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Documentary Researcher Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Colonial Williamsburg

Culinary Extern

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$19.91/hr

... documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and ...

Crescent Hotels

Culinary Extern

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

... documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and ...

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Documentary Researcher information

See Virginia salary details

$29.7K

$112.1K

$163.1K

How much do documentary researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for documentary researcher in Virginia is $112,132.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,400.00 and $152,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a documentary researcher do?

A Documentary Researcher is responsible for gathering, verifying, and organizing information and materials needed for the production of documentaries. They conduct interviews, locate archival footage, source photographs, and fact-check content to ensure accuracy and credibility. Their work supports producers and directors by providing detailed background information and uncovering compelling stories or facts. Documentary Researchers play a crucial role in shaping the narrative and authenticity of a documentary project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a documentary researcher?

To thrive as a Documentary Researcher, you need strong investigative skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of fact-checking methods, usually supported by a degree in journalism, history, or a related field. Familiarity with research databases, archival systems, and content management tools is typically required. Excellent communication, persistence, and critical thinking are valuable soft skills for effectively sourcing and verifying information. These abilities are crucial to ensure the documentary’s accuracy, credibility, and compelling storytelling.

What are some common challenges faced by documentary researchers during the production process?

Documentary Researchers often encounter challenges such as verifying the accuracy of information from multiple sources and navigating copyright or permissions for archival materials. Tight production deadlines can also make it difficult to conduct in-depth research, requiring strong organizational and time management skills. Additionally, collaborating with directors, producers, and editors means researchers must be adaptable and communicate findings clearly to support creative vision while maintaining factual integrity.

How much do documentary researchers make?

Documentary researchers typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the scope of the project. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced researchers working on high-profile documentaries can earn higher salaries or project-based fees.

How to become a documentary researcher?

To become a documentary researcher, you typically need a background in journalism, media, or related fields, along with strong research, interviewing, and organizational skills. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level roles in media production helps build relevant knowledge, and familiarity with research tools like databases and archives is essential. Developing a network within the industry can also improve job prospects.

What do documentary researchers do?

Documentary researchers gather and verify information, sources, and footage needed for documentary films or programs. They conduct interviews, locate archival materials, and ensure factual accuracy, often working closely with directors and producers to support storytelling and production schedules.

What are popular job titles related to Documentary Researcher jobs in Virginia?

For Documentary Researcher jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Documentary Researcher jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Documentary Researcher jobs in Virginia are:

Documentary Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Documentary Researcher job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $112,132 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Culinary Extern

Colonial Williamsburg Company

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

$19.91/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Colonial Williamsburg rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 29 rated museums

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

About the Position 

The Culinary Externship Program with Colonial Williamsburg Company strives to provide a diverse experience in high quality culinary operations. The Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg offers a la carte, quick service and special events opportunities to develop skills and hone your craft.
Candidates should be enrolled in or recent graduates of a Culinary program.

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