Lead Interpreter, Costuming at Genesee Country Museum

Town of Wheatland, New York, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

11 Jun, 26

Salary

17.0

Posted On

13 Mar, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Costume Upkeep, Costume Repair, Costume Cleaning, Costume Storage, Inventory Management, Historical Interpretation, Pattern Making, Garment Construction, Fitting, Hand-Sewing, Historical Techniques, Sewing Machine Operation, Interpersonal Communication, Customer Service, Data Entry, Microsoft Office

Industry

Description

Reports to: Manager of Historic Costuming Reports to: Manager of Historic Costuming Direct Reports: N/A Hours/Schedule: Part-time year-round, 30 hours weekly average, with weekends regularly required. About Us: Genesee Country Village & Museum is the largest living history museum in New York and the third largest in the country. The Museum opened in 1976 and includes 68 buildings in Historic Village, the Genesee Country Nature Center with 5 miles of trails, and the John L. Wehle Gallery collection of wildlife and sporting art (700 pieces) and 19th-century clothing (4,000 pieces). Position Overview: The Lead Interpreter of Costuming is responsible for assisting the Manager of Costuming with the overall operation of the costume shop, with focus on the upkeep, repair, cleaning, storage, and inventory of all costumes and historic clothing, as well as regularly providing public-facing costumed historical interpretation. Responsibilities (including but not limited to): Under the direction of the Manager of Historic Costuming, the Lead Interpreter, Costuming, is responsible for the efficient operation of the Costume Shop and regular interpretation in the Dressmaker and Tailor Shops in the Historic Village. Internal Customer Service and Public-Facing Duties (45%) * Promote understanding and enforcement of costuming guidelines. This includes personally demonstrating the proper wear and care of costuming while interpreting in Historic Village and mentoring interpreters to do the same.  * Prioritize guest experience and interpretation standards over production speed while producing garments as part of interpretation in Historic Village in the Dressmaker’s and Tailor’s Shops. * Assist in answering Costume Shop office phone, emails, and documenting intake of donations.  * Maintain a professional demeanor that is inclusive and respectful, when navigating how assumptions about 19th Century western beauty standards may interact with our modern staff’s identity or culture.  * Assist with collecting sizes, scheduling and performing fittings, and documenting all items signed in and out. In coordination with the Manager of Historic Costuming, assist with outfitting interpretation staff, volunteers, and guest actors in historically appropriate reproduction clothing for programming and special events throughout the year. Maintenance of Costume Shop Stock, Supplies, and Equipment (40%) * Fulfill repair and alteration orders on time and within budget. * Assist with cleaning, pressing, and starching historical clothing as needed.  * Treat all GCV&M-owned inventory – including clothing, equipment, fabric, and other shop supplies - with care, so as not to cause unnecessary loss or waste.  * Regularly report on use of shop materials and condition of equipment to assist with budget tracking and ordering needs.  * Assist with inventory-tracking, data-entry, and documentation.  Production of Historical Costumes (15%) * Pattern and construct new costumes.  * Assist with the production and fitting of costumes on time and within budget. * Demonstrate hand-sewing and use of historical techniques and equipment to a high-aesthetic standard as part of historical interpretation of the garment industry.  * Proficiency in using a sewing machine and other modern methods as needed.  Minimum Qualifications: * 1+ years of experience in the maintenance and construction of reproduction historical clothing and/or theater costumes. * Demonstrated ability to pattern, fit, and complete historical costuming using both modern and historical construction and sewing skills. * Demonstrated historical research skills. * Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work with diverse audiences in an enthusiastic, friendly, and open manner. * Basic computer skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office, Word, and Outlook. * Must have reliable transportation Working Conditions * Ability to stand and sit for extended periods of time * Ability to walk 1-3 miles a day in all types of weather. * Ability to perform physical work such as kneeling, reaching, bending, crouching, pulling, and pushing, and lifting objects weighing up to 30 pounds. Pay Range: $16.50-$17.00 per hour Benefits: We are proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, NYS Disability, Supplemental Disability, Vacation, Personal time, Floating Holidays, accrued NYS Sick Leave and an employee assistance program. Every employee is provided with a yearly family level membership to GCV&M. How to Apply: Interested applicants should visit www.gcv.org/employment/ to apply and include both a cover letter and resume. Please include a sample of created garments, including pictures and/or videos. 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. Commitment to Representation: Museums have a vital role to play as community anchors—spaces where history, culture, and identity are preserved, celebrated, and made accessible to all. To truly fulfill this mission, museums must build intentional, ongoing relationships with the communities they serve—especially those historically underrepresented. Genesee Country Village & Museum is actively committed to expanding our interpretation and exhibits to include voices and perspectives frequently underrepresented in museum collections, the telling of history, and outdoor spaces. Guided by our mission, values, and inclusive culture of curiosity, we strive to ensure that all visitors, volunteers, and employees feel safe, welcomed, and celebrated throughout their museum experiences.

Responsibilities

This role assists the Manager of Costuming with the operation of the costume shop, focusing on the upkeep, repair, cleaning, storage, and inventory of all historic clothing, while also providing public-facing costumed historical interpretation.