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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

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

US Department of the Air Force

HISTORIAN

Arlington, VA · On-site

$169K/yr

... government officials, professional colleagues and support staff, and field program historians and ... staff. * Ability to plan, organize, and direct office functions and mentor and motivate office ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

HISTORIAN

Arlington, VA · On-site

$169K/yr

... government officials, professional colleagues and support staff, and field program historians and ... staff. * Ability to plan, organize, and direct office functions and mentor and motivate office ...

Air Force Historical Research Agency

$74K - $116K/yr

... historian (hereafter referred to as "agency") at home station and deployed locations. Learn more ... Must obtain and maintain a government travel card * This is a Mission-Essential position performing ...

WSP

Architectural Historian Director

Reno, NV

... 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

Architectural Historian Director

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.

US Department of the Air Force

HISTORIAN

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$74K/yr

The employee must attend and successfully complete the Historian Training Course within 9 months of ... Knowledge and general understanding of federal government history programs and current operations ...

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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 Jun 25, 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.

How much do government historians get paid?

Government historians typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Federal positions may offer higher salaries and benefits, and advanced degrees or specialized skills can lead to higher pay levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Historian in a government role, and why are they important?

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 profession makes $400,000 a year?

In the field of government history or related high-level government roles, salaries of $400,000 or more are typically associated with senior executive positions such as agency heads, senior advisors, or chief historians in federal agencies. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and security clearances, and they may include benefits and bonuses that contribute to total compensation.

What are historian government jobs?

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.

What are some 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 you work for the government with a history degree?

A history degree can qualify you for various government roles such as archivist, policy analyst, or historical researcher, often requiring strong research, writing, and analytical skills. Many government positions also require passing exams, obtaining security clearances, or completing additional training or certifications.

Can historians work for the government?

Yes, historians can work for government agencies such as archives, museums, cultural preservation offices, and policy research organizations. They often conduct research, manage historical records, and provide expertise on historical context, sometimes requiring security clearances or specialized knowledge in archival tools and historical methods.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,335 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
Lead Architectural Historian

Lead Architectural Historian

WSP

Reno, NV • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 57 rated business consultants

Job description


This Opportunity
WSP is seeking a Lead Historian Director 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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