Freelance Historical Research Hourly Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description Boulder County Parks and Open Space Department is seeking to hire an Hourly Cultural Resources Research Assistant. The Cultural Resources Program within Boulder County Parks & Open Space is seeking to hire an hourly Cultural Resources Research Assistant to support the Latine & Chicano Historic Context Study. This community-centered project focuses on documenting and elevating underrepresented histories, cultural landscapes, and community narratives throughout Boulder County, with a particular emphasis on Latine, Chicano, agricultural labor, migration, and place-based histories connected to public lands and open space properties.

The Cultural Resources Program is committed to equity-centered and anti-racist approaches to preservation and storytelling that recognize the histories, knowledge systems, and lived experiences of historically underrepresented communities. This position will support archival research, writing, editing, fact-checking, and historical documentation efforts. The ideal candidate is an organized and thoughtful researcher who is comfortable working independently in archives and libraries, summarizing large amounts of historical information, and translating research into clear and accessible writing.

We are looking for someone who is curious, detail-oriented, collaborative, and excited about community-centered public history and preservation work. Work may include a combination of office-based research, archival visits, and field visits to cultural resource sites throughout Boulder County. This is an hourly, non-benefited position that will work 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm (in-office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday), with some flexibility depending on research and project needs.

This position will work remote and out of 5201 St Vrain Rd, Longmont, Colorado. Under Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) guidelines, this position is non-exempt (eligible for overtime). Boulder County requires its employees to reside in the state of Colorado as of the first day of work.

Hiring Salary Range: $25.00 - $27.52 Hourly Tentative Hiring Timeline: Phone Screening: Week of August 31st First Round Interviews: Week of September 7th Language Proficiency Test (if applicable): Week of September 14th Reference Check: Week of September 7th Boulder County employees may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Visit studentaid.gov for more information. Examples of Duties Conduct archival and historical research using local and regional repositories, libraries, newspapers, maps, databases, and digital archives Assist with identifying and documenting sites, people, events, and themes related to Latine and Chicano histories in Boulder County Support deeper research into agricultural labor history, migration patterns, community formation, and underrepresented cultural landscapes Review, summarize, and organize historical information from multiple sources Assist with factchecking, citation review, and editing written materials for reports, interpretive content, presentations, and public-facing materials Support oral history and community engagement efforts through background research and documentation Organize research findings, archival images, and source materials in shared systems and databases Collaborate with Cultural Resources staff, consultants, student researchers, and community partners Support equity-centered and anti-racist approaches to historical research, interpretation, and storytelling Performs related work, as required May be reassigned during emergency situations Required Qualifications PLEASE NOTE: When completing your application describe all relevant education and experience, as applications are assessed based on the required qualifications listed

Resumes and other attachments are not accepted in lieu of completed applications and will not be reviewed in the initial screening process. Any personally identifiable information (PII) such as name and address will be redacted from applications that meet the minimum screening requirements and are forwarded to the hiring manager. If the hiring manager selects you to advance in the hiring process, your attachments will then be shared with the hiring team.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Boulder County is looking for well qualified candidates to fill our positions. Any combination of relevant education and experience is encouraged. In this position, we are looking for a minimum of: 2 (two) years of college-level coursework that includes experience with archival and historical research, Latine and Chicano history, citation review, and editing written materials OR An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or relevant experience.

DRIVER'S LICENSE: Applicants must have a valid driver's license and a clean driving record For more information regarding a clean driving record, please click here. BACKGROUND CHECK: A job offer is contingent on passing a background investigation Supplemental Information PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Bilingual in English and Spanish Additional compensation will be provided based on the use of bilingual skills. Experience working with archives, historical research, oral histories, or cultural resource documentation Familiarity with Chicago-style citations and research documentation practices GIS, mapping, or StoryMap experience Demonstrated understanding of anti-racism, equity, and community-centered approaches to historical research and preservation KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES: Self-motivated and comfortable managing independent research tasks Thoughtful and community-oriented approach to historical work Strong organizational and communication skills Interest in equity-centered, anti-racist, and community-based preservation practices Ability to thoughtfully navigate historical materials that may contain bias, omissions, or harmful language Cultural humility and ability to work respectfully with diverse communities and knowledge systems Strong research, writing, and editing skills Attention to detail and ability to verify information across multiple sources Ability to summarize complex historical information into clear and accessible writing Interest in public history, preservation, cultural resources, oral history, ethnic studies, geography, anthropology, history, or related fields Boulder County is a workplace dedicated to supporting individuals and families of all types and to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment for all employees.

We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants and employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.