Artificer Carpenter

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Artificer Carpenter is a full-time year-round staff member who leads 18th-century carpentry projects at Fort Ticonderoga. The Artificer Carpenter teaches carpentry and woodworking skills applying them to period boats, structures, vehicles, & others. The Artificer Carpenter leads educational programs related to carpentry, engaging students, scouts, & visitors with the mechanics of this trade and the history of Fort Ticonderoga. The Artificer Carpenter executes carpentry and maritime trades’ programs. This position assists with delivering cruises on the tour boat Carillon. The Artificer Carpenter is part of the public face and voice to visitors at this historic site and acts with corresponding respect and professionalism. They should be vigilant sentinels of site stewardship and safety while executing interpretive carpentry projects. The Artificer Carpenter is an active participant in the refining of each year’s interpretive programs. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITY
Applicants must have experience leading a diverse team, with excellent leadership skills tempered with approachability and a friendly demeanor. They should possess working knowledge of military and social history and related material culture of the French & Indian War and Revolutionary War periods; ability to demonstrate historic carpentry and translate research to living history programs; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and volunteers; contribute significantly to Fort Ticonderoga’s strong and enthusiastic Public History team; and have the ability to give directions/instructions. Candidates must possess the ability to manage several tasks simultaneously and must exercise tact and judgment in all situations. Initiative is required and the candidate must work independently as well as be an effective team member.  Excellent written and public communication skills are essential.  Accuracy is extremely important. Skill in using a personal computer (including Word, Publisher, Excel, Access, Power Point) is necessary. They must present a professional image with regards to Fort Ticonderoga in all media. Candidates must be enthusiastic and energetic with a strong background and passion for interpretation and education. High standards of authenticity and commitment to excellence are expected.  Outstanding professional demeanor, energy level, and work ethic are necessary.    

QUALIFICATIONS
Qualified candidate should have a minimum of a BA/BS. Minimum of 4 years’ experience in living history required.  Minimum of 4 years’ experience in timber framing, boat building, furniture making, or other equivalent woodworking required. 

JOB DUTIES
    Build and maintain period boats, furniture, tools, buildings, vehicles, & cannon carriages. 
    Assist with school and youth programs.
    Assist with living history, heritage, and reenactment events.
    Work with other trades staff as needed.
    Other duties as assigned.

INTERPRETIVE SKILLS
    Required to act and dress accurately out of respect for the historical individuals they portray.
    Apply and interpret their carpentry work within each season’s specific interpretive topic.
    Able to cope with a variety of weather conditions using 18th-century clothing and skills.
    Able to learn and apply a variety of 18th-century mechanical skills.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS
    Able to talk to an audience of diverse ages and backgrounds.
    Clearly communicate with large groups and individuals.
    Communicate effectively in verbal and written form.
    Presents a professional image with regards to Fort Ticonderoga in all media.
    Able to communicate culturally or politically sensitive information respectfully and tactfully.
    Work with other members of the interpretive staff.
    Understand and follow the directions of the Director of Interpretation and all supervising staff.

RESEARCH SKILLS
    Able to read and comprehend both primary and secondary historical sources.
    Able to learn and utilize research techniques including transcription and artifact annotation.
    Able to apply research skills to public interpretation.

PHYSICAL EFFORT
    Able to lift fifty pounds.
    Able to stand and walk for an extended period (up 4 for hours).
    Able to be outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
    Manual dexterity appropriate to the interpretive requirements.

SAFETY FOR OTHERS
    Required to safely demonstrate, use, and maintain a variety of 18th century tools.
    Required to safely work with sharp tools and heavy equipment in close concert to visitors and other staff members.
    Must be CPR certified or able to attain CPR certification.
    Required to ensure the safety of all visitors and crew on the tour boat Carillon.

OVERVIEW & GOALS
The Artificer Carpenter will educate visitors at Fort Ticonderoga using both the skills of the 18th century carpenter applied in the military and maritime setting of Ticonderoga. The Artificer Carpenter should come with proficient knowledge of 18th-century joinery and boat-building techniques and an understanding of maritime and construction safety. The Artificer Carpenter will continue building their skills and applying them to the interpretive goals at Fort Ticonderoga.  The Artificer Carpenter must be ready and able to teach other interpreters woodworking basics in order to fulfill both the interpretive and practical functions of their work. Their skills are an important part of the experience of visitors and other interpreters at Fort Ticonderoga. The Artificer Carpenter has the opportunity not only to highlight the work they love for visitors, but also to add scope and breadth of the work of Fort Ticonderoga, extending their knowledge of historic carpentry and woodworking along the way. Working with a crew of Maritime Interpreters, the Artificer Carpenter helps deliver quality educational tours, bringing their love of the maritime world to inspire guests.

SCHEDULE
The normal working hours for this position will be determined with weekend, evening, holiday and overnight work required on a scheduled basis. 

SALARY
$42,000 - $44,000, with compensation based on skill and experience. This is a full-time position with benefits.  Fort Ticonderoga is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply send letter of interest, resume, three references, and one letter of recommendation to Cameron Green, Director of Interpretation, Fort Ticonderoga Association at 30 Fort Ti Road, Ticonderoga, NY 12883 or e-mail [email protected]. Faxed applications can be sent to 518-585-2210. For more information call 518-585-2821.  For additional information on Fort Ticonderoga visit www.fort-ticonderoga.org. Application deadline is June 1, 2025.