Job description
Description
Repairs and constructs shoes from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries for The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. This position focuses on the maintenance and repair of the shoes which are used by interpreters, actors, and trades people who are dressed in historical clothing as part of their work for the foundation. Well-qualified I individuals will have experience with standard shoe repair practices for modern dress shoes as well as knowledge and skill with historical footwear for both male and female presenting appearances. Resoling, patching, and re-stitching are essential skills. Skill with Patterning, Cutting, and making shoes is important and desired, but high-quality, timely repair and maintenance is the focus of this position. Our shoes come from a variety of sources. Any qualified individual will be able to work with a range of construction processes to repair all kinds of footwear correctly.
- Repairs, maintains, constructs, and alters historical footwear using the appropriate equipment (e.g. sewing machine, hammer, glue, etc.) and handwork (back stitch, saddle stitch, joining, etc.), according to accepted and approved HD&C standards. Including sourcing and preparing the correct leathers for various tasks.
- Leads shoe fittings with help from accessories craftspeople as needed.
- Provides counter service to customers receiving shoes and accessories using the barcode computer system; sorts incoming shoes for repair and maintenance. Tags/labels garments noting damage to be repaired.
- Provides information and advice to historically dressed employees about the care and maintenance of their footwear and accessories.
- Double-checks out-going shoes for proper cleaning, maintenance and wearability.
- Participates in departmental tours and outreach programs as assigned/requested (e.g. Showing people around the office/facility)
- Sends out quarterly reminders to all staff wearing historical shoes to advise them to bring them in for repair and maintenance.
- Takes an active and ongoing role in continuing their own education about the clothing and material culture of the late 18th century from reliable sources.
- Performs other related duties as required
Position Type (Regular/FT) Expected Hours of Work Per Week:
Regular/FT/40 hours/week
Required and Preferred Education and Experience:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent study/work experience.
- A clearly demonstrated proficiency in shoe making and repair by machine and by hand
- 5-10 years of experience in shoemaking and repair with an emphasis on Historical Footwear.
- Familiarity with historical shoe patterns, development and use.
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher, and Trade School or College courses in shoemaking and repair
- 7+ years of experience in shoemaking and repair, with 2 years of experience in historical clothing study, construction and research
- Ability to assess compatibility of fabrics/skins, threads, linings, and designs.
- Working knowledge of research practices to create academic-style presentations about material culture (directly tied to research days in this department).
Qualifications:
- Ability to work independently, following verbal and/or written instructions.
- Familiar with pattern making, sewing, and historical shoe terminology.
- Must be able to work cooperatively as a team member.
- Good communication skills – Oral, written and listening skills.
- Must have excellent customer services skills.
- A verified interest in historical shoes and how they are made with emphasis on late 18th century preferred.
Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
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