Position Summary

The Historic Trades Coordinator is an integral member of the Old Salem Education and Interpretation leadership team, charged with moving OSMG forward as a place of continued discovery, learning, and sharing preserving not just artifacts, but skills as well. This position will drive the development of learning opportunities for the K-12 school community, walk-in visitors, and adult group tours, as interpretation relates to the topic of historical trades work and historical craftspeople. The coordinator will lead the Historic Trades team to create a professional culture that emphasizes research, continuous improvement, and high levels of craftsmanship.

The position is an exempt full-time position that is responsible for the development and implementation of educational programs that utilize the 18th and 19th-century Moravian trades history to teach a variety of topics to a diverse audience. The position oversees all historic metalworkers, woodworkers, weavers, dyers, shoemakers, potters, and tailors, and it is responsible for unifying the programming of multiple building spaces. This role reports to the Director of Education.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Education:

• Develop interpretive programs that align with education objectives and maximize resources within budget.
• Conduct research, fieldwork, and investigations as a part of guiding staff in the trades area with metal work, woodworking, ceramics, textiles, preservation, and restoration as its focus.
• Implement educational programs, including the preparation and presentation of programs and events, both on-site, off-site, and through digital franchise.
• Lead special tours, student education programs, and other projects as needed.

• Perform skill demonstrations associated with the historical site to which assigned. These may include woodworking, metal-smithing, pottery, fiber arts, leatherworking, gardening, operating historical equipment, and/or demonstrating other relevant skills.
• Wear appropriate period clothing provided while performing the work to maintain the historical accuracy of the site. And oversee compliance and accuracy within the team.
• Develop learning materials for the historic site to be used in daily activities and events.
• Provide direction in purchasing and back shop operations including the maintenance of equipment, training, and safety of staff, that support daily activities and events in historic district.
• Maintain the historical accuracy of the site to a period appropriate manner using up to date research, programming, and interpretive techniques.
• Represent Old Salem at classes, presentations, and professional organizations with respect, dedication, and professionalism.
• Collaborate as needed with other museums and historic sites.
• Maintain cleanliness and preservation of the assigned historic location.

Safety & Security:

• Act as manager-on-duty on a rotating basis with other coordinators
• Monitor visitors' activities to ensure compliance with regulations and safety practices.
• Provide security support, including fire prevention, for historic district as assigned.
• Enforce agency safety policies and procedures.

Staffing:

• Oversee full time and part time education staff, including scheduling staff and providing supervision and evaluation.
• Lead the professional development of new Educators and volunteers throughout the department, as well as provide direct professional development opportunities for division staff.
• Oversee quality of production within the Historic Trades team and manage production goals and retail transfers.
• Monitor the stock of consumable supplies and re-stock supplies when necessary.
• Participate in the interview and selection process of new staff.
• Participate in and present at regular departmental meetings and all staff meetings.
• Lead and participate in regular departmental training and continuing education programs & readings.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends and special events as needed.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Provide support to other Educators throughout the district, as needed.

• Assist in overseeing modern workshop operations.
• Adhere to all OSMG Policies and Procedures.

• Participate in required OSMG training and continuing education programs & readings.

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• Demonstrate historic trades expertise in woodworking and metalsmithing for use in the OSMG Blum Joinery, T. Vogler Gunsmith Shop, and modern workshop.
• Preferred 4-yr degree in Education, Museum Studies, Public History, or other related field.
• Demonstrate ability to identify, evaluate, physically preserve, and interpret historically and culturally significant sites.
• Minimum of one-year supervisory experience.
• Must be customer service oriented, be able to communicate effectively, and be organized.
• Must have at least three years of experience working in Education, Museum work, or Heritage Sites.
• Must work effectively with diverse individuals and groups.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, push, pull, crawl, and sit on low chairs.
• The work is conducted year-round in all weather conditions.
• May require working near a fire.
• Must be able to climb stairs.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can occasionally be loud.

DIRECT REPORTS:

• Fulltime Educators
• Part-time Educators
• Volunteer Interpreters