Manager of Historic Costuming at Genesee Country Museum

Town of Wheatland, New York, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

11 Jun, 26

Salary

21.0

Posted On

13 Mar, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Costume Shop Management, Historical Research, Costume Design, Costume Construction, Patterning, Fitting, Inventory Management, Budget Creation, Staff Supervision, Historical Accuracy, Sewing Skills, Interpersonal Communication, Training, Maintenance, Repair, Cleaning

Industry

Description

Position Title: Manager of Historic Costuming Reports to: Director of Interpretation Operations Direct Reports: Lead Interpreter, Historic Costuming; Costume Interns & Volunteers Hours/Schedule: Year-round, full-time (2,080 hours) non-exempt position. Weekends are regularly required. Preferred schedule Tuesday-Saturday. Evenings occasionally 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 Manager of Costuming is responsible for the overall operation of the costume shop, outfitting of interpretation staff, volunteers, and guest actors in 19th-century clothing, and supervising all costume shop technicians and volunteers, as well as the upkeep, repair, cleaning, storage, and inventory of all costumes and historic clothing. The Manager of Costuming must have the capacity for the historical research for and the design and construction of historical reproduction clothing using both modern and historic techniques. These responsibilities should be approached with a community engagement mindset – one that values and respects the voices and identities of colleagues, both year-round and seasonal, volunteers, and visitors. Responsibilities (including but not limited to): Management of Costume Shop (75%) * Responsible for the efficient operation of the costume shop, including: * Outfitting all interpretation staff, volunteers, and guest actors in historically-appropriate reproduction clothing spanning from 1800-1870 for programming and special events throughout the year, including scheduling and executing fittings * Maintenance of the GCV&M-owned inventory and shop, including clothing inventory, equipment, fabric, and other shop supplies * Research and documentation related to costuming to ensure historical accuracy. * Creation and enforcement of costuming guidelines, including training interpreters on maintenance of all issued costuming. * Patterning and construction of new costumes from start to finish Other Duties (25%) * Creation and maintenance of the department budget * Managing shop equipment, including repairs, maintenance, and replacement * Supporting other departments as needed, including education, community engagement, and development needs * Developing and conducting workshops as scheduled * Other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications: * 3-5 year of experience in maintenance and construction of reproduction of 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 communication skills and ability including those with varying cultural backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities. * Previous experience in staff supervision, mentoring, and training. * Demonstrated ability to complete work on time and within budget. * Flexibility to adjust to schedule changes and assignments. Working Conditions: * Ability to sit/stand for extended periods of time. * Ability to walk up to 1-3 miles a day in all types of weather and terrain. * 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. Pay Range: $20.00-$21.00 per hour 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. 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.   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

The Manager of Costuming oversees the entire costume shop operation, including outfitting interpretation staff and volunteers in 19th-century clothing, and supervising technicians and volunteers. This role also requires historical research, design, and construction of reproduction clothing using both modern and historic techniques.