Historic Culinary Arts Apprentice

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 18^th-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

An apprentice supports the Education and Preservation Mission of Historic Trades and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation by learning and demonstrating the hand skills required to manufacture traditional work of the colonial period. The Apprentice will research primary and secondary 18th-century sources and object-based study. The Apprentice will work with artisans of various trades, historians, curators, and conservators to better understand a specific trade. The Apprentice will preserve and perpetuate the trade skills by providing a pro-active interpretation of the work, the state of technology, and the diverse people who populated and produced such work in the 18th century.

Main Duties:   

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:  

​Interpretation:  

• Interprets the history, skills, products, and significance of historic foodways for a variety of audiences. 


• Assists with seminars, workshops, media events, blog content, and staff training. 


• Demonstrates professionalism, hospitality, and effective public engagement. 

Research:   

• Conducts research on 18th-century foodways, cooking practices, and trade practitioners. 


• Uses findings to support new interpretive programs and present information clearly in writing and speech.  

Hand Skills: 

• Develops proficiency in 18th-century cooking and food-related trade skills through hands-on apprenticeship work. 


• Uses traditional tools safely while meeting quality and production standards. 


• Performs strenuous physical work in varied weather conditions.  

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. 

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: 

• ​​Required: High school degree/G.E.D. with a general knowledge of 18th c. colonial history.​ 


• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria. 
  
  
  
  •  Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment 
  
  
  •  Must be at least 21 years of age 
  
  
  •  May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months 
  
  
  •  May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months 
  
  
  •  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: 

​​Four-year Degree in American History and or Successful Completion or Certification from a Trade School with a concentration in handwork​  

Key Skills / Competencies: 

​​Excellent communication skills, verbal and written 
Ability to work in collaboration 
Strong knowledge of computer systems, including Microsoft 365  
Provide Excellent Customer Service to internal and external clients 
Ability to do research, learn, and teach different skills, varied hand skills usually gained through progressive work experience. 
Able to provide logical and creative solutions within a fast-paced environment  
Ability to work independently and with minimal direction, meeting deadlines and shifting priorities 
Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including weekends.​  

Physical and Environmental Demands: 

​​Stand: Constantly 
Walk: Frequently 
Sit: Occasionally
Use hands/fingers: Occasionally 
Climb or balance: Occasionally 
Stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl: Occasionally 
Reach with hands/arms: Occasionally 
Talk or hear: Constantly

Lifting up to 10 lbs: Constantly 
Lifting up to 25 lbs: Frequently 
Lifting up to 50 lbs (with assistance): Occasionally 
Lifting up to 100 lbs (with assistance): Occasionally 
More than 100 lbs (with assistance): Rarely

Wet/humid conditions: Constantly 
Work near moving mechanical parts: Rarely/Never 
Fumes/airborne particles: Constantly 
Extreme cold: Constantly 
Extreme heat: Constantly â€‹ 

Risk of electrical shock: Rarely/Never

Typical Work Schedule: 

5 days/week, 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week

Compensation Disclaimer: The compensation listed below for this position represents the anticipated hiring range and is provided in accordance with Virginia pay transparency requirements. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as the selected candidate’s skills, qualifications, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, and the specific requirements of the role. 

Range: $21.00 to $25.80