Historical Craftsmanship Specialist

Babylonstoren is seeking an accomplished team member to work in a historical workshop focusing on blacksmithing and woodwork. Ideal candidates possess a passion for history, excellent interpersonal skills, and hands-on knowledge of traditional woodwork and blacksmithing.

The successful candidate will showcase the traditional, historical crafts of woodwork and blacksmithing to the public at a tourism site called Soetmelksvlei. This site will serve as a living history museum where life on a Boland farm in the late 19th century will come alive through activities and demonstrations by costumed interpreters.

Requirements

1. Formal or informal training in woodwork (carpentry), blacksmithing, or possibly leatherwork.
2. Matric or a relevant higher qualification would be advantageous.
3. Experience working in a small team.
4. Fluent in written and spoken Afrikaans and English.
5. Exceptional people skills - both public-facing in a hospitality context and working within a small team internally. Previous experience in a hospitality or tourism context would be beneficial.
6. Reliable and well organised.
7. Able to work in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment, according to hospitality hours (including weekends), in historical costume.
8. Creative mindset.

Responsibilities

1. Perform daily demonstrations of woodwork and blacksmithing tasks and activities to the public and school groups.
2. Prepare the workshop for daily demonstrations and debriefing after daily activities - stocking of supplies, tidying, sharpening tools, general maintenance, and liaising with the Activities Manager.
3. Engage with visitors by explaining the work being carried out, as well as the historical context, and answering any questions they may have.
4. Make custom products as part of daily demonstrations, intended for sale in the Soetmelksvlei shop.