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Historian Government Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WSP

Lead Architectural Historian

Reno, NV · On-site

... various government and community entities. * Develop and inform proposal and project scopes ... Remain current in latest historian practices, methods, procedures, subject matter, and techniques.

WSP

Lead Architectural Historian

Reno, NV · On-site

... various government and community entities. * Develop and inform proposal and project scopes ... Remain current in latest historian practices, methods, procedures, subject matter, and techniques.

Chloeta

Architectural Historian

Asheville, NC · On-site

Job Summary The Architectural Historian serves as the lead technical expert for historic ... Compile, interpret, and synthesize historical resources including Government Land Office (GLO) maps ...

Chloeta

Architectural Historian

Asheville, NC · On-site

Job Summary The Architectural Historian serves as the lead technical expert for historic ... Compile, interpret, and synthesize historical resources including Government Land Office (GLO) maps ...

LUMA

Senior Compliance Architectural Historian

Boise, ID · On-site

$34.37 - $37.79/hr

The Senior Compliance Architectural Historian may occasionally conduct field work and give public ... local government staff for Section 106 cultural and environmental resource areas. • Develop and ...

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Historian Government information

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$30.5K

$86.3K

$137.5K

How much do historian government jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for historian government in the United States is $86,335.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $105,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a historian in a government role?

To thrive as a Historian in a government position, you need expertise in historical research, analysis, and writing, typically supported by an advanced degree in history or a related field. Familiarity with archival databases, digital cataloging systems, and government documentation standards is often required. Strong critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set exceptional candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for preserving accurate records, informing policy decisions, and ensuring the integrity of governmental historical documentation.

What is a historian government?

Historian government jobs involve researching, analyzing, and interpreting historical information for government agencies and public institutions. These professionals may work on preserving historical records, advising on archival policies, curating exhibits, or providing expertise for policy decisions and public programs. They often prepare reports, conduct oral histories, and ensure that important documents and artifacts are maintained for future generations. Positions may be found in national archives, museums, historical societies, or various government departments.

Are history degrees good for government jobs?

History degrees are valuable for government jobs such as historian, policy analyst, or archivist, as they develop research, critical thinking, and communication skills. Many government roles require a bachelor's degree, with advanced positions often needing further specialization or experience in public administration or related fields.

What are common challenges historians face when working within government agencies?

Historians in government agencies often encounter challenges such as navigating bureaucratic processes, ensuring historical accuracy while meeting tight deadlines, and balancing the need for impartial research with policy objectives. They may also have to communicate complex historical findings to non-specialist audiences and collaborate with professionals from diverse fields such as archivists, policy analysts, and legal experts. Adapting to evolving project priorities and maintaining confidentiality with sensitive information are additional aspects that can make the role both demanding and rewarding.

Can historians work for the government?

Yes, historians can work for the government in roles such as archivists, curators, policy advisors, or historical researchers. These positions often require strong research skills, knowledge of archival tools, and sometimes security clearances depending on the agency.

What is the difference between Historian Government vs Archivist?

AspectHistorian GovernmentArchivist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in History, Public Policy, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Library Science, Archival Studies, or History
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, historical departments, research institutionsArchives, museums, government record offices
Employer & Industry UsagePublic sector, government agencies, historical preservationLibraries, archives, museums, government record-keeping

Historian Government professionals analyze and interpret historical data within government contexts, often focusing on policy or public history. Archivists manage and preserve records and documents, ensuring their accessibility for future use. While both roles require knowledge of history and related credentials, historians tend to focus on research and interpretation, whereas archivists concentrate on preservation and organization of records.

More about Historian Government jobs
What cities are hiring for Historian Government jobs? Cities with the most Historian Government job openings:
What states have the most Historian Government jobs? States with the most job openings for Historian Government jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Historian Government jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Historian Government jobs are:
Historian Government jobs near you
Infographic showing various Historian Government job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,335 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Lead Architectural Historian

WSP

Reno, NV • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated business consultants

Job description


This Opportunity
WSP is seeking a Lead Architectural Historian to join our Reno, NV office.
Provides leadership within a sector of organization to ensure historian practices, subject matter, technical deliverables, and programs are delivered with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry and company standards. Responsible for SME innovation and administration; ensuring corporate compliance with all Local, State, and Federal environmental, historic preservation, and safety regulations; and providing pragmatic direction to address current and future project challenges in a rapidly-changing and complex business climate.
Your Impact
  • Provide proactive and strategic leadership for the scientific discipline and function, offering direction, expertise, and support to ensure project and work site deliverables are successfully achieved within the business sector.
  • Support projects across California, Nevada, Washington, and Oregon
  • Oversee the appropriate use of quality control standard and procedures for research and data collection, accurate documentation, and the analysis of historical data to determine exact locations of project areas, site impact, and associated physical and historical sensitivities.
  • Lead larger-scale more complex historical preservation and architectural history projects ensuring contributors know what they are required to do and by when, preparing and overseeing relevant project budgets, monitoring external events, tracking hours and expenses, ensuring profitability and satisfactory performance, and supervising subcontractors, contract work, and employees.
  • Responsible for the contribution and management of multi-disciplinary project teams in all phases of the execution and delivery of siting and licensing for assigned business sector production projects, as well as history preservation resource planning, and architectural history projects.
  • Actively foster compliance with applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, preservation guidelines, policies, and regulatory requirements.
  • Assist with the preparation of an annual update to business tactical action plans within the specified area.
  • Support the overall long-term strategy, growth, and pipeline development of Historian work for WSP in assigned area of responsibility, with a focus on opportunities in all disciplines (planning, design, strategic consulting, and program management).
  • Lead technical aspects of contract negotiation, presentations, and meetings.
  • Ensure that scientific discipline certifications, accreditations, and value proposition is developed and continuously improved.
  • Conduct needs analyses and client value surveys to align the scientific discipline's function with business and project strategy, identifying and addressing any skill gaps or risks within the sector business operations.
  • Schedule scientific discipline meetings, providing updates and recommendations to ensure that all reasonable and proper measures are taken to inculcate discipline expertise and innovation into project work.
  • Serve as one of the scientific discipline's lead representatives/liaison to a variety of external entities including Federal, State, and Local Agencies, Clients, Subcontractors, industry-related groups, and various government and community entities.
  • Develop and inform proposal and project scopes, timelines, pricing, and budgetary metrics.
  • Interpret and summarize data, including reports and documents that result in sound scientific and regulatory conclusions to minimize or negate impacts to resources of historic, cultural, and scientific significance.
  • Develop a client base for providing high level historian services including identifying additional business development opportunities, and cross-selling of other WSP capabilities.
  • Manage and provide performance guidance and leadership to assigned staff.
  • Remain current in latest historian practices, methods, procedures, subject matter, and techniques.
  • Collaborate with professionals from a variety of disciplines to provide "trusted advisor" service and future ready solutions for clients.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Architectural History, History Preservation, or a related field.
  • 7-10 years of relevant post-education experience working as an historian, architectural historian, or similar role.
  • Strong working knowledge of relevant environmental laws, historical/architectural preservation regulations, compliance practices, record-keeping requirements, and the business impact upon the organization.
  • Excellent leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to effectively, persuasively, and tactfully interact with employees at all levels of the organization.
  • Tactical lateral thinking and strong analytical skills with attention to detail and prioritization of responsibilities in a pressure work environment.
  • Ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of sources, including senior management, clients, and company-wide staff, including those with whom no formal hierarchical relationship exits.
  • Advanced proficiency with office automation and communication software, technology, and tools used in the corporate environment.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Strong ability to quickly adapt to change and demonstrate flexibility to a variety of schedules and hours to meet business needs.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's Degree is preferred.
  • Essential professional licensure/certification.
  • Experience in managing the review of documents and preparation of discipline-specific deliverables, certifications, processes, and plans in a multi-project environment is highly desirable.

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About Us
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

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