Volunteer Blacksmith
Volunteer Blacksmith
Bradford Industrial Museum
Reviving the Blacksmith’s craft in a living setting
A working forge
At Bradford Industrial Museum, we have revived the blacksmith’s craft within its original setting and created a living forge. We demonstrate the blacksmithing skills and techniques that would have been used by the mill blacksmiths, and others like them, the world over.
Bradford Industrial Museum is a living museum, supported by staff and volunteers. The building dates to the mid 1800’s. The museum is local authority run. The museum celebrates blacksmithing and the building’s industrial history. Linking 19th century trade to 21st century, hands-on demonstration. Our dedicated blacksmith volunteers their time to teach the public about the art and history of blacksmithing.
Interested volunteers must be willing to talk and interact with the public and be able to follow safety guidelines.
Principal tasks:
Ensure the forge area is maintained in a clean and safe condition
Maintain adequate stocks of coke and steel
Regularly assess that the selling price of items covers the cost of materials used
Advise museum staff and volunteers of best practice in dealing with visitor queuing at the forge
Develop new 'products' that visitors can purchase in the museum shop
Demonstrate forging and blacksmith techniques to members of the public, especially to children/schools
Prepare estimates for enquires received for bespoke ironwork
Health & Safety
Be fully aware of, and operate, all relevant health & safety requirements.
Responsible for:
Your own safety and those around you
Comply fully with the Health and Safety Policy and procedures of the Industrial Museum and the Health and Safety Officer in conducting occasional risk assessments.
Requirements
A friendly nature who is comfortable with chatting to visitors and educating them on the heritage skill of blacksmithing in general.
Under the general supervision of and reporting to the Volunteer Coordinator and Visitor Services staff, the Blacksmith is responsible for interpreting blacksmithing through explanation as a timed demonstration for public programming, education/group tours and special events.
Hours/Days of Work: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Wednesday and Sunday
Maintenance Responsibilities:
Monitor and report all building issues to visitor services staff or the Volunteer Coordinator.
Oversee and implement the cleaning and set up of the forge.
Monitor and coordinate supplies required for daily public and special events programming.
Assist in repair of heritage tools and equipment.
Coordinate appropriate “Made in the Museum” products for sale in the museum shop in conjunction with the Manager of Visitor Services and Business staff.
General Responsibilities
Support museum vision, mission, and programming initiatives.
Support museum initiatives.
Ensure the safety of visitors and staff and protect the site's resources.
Building (forge) set-up, cleaning, and maintenance.
Coordination of all materials required for Blacksmith Forge demonstrations and projects.
Qualifications:
Physical requirements of the position include the ability to lift and carry 20-30lbs, ability to walk and navigate cobble paths and uneven surfaces, ability to work in an environment with air pollutants (pollens, dust, and wood smoke), ability to tolerate exposure to inclement and severe weather.
Ability to communicate and to interpret effectively to large numbers of people of various ages and backgrounds.
Ability to wear historical costumes and adhere to guidelines regarding lanyards, jewelry, safety boots, aprons.
Ability to foster and maintain cooperative working relationships with supervisors, volunteers and other staff.
Contributes to a positive team environment within own department and organisation.
All staff/volunteers will work in a safe manner in accordance with Bradford Council Health and Safety regulations.
