About Ross Farm Museum: Ross Farm Museum, located in the scenic village of New Ross,

Nova Scotia, is a living history museum that offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience life on a working farm in the 19th century. Our dedicated team is committed to preserving and sharing the rich agricultural heritage of Nova Scotia. We are currently seeking a passionate and talented individual to join us on this journey as a Cooper/Woodworker.

Position Overview: As a Cooper at Ross Farm Museum, you will have the opportunity to learn and practice the traditional craft of coopering, and heritage woodworking, while contributing to the educational and immersive experience we provide to our visitors. The cooper's role is integral to our mission of preserving and sharing the history of coopering and its significance in 19th-century farming communities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Apprenticeship: Work under the guidance of our experienced cooper to learn and develop the skills necessary to create a wide range of wooden containers, including barrels, buckets, and casks and other heritage woodworking skills.
• Craftsmanship: Demonstrate a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship in coopering and heritage woodworking, ensuring the accuracy and authenticity of all products created.
• Interpretation: Engage with visitors to the museum, providing informative and interactive demonstrations of coopering and heritage woodworking techniques and their historical context.
• Maintenance: Contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of heritage buildings on-site, preserving the authenticity of our historical structures.
• Versatility: Willingness to lend a hand with other museum operations and tasks on-site.
• Language Skills: The working language is English.

Qualifications:

• Training and experience in carpentry, heritage woodworking or cabinetry.
• Knowledge of the safe use of traditional and modern shop tools and an understanding of workshop/workplace safe work practices.
• Enthusiasm for history and a genuine interest in traditional wood crafts and coopering.
• Strong manual dexterity and an aptitude for working with wood.
• Experience and ability to work at heights and to lift heavy weights.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with visitors of all ages.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to historical methods and techniques.

Position Details:

• Application Deadline: September 29, 2023.
• Compensation: $22.20/hr to $23.86/hr depending on qualifications and experience.
• Benefits: Ross Farm Museum offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental coverage, retirement plan options, and opportunities for professional development.
• This is a permanent, full-time staff position.

How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications (or equivalent experience) and passion for coopering, woodworking and living history. Please send your application (by email as a PDF) to Richard Donald, Interim Executive Director, Ross Farm Museum (richard.donald@novascotia.ca) by 5:00PM (AST), September 29, 2023.

Ross Farm Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. As part of the selection process, short-listed candidates will be invited to the Farm for a day to demonstrate their abilities and skills.

Join us in preserving the past and educating the future at Ross Farm Museum. Be a part of an immersive historical experience that brings the 19th century to life for visitors of all ages. Start your journey with us today!