Head of Costume:
This full-time temporary position reports to the Director of Interpretation. Hourly wage is commensurate with
experience. Fort Ticonderoga is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
I.
A.
Primary Purpose of Organization:
Fort Ticonderoga is one of North America’s most significant and oldest historic sites. Its
mission is to ensure 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 Fort Ticonderoga and
the diverse peoples who met here in war and in peace.
Fort Ticonderoga is comprised of 2,000 acres and includes the reconstructed Fort, the Carillon
Battlefield, the Pavilion and the King’s Garden, Mount Defiance, Mount Independence, 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.
Fort Ticonderoga annually serves more than 70,000 visitors. The Department of Interpretation
clothes approximately 30 staff members per season.
Fort Ticonderoga is a non-profit institution open to the public since 1909.
B.
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 skills are 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 Fort Ticonderoga 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.
D.
Work Schedule:
The normal working hours for this position will be determined with weekend, evening, and
holiday work may be required on a scheduled basis. Some overnight travel and supervisory
responsibilities will be required.
E.
Qualifications:
Qualified candidate should have a minimum of a BA/BS with 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 SLilie@fort-ticonderoga.org. Faxed applications can be sent to 518-585-2210. For more
information call 518-585-2821. For additional information on Fort Ticonderoga visit www.fortticonderoga.org.
Fort Ticonderoga Head of Costume
April 28h, 2015