintenance of reconstructed resources such as livestock enclosures, fencing, and gates across the estate. The carpenter will work in close collaboration with the Restoration Manager, Architectural Research Manager, carpentry team and documentation team.

Qualifications:

The Preservation Carpenter position at George Washington’s Mount Vernon requires a minimum of 3 years’ experience in restoration carpentry, with mastery of the materials used in the mid-Atlantic and Chesapeake regions during the 18th century. The successful candidate must demonstrate expertise in the use of period techniques and tools, as well as the use of modern hand and power tools. The carpenter must be conversant in the maintenance of historic buildings, particularly in the diagnosis of the pathologies of wood and wooden structures. Experience in masonry, painting, and window restoration is desired but not required. Preservation is at the heart of the mission of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, and any successful candidate must imbue his/her work with the prime directive of preservation of original fabric whenever possible. The Preservation Carpenter’s work should be informed by his/her ability to understand contextual research and architectural history.

Applicants should also have the ability to work both independently and within a team, prioritize tasks, document information in a clear and well-organized manner, work at varying heights, stand and bend for extended periods of time, and lift up to 30 pounds. Familiarity with jobsite and shop safety practices, regulations, and etiquette are also required.

For a full list of benefits and application, click here! Open Positions at Mount Vernon · George Washington’s Mount Vernon