Historic Blacksmith | Richmond, TX

The Historic George Ranch Association

Where History Lives

Job Description:

Position: Historic Blacksmith at 1890s shop
Facility: Historic George Ranch Association dba. The George Ranch
Supervisor: Director of Education
Schedule: 30 hours/week; Tuesday through Friday 8:30am-2:00pm, Saturday 8:30am-5:00pm, with occasional variances
Pay & level: Part Time- $16.00/hour

Summary of Position:

The George Ranch is a 500 acre education facility with a primary mission of educating area students on Texas history from 1830 to 1930. The Ranch hosts over 50,000 visitors and 25,000 school children each year in addition to special events, corporate events, and group tours. During the school year, the Ranch has a special emphasis on school field trips Tuesday through Friday and welcomes public visitors on Saturdays.

This position is responsible for providing credible authentic interpretive programs at the 1890s Blacksmith shop including but not limited to educational programming, family programming, and related special events.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate daily work for a blacksmith in the 1890s
• Engage with visitors and students: answering questions, demonstrating how the equipment works, sharing the history of blacksmithing and how it changed throughout the 1800s
• Assist 1890s Education Coordinator in running and maintaining the shop and equipment
• Teach blacksmithing workshops for adults
• Coordinate and direct volunteers who help in the shop
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Interpretation/Education:

• Develops and leads a variety of interpretative programs including regular daily programming, school programming and special event programming.
• Maintains and oversees shop equipment and makes repairs as necessary.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma required; college degree highly desirable.
• 1-2 years relevant experience in history, living history, interpretation or public programming preferred. Blacksmithing experience preferred.
• Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills required; public speaking experience preferred.
• Self-motivated; independent worker.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse persons and groups.
  
  

Requirements:

• Must believe in and promote The George Ranch’s mission and act in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Must have ability to work effectively with diverse persons and groups.
• Must be customer-service oriented, be able to communicate effectively, and be organized.
• Must be able to foster teamwork and have good verbal communication skills.
• Must be able to routinley move furniture, program items and other heavy equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must be comfortable in an unairconditoned space and work outside for long periods of time.

General Information:

Must be available to work a flexible schedule, nights and weekends as needed.

To Apply:

Send resume and cover letter to svanderford@georgeranch.org.

HGRA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES