About the position
The Apprentice Coachman position at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a full-time apprenticeship role focused on driving horse-drawn carriages and providing an immersive historical experience to visitors in the Historic Area of Williamsburg, Virginia. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, established in 1926, is a prominent educational and cultural institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of 18th-century Virginia. The Foundation operates one of the largest living history museums in the United States, where visitors can engage with interpreters and tradespeople who bring the colonial past to life. As an Apprentice Coachman, you will be responsible for driving carriages and wagons for scheduled rides and special events, while also interpreting the historical significance of transportation in 18th-century Virginia. This role requires a commitment to the care and maintenance of horses and carriages, including grooming, harnessing, and monitoring the health of the animals. You will work closely with the Head Coachman and Stable Operations Supervisor to ensure the highest standards of care are met. In addition to driving duties, you will assist with the care of livestock, including sheep, cattle, and poultry, and may be involved in basic maintenance of vehicles and equipment used in the operation. The position requires flexibility in scheduling, as you will be expected to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, and be available for emergency work as needed. This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to learn about historical transportation methods while contributing to the educational mission of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
Responsibilities
- Drive horse-drawn carriages for scheduled rides and special events in the Historic Area.
- Interpret the historical significance of transportation in 18th-century Virginia, focusing on carriages and horses.
- Prepare horses for street work, including grooming, washing, and checking hooves.
- Assist with the cleaning of harnesses and carriages to meet the Foundation's standards.
- Fit harnesses to horses safely and efficiently, reporting any worn or damaged parts.
- Learn to drive horse-drawn carriages within 1-4 months of employment.
- Monitor horses for illness or injury and report issues to supervisors.
- Assist in maintaining pastures, fencing, and watering devices as needed.
- Drive trucks and trailers to feed and move livestock when required.
- Participate in special programs, including giving tours of the stables to guests.
- Work as part of a team and model the organization's professional expectations.
- Assist Livestock Husbanders with the care and movement of sheep, cattle, and poultry as assigned.
Requirements
- General knowledge and practical skills in working with horses and carriages, typically gained through at least two years of full-time work in a similar operation.
- Full knowledge of Colonial Williamsburg's pastures and livestock waterers, gained through at least nine months of work with the Coach & Livestock Department.
- Ability to administer medical aid to livestock as assigned by the veterinarian.
- Valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license and an acceptable driving record for Apprentice Level 3 and higher.
- Proven ability to handle machinery such as mowers, trucks, and trailers, typically gained through at least four years of experience.
- Ability to work independently with livestock and handle unforeseen circumstances safely.
- Good communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Ability to comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in driving horses.
- CAA Certification Level 1.
- Knowledge of the care of sheep, cattle, and/or poultry.
- Ability to drive oxen and herd sheep.
- Knowledge of dairy operations.
- Ability to operate heavy equipment such as loader, forklift, and tractor.
