Now Hiring – Grist Millers
If you love the historic water-powered Bale Grist Mill and you’d like to share its history with the public, the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District is recruiting for a miller position.
If you are interested or have questions about the position, email Jason Jordan at jjordan@ncrposd.org or call the mill on weekends at (707) 299-2171.
Jordan explains what it takes to be a miller: It “entails the desire to share our history with visitors and the next generation by learning and understanding the mechanics of a water-powered mill. You’ll learn the history, work the mill and share both with the public on weekends and at special events.” Additionally, millers will need to be able to lift 50 pounds and have basic mechanical skills. Prospective millers should also have a real interest and passion for interpreting history to the public.
Millers work most weekends throughout the year and some weekdays. The position is a year round, extra-help position typically working 16-20 hours a week with occasional 30-40 hour weeks for special events. There are also opportunities to work during the week as mill tours and demonstrations are arranged by reservation with K-12 school and adult groups.
The Bale Grist Mill was built in 1846 by Dr. Edward Turner Bale on property in the Rancho Carne Humana land grant, and the old mill is still in operation today 173 years later. It’s a place where pioneers came to have their bags of grain milled into flour, which is how the building became an early community center for farmers. It was also here, according to a plaque on the wall of the threshing room, that settlers began conspiring to overthrow the Mexican government leading up to the Bear Flag Revolt in 1846.
Contact Jason Jordan at jjordan@ncrposd.org with any questions and if it sounds like a good fit complete the job application below and email it to Jason at the same address.
Job Application (MSWord – Fillable)
Job Application (PDF)
