Preservation Carpenter at George Washington's Mount Vernon – Mount Vernon, Virginia
George Washington's Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, Virginia, 22121, United States
Posted on Jun 24, 2025
Salary:$28 - $32
About This Position
Preservation Carpenter
Full-Time, Temporary
Introduction:
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 Ladies' 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 buildings, livestock enclosures, fencing, and gates across the estate. The carpenter will work in close collaboration with the Director of Preservation, Restoration Manager, Architectural Research Manager, carpentry team, and documentation team.
Full-Time, Temporary
Introduction:
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 Ladies' 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 buildings, livestock enclosures, fencing, and gates across the estate. The carpenter will work in close collaboration with the Director of Preservation, Restoration Manager, Architectural Research Manager, carpentry team, and documentation team.
Compensation:
Starting at $28-$30/hour
Expected Hours:
40/week
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities:
- Assist with all aspects of preservation maintenance, including repair of all wooden elements of the historic structures, as well as painting, glazing, weatherproofing, and installation of doors and hardware.
- Contribute to project documentation in collaboration with the Architectural Research Manager, Preservation Specialist, and Preservation Technician.
- Assist with both recurring and as-needed preservation maintenance on reconstructed buildings, livestock enclosures, fencing, and gates in the historic area and assist with additional tasks as needed.
Qualifications:
- 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 using period techniques and tools as well as modern hand and power tools.
- 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 Mount Vernon Ladies' Association's mission, and any successful candidate must imbue his/her work with the prime directive of preserving the 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 job site and shop safety practices, regulations, and etiquette is also required.
Start date target: May 2025
To apply:
Please submit electronically via our website, www.MountVernon.org, a cover letter, and curriculum vitae or resume (no more than 2 pages) with contact information for 3 references.
Benefits:
- 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching
- Employee recognition at 5 years of service
- Monthly employee events
- Employee referral program
- On-site Library
- Discount on Public Event Tickets
- Discount in the Mount Vernon Shops
- Discount at the Mount Vernon Inn and Food Court Pavilion
- Free parking
- Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
- Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance
- Paid leave for Sick Time, Vacation and Holidays
- Flexible spending account for medical care
Mount Vernon is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building and retaining a team that represents a variety of skills, experiences and perspectives. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, performance, and qualifications without regard to race, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, gender/sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran and military status, family or parental status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Mount Vernon will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
Job Location
Mount Vernon, Virginia, 22121, United States