Costume Technician

**MUSEUM SUMMARY**

Plimoth Patuxet Museums is a living history museum of the 17th-century that provides engaging and experiential outdoor and indoor learning environments on its main campus, and at Mayflower II on Plymouth’s waterfront, and at the Plimoth Grist Mill. Our permanent exhibits tell the complex and interwoven stories of two distinct cultures - English and Wampanoag.

Operating on a remarkable property overlooking Cape Cod Bay, Plimoth Patuxet brings the story of the United States’ early foundation to life for hundreds of thousands of visitors each year since its founding in 1947. The main exhibits are enhanced with an exciting array of special events, public programs and workshops that offer a rich and diverse exploration of the 17th-century.

Plimoth Patuxet Museums Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees.

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The Costume Technician, under the direction of the Historical Clothing & Textiles Supervisor, will support the day-to-day needs of our costumed Public History Performers in the 17th-Century English Village and other têxtile needs across the living history sites. This is a hands-on job in an energizing and collaborative environment.

A successful Costume Technician will be inquisitive, open to feedback, and communicative as part of a team.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Pulling, laundering, mending, organizing, altering, and/or constructing garments or reproduction têxtiles for costumed staff or historic sites.
- Assisting in preparing and tracking projects given to volunteers or contractors.
- Accurately using or altering patterns to construct historical costumes or têxtiles.
- Using industrial sewing equipment (sewing machines, sergers, and irons) and sewing by hand using needle and thread.
- Participating in fittings and making necessary adjustments to garments.
- Ensuring issued items, to the best of abilities and availability, outwardly reflect historically-appropriate choices while balancing 21st-century needs.
- Participating in maintaining accurate records of departmental activities, including inventory of têxtile-related items issued to costumed staff or historic sites.
- Assisting in wardrobe support during film or media opportunities, or special public programs.
- Assisting in research to improve and expand current and new garments and programming as necessary, when time allows and/or when directed by the manager and/or supervisor.
- Building strong, professional relationships with staff, volunteers, and outside organizations or vendors.
- Providing polished and engaging experiences for museum guests when in front of the public.
- Occasionally demonstrating historical techniques or participating in public outreach activities on the museum’s campus or other locations.

This description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of key responsibilities of the job as it is at present, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. This job description may be reviewed by management at any time either to ensure that it relates to the job currently being performed, or to incorporate changes. Management reserves the right to change a job description; and if/when doing so will discuss with the employee so that any changes are understood by the employee.

**REQUIRED SKILLS**

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Demonstrated skills, abilities, and knowledge related to costume or clothing construction both with machine and by hand.
- Knowledge of the qualities of different fibers and fabrics.
- Strong familiarity with and comfort using industrial sewing equipment, hand sewing tools, and washers and dryers.
- Strong interest in historical costume and fashion.
- Ability to work safely, cleanly, and efficiently.
- Willingness to ask questions and receive constructive feedback.
- Ability to handle information with discretion and tact.
- Courteousness and a positive attitude
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to engage with museum guests.
- Dependability, punctuality, and patience.
- Fluency in English with an ability to communicate skillfully, both verbally and written, with a wide range of people from different cultural and social backgrounds, of varying ages, language skills and physical abilities
- Must be available to work occasional evenings, weekend days, and/or holidays. Flexibility in work hours and days off is required.

**PREFER