Head of Costume:
This full-time temporary position reports to the Director of Interpretation. Hourly wage is commensurate with experience. FortTiconderoga is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
I.A.Primary Purpose of Organization:
FortTiconderoga is one ofNorth America’s most significant and oldest historic sites. Its mission is toensure that present and future generations understand the struggles, sacrifices and victories that shaped the nations of North America and changed world history.
We serve this mission by:
●preserving and enhancing our historic structures, collections, gardens, and landscapes;
●educating and inspiring the public as it learns about the history of FortTiconderoga and the diverse peoples who met here in war and in peace.
FortTiconderoga is comprised of 2,000 acres and includes the reconstructed Fort, the Carillon Battlefield, the Pavilion and the King’s Garden, MountDefiance, MountIndependence, Native American historic sites and numerous other historic features that span the property’s history.
Current staffing includes 12 full-time employees and approximately 80 temporary employees. FortTiconderoga annually serves more than 70,000 visitors. The Department of Interpretation clothes approximately 30 staff members per season.
FortTiconderoga is anon-profit institution open to the public since 1909.
- Primary Purpose of Position:
The Head of Costume manages the reproduction clothing of the Department of Interpretation in terms of patterning, production, storage, organization, issuance, retrieval, and maintenance. Working alongside the Artificer Tailor and under the Director of Interpretation, the Head of Costume tracks and organizes staff clothing needs, with measurements and research, to pattern, plan, and help execute clothing production. The Head of Costume maintains the Department of Interpretation’s collection of reproduction clothing, through documenting its issuance and retrieval and ensuring its proper storage and maintenance. The Head of Costume will spend some time interpreting the tailoring or other sewing trades to visitors and assist with programs during events as needed.
C. Knowledge, Skills and Ability
Applicant must bring extensive mechanical skills in period and modern tailoring. They must be able to execute with excellence all aspects of clothing construction; patterning, cutting, interfacing, lining, seaming, buttonholing, alterations and repairs. The Applicant must have strong organizational skills, using and creating spreadsheets and labels for garments. They must be able to measure staff for clothing and draft patterns accordingly. They should have a working knowledge of sourcing fabrics, notions, and tools. They must be able to examine original garments and draft patterns based on these examples. Applicants must have extensive machine sewing skills, preferably with period costume. They should possess working knowledge of military and social history and related material culture of the French & Indian War and Revolutionary War periods; ability to demonstrate the tailoring trades; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and volunteers; and have the ability to give directions/instructions.Applicants must possess the ability to manage several tasks simultaneously and must exercise tact and judgment in all situations.Initiative is required and the candidate must work independently as well as be an effective team member. Excellent written and public communication skillsare essential. Accuracy is extremely important. Skill in using a personal computer (including Word, Publisher, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) is necessary. They must present a professional image with regards to FortTiconderoga in all media. Candidate must be enthusiastic and energetic with strong background and passion for interpretation and education. High standards of authenticity and commitment to excellence are expected. Outstanding professional demeanor, energy level, and work ethic are necessary.
- Work Schedule:
The normal working hours for this position will be determined with weekend, evening, and holiday work may berequired on a scheduled basis. Some overnight travel and supervisory responsibilities will be required.
- Qualifications:
Qualified candidate should have a minimum of a BA/BSwith preferably 2 to 3 years of tailoring or applicable hand sewing experience. Minimum of 4 years experience in interpretive program development and living history required.
To apply send letter of interest, resume, five references, and one pertinent example of projects or articles to Stuart Lilie, Director of Interpretation, Fort Ticonderoga Association at 30 Fort Ti Rd., Ticonderoga, NY 12883 or e-mail . Faxed applications can be sent to 518-585-2210. For more information call 518-585-2821. For additional information on FortTiconderoga visit .
FortTiconderogaHead of Costume
April 28h, 2015