Position Title: Manager of Historic Trades  

Reports to: Senior Director of Interpretation

Pay Range and Hours: $18-20 per hour, year-round, full time (2,080 hours)

Overview of Position:

Genesee Country Village & Museum, located outside of Rochester, NY, is the country’s third largest living history museum and also includes a nature center and art gallery. GCV&M is embarking on a new strategic plan as we move towards our 50^th anniversary in 2026 that will mark an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the Museum as a more engaging, relevant, and sustainable community asset and attraction.

The Manager of Historic Trades is responsible for the interpretive programming, production schedule, and internal and external sales of all historic trades products. The Manager of Historic supervises all tradespeople and volunteers, including but not limited to the cooper, tinsmith, blacksmith, gunsmith, wheelwright, cabinetmaker, dyers, and weavers. Additionally, they are responsible for the upkeep, cleaning, storage, supplies purchasing, and inventory of all historic trades buildings and materials. The Manager of Trades must have the capacity for the historical research for and the ability to write and document interpretive programs.

Responsibilities:

Managing Historic Trades Interpretation and Production (60%)

Under the direction of the Senior Director of Interpretation, the manager of historic trades is responsible for the efficient operation of all historic trades, to include:

• Scheduling and supervising all trades staff for both daily interpretation and production.
• Training, coaching, and supporting trades staff in interpretive skills and best practices.
• Scheduling and executing trades production schedules.
• Maintenance, inventory, and purchasing of the GCV&M-owned trades supplies and stock.  
• Managing all trades equipment, including repairs, maintenance, and replacement.
• Creation and maintenance of the department budget in cooperation with the Senior Director of Interpretation.
• Processing all invoices for historic trades purchases.
• Production, inventory, and delivery of historic trades items for sale within stated deadlines.
• Developing, scheduling, and/or conducting workshops as scheduled.

Interpretive Program Development (20%)

• Researching and documenting all trades demonstrations, interpretive content, and object production to ensure historical accuracy.

·        Writing, scheduling, and executing workshops as needed.

Other Duties (20%)

·         Supporting other departments as needed, including Education, Community Engagement, and Development.

• Other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Interpretation.

Minimum Qualifications:

•  Demonstrated personnel management skills.
•  Demonstrated inventory and production schedule management skills.
• Demonstrated historical research skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with diverse audiences in an enthusiastic, friendly, and open manner.

·    Demonstrated ability to complete work on time and within budget.  

• Demonstrated ability to work with individuals of varying cultural backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities.
• Flexibility to adjust to schedule changes and assignments.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time and walk up to 3 miles a day in all types of weather.
• Ability to perform physical work such as kneeling, reaching, bending, crouching, pulling, and pushing.
• Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Desired Qualifications:

·         5+ years of experience in museum interpretation and/or historic trades.

·         Demonstrated ability in staff supervision, mentoring, and training.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a dynamic team environment, managing multiple tasks simultaneously and collaborating to plan and problem-solve.
• Basic computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office, Word, and Outlook.

·         Ability to work weekends and some nights.

·         Must complete a background check and possess a valid driver’s license.

How to Apply: Interested applicants should visit www.gcv.org/employment/ to apply and include both a cover letter and resume. 

Museum Overview:  Genesee Country Village & Museum, located in Mumford, NY 25 miles outside of Rochester, is the largest living history museum in New York State. Our 68-building Historic Village, John L. Wehle Gallery, and Genesee Country Nature Center host nearly 100,000 guests each year on site, off site around the community, and online across the world. Learn more on our website.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:  Genesee Country Village & Museum is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity with respect to all employees, applicants, and interns for employment. We recruit, hire, train, and promote without discrimination due to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, citizenship, national origin, military or veteran status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Diversity Statement: Genesee Country Village & Museum is actively committed to broadening our understanding of DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion), and making it part of everything that we do.  Guided by our mission, values, and inclusive culture of curiosity, we strive to dismantle inequity and address erasure through ongoing dynamic interpretation, communications, research, and outreach.  We celebrate the stories of our shared past; connect the rich diversity of the 19th century to the present; and collaborate with the communities we serve to create welcoming spaces for learning, work, exploration, and play.