Applications are open for Preservation Carpentry Fellowship at Historic New England. The Preservation Carpentry Fellowship is a post-graduate opportunity to receive additional hands-on training through immersion in a complex preservation work environment. Working with Historic New England’s preservation carpentry crew, as well as through targeted educational opportunities throughout the term, the fellow will deal with a wide range of issues, materials, and their repair; all through the lens of Historic New England’s preservation philosophy. This experience will augment the fellow’s education by providing opportunities to hone technical skills and to introduce and practice new techniques and approaches that may not have been learned in the classroom.

In addition to providing focused training in the conservation of historic wood structures and features, the fellow will be exposed to other traditional trade and conservation skills, including plaster consolidation and repair, masonry and mortar care and repair, and historic finishes such as paint and whitewash. The Fellow will be paired with a staff mentor to develop a personalized course of training and to support their development of a signature project. Preservation Carpentry Fellowship is supported through a grant from the Americana Foundation.

Qualifications

• A successful candidate will have a degree or certificate from a school or program that focuses on the preservation or conservation of historic materials.
• The fellowship requires competency with an array of hand and machine tools.
• Requires fully competent computer skills including working knowledge of word processing, e-mail, internet research, and digital photography.
• A valid driver’s license and means of transportation are required.
• Drawing skills are desirable.

Tenure

This is a term-limited, hourly position with a maximum commitment of forty hours per week (eight-hour days, half-hour unpaid lunch). The term of the Fellowship is twelve months. This position is based at the historic Lyman Estate in Waltham, Massachusetts and requires regular travel to Historic New England locations throughout New England. Applicants must have a selection of basic hand tools available for use on the job.

The fellow will receive safety training on machines, job site safety, and hazardous materials common to the work. The pay rate is fixed at $19.24 per hour, plus benefits. Historic New England offers generous and comprehensive vacation, holiday, and health and wellness benefits packages.