Accessories Craftsperson

About The Position
As part of the Historical Clothing and Dress Team, the Accessories Craftsperson works collaboratively with other members of Accessories, HCD and ERHI teams to provide appropriate researched reproduction costume accessory items for Colonial Williamsburg’s costumed interpretive staff.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Works collaboratively with other Accessories Team members and the Manager to maintain a cohesive and balanced workflow and ensure established standards of production quality and efficiency.

Provides responsive, empathetic customer service by producing, fitting, and maintaining accessory items, including but not limited to shoes, hats, gloves, jewelry, kerchiefs, stockings etc. Provides instruction and guidance to costumed staff on proper wear and maintenance of costume items.

Produces and maintains (repairs and refurbishes) accessory stock using a variety of sewing equipment (machines, sergers, industrial irons, knitting machines) and techniques (patterning, machine and hand sewing); occasionally working with chemical cleaners.

Monitors accessory stock levels and initiates requisitions for items to be constructed (caps, neckerchiefs, trimmed hats, mitts, bows etc.) Maintains adequate stock levels for purchased items (stockings, shoes, hat blanks, supplies etc.). Works with other team members and manager to ensure appropriate stock levels. Serves as a liaison between customers, other ERHI units and vendors.

Works with other team members(s) and manager to develop and research dress accessory items for potential use in historic area programming. Prepare reports on research findings and suggested implementation.

Prepares reports regarding inventory, production and interdepartmental traffic.

Patterns and produces specialty items, prototypes, reproduction dress items and accessories from study of antique dress items, period depictions, and descriptions. Creates (writes) process instructions for construction of newly introduced items.

Coordinates with other team members to perform other related duties as required.

Required Education and Experience

High School Education or G.E.D. diploma

Excellent sewing skills (hand and machine), additional fiber art skills, including but not limited to embroidery (hand and machine), knitting (hand and machine), hat making (felt and straw), finger weaving, basic knowledge of other weaving methods, and leather work.

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
Knowledge of eighteenth‑century attire and material culture as it relates to the Chesapeake. Additional fiber arts skills include lacemaking, spinning, finger weaving, crochet, tatting, and fan making.

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.

Maintain an accurate and organized inventory.

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.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Stand: Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)

Walk: Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)

Sit: Frequently (2‑5 hrs/shift)

Use hands/fingers: Constantly (5‑8 hrs/shift)

Climb or balance: Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)

Stoop/kneel/crouch/crawl: Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)

Reach with hands/arms: Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)

Talk or hear: Constantly (5‑8 hrs/shift)

Lifting up to 10 lbs.: Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)

Lifting up to 25 lbs.: Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)

Work near moving mechanical parts: Frequently (2‑5 hrs/shift)

Fumes/airborne particles: Occasionally (up to 2 hrs/shift)

Typical Work Schedule
Monday to Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm

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