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Historic Preservationist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Historic Preservationist information

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$18.5K

$51.1K

$112K

How much do historic preservationist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for historic preservationist in the United States is $51,108.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28,500.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Historic Preservationist?

The role of a historic preservationist originally entailed working with city officials to preserve a town’s history as well as historic buildings or homes. However, this career expanded considerably, and historic preservationists can now find employment opportunities through economic development agencies, parks, construction companies, planning offices, architecture firms, and city planning offices. Daily duties include reviewing potential property for preservation and working with national organizations to acquire information on maintaining the history of the region. Qualifications typically include experience volunteering with national historical preservation societies and a bachelor’s degree or higher in history or city planning.

What is the difference between Historic Preservationist vs Architectural Conservator?

AspectHistoric PreservationistArchitectural Conservator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in history, architecture, or related field; often requires preservation certificationsDegree in conservation, archaeology, or related field; specialized training in artifact and structure preservation
Work EnvironmentFieldwork at historic sites, museums, and government agenciesLaboratories, restoration workshops, and on-site conservation projects
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, non-profits, historic sitesMuseums, conservation labs, private restoration firms
Search & Comparison IntentPreservation strategies, historic site managementArtifact and structure restoration techniques

While both roles focus on preserving cultural heritage, Historic Preservationists primarily manage and plan preservation projects at historic sites, whereas Architectural Conservators specialize in the physical restoration and conservation of structures and artifacts. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or service provider.

What are some common challenges faced by historic preservationists when working on restoration projects?

Historic preservationists often encounter the challenge of balancing modern building requirements with maintaining the historical integrity of structures. This may involve navigating strict preservation regulations, sourcing period-appropriate materials, and collaborating with architects, engineers, and local authorities. Additionally, unexpected structural issues or limited documentation about original construction can complicate restoration efforts. Successful preservationists are adept at creative problem-solving and effective communication with a diverse range of stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Historic Preservationist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Historic Preservationist, you need expertise in architectural history, conservation techniques, and preservation laws, often supported by a degree in historic preservation, architecture, or a related field. Familiarity with research databases, GIS mapping tools, and documentation standards like the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards is typically required. Strong project management, communication, and collaboration skills help you work effectively with diverse stakeholders and manage complex restoration projects. These skills ensure that historic sites are accurately preserved, culturally significant stories are maintained, and legal requirements are met for long-term sustainability.

What does a Historic Preservationist do?

A Historic Preservationist is a professional who works to protect, conserve, and restore historic buildings, sites, and artifacts. They assess the historical significance of structures, develop preservation plans, and often collaborate with architects, government agencies, and local communities. Their work ensures that important cultural and historic resources are maintained for future generations, while also balancing modern needs and regulations. Preservationists may also advocate for heritage sites and help secure funding for restoration projects.
What cities are hiring for Historic Preservationist jobs? Cities with the most Historic Preservationist job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Historic Preservationist jobs? The top employers for Historic Preservationist jobs are:
What states have the most Historic Preservationist jobs? States with the most job openings for Historic Preservationist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Historic Preservationist jobs? For Historic Preservationist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Historic Preservationist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,108 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

DOS - HISTORIC PRESERVATIONIST SUPV - SES - 45001107

MyFlorida

Tallahassee, FL

$52K - $55K/yr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


State Of Florida rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

46th of 50 rated states


Job description

Requisition No: 880597 

Agency: Department of State

Working Title: DOS - HISTORIC PRESERVATIONIST SUPV - SES - 45001107

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 45001107 

Salary:  $52,000 - 55,000 annually 

Posting Closing Date: 08/02/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Department of State

Historic Preservationist Supervisor - SES

Division of Historical Resources

Director's Office

 

Open Competitive

 

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Six (6) years of direct experience working in archaeology, anthropology, history, public history, historic preservation, or a closely related field in the humanities or social sciences OR Master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in one or more of the aforementioned fields. A copy of college transcripts must be included if using education to qualify.
  • Cover letter detailing how the applicant's skills and experience align with the posted position, not to exceed one page in length, along with current resume or CV and three professional references with current and complete contact information must be included with application.
  • At least two years supervisory or project management experience in government, non-profit, academic, museum, or other cultural organization setting, or in cultural resources management field supervision.
  • Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to historic burials and historic preservation, including Chapter 872, Florida Statutes and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
  • Experience researching or preserving historic cemeteries.
  • Experience documenting research, including documenting research methods and results through writing reports of findings, permit applications, thesis or dissertations papers, public or peer reviewed articles, etc.
  • Experience as a spokesperson or representative in a public-facing program.
  • Experience translating technical information into plain language for stakeholders, including colleagues, officials, and the general public.
  • Experience traveling to conduct site assessments of historical or archaeological resources
  • Experience planning and participating in public outreach events.
  • Experience adjusting a work schedule to accommodate evenings, weekends, and after-hours obligations, including workdays longer than 8 hours.
  • Valid Driver's License.

Preferences:

  • Advanced coursework with a focus on historic cemetery research in archaeology, anthropology, history, public history, or historic preservation.
  • Experience researching historic cemeteries and working with descendent populations.
  • Experience supporting a grants department or administering cemetery grants.
  • Experience organizing public meetings, including keeping records and recording meeting minutes.
  • Knowledge of Florida history and culture

Special Note:

Responses to qualifying questions must be clearly supported in your employment history.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • In coordination with the Office of Historic Cemeteries and Ancestry Program Administrator and Division leadership, implement established guidelines and drive ongoing growth of the Historic Cemeteries Program. Determine the future direction of the program and the best use of resources for continued success.
  • Serve as the Historic Cemeteries Program Supervisor. Coordinate the activity of two direct reports in carrying out historical research and outreach to stakeholders to determine the history and location of historic and abandoned cemeteries throughout the state. Create SMART expectations in People First and monitor and evaluate employees on their performance.
  • Work with the Florida Master Site File and the Florida Public Archaeology Network to publicize the online Historic Cemetery Inventory (HCI) submittal tool and ensure permanent retention of data in the Florida Master Site File. Conduct historical research and data gathering as needed. Coordinate with the Department of Education to develop lesson plans for new curriculum and with the University of South Florida's Black Cemetery Network to promote enrollment in the network.
  • Support the DHR Grants Department through review of cemetery grant applications and deliverables.
  • Manage the Historic Cemeteries Program Advisory Council with assistance from direct reports and administrative staff in the Director's Office, including scheduling council travel, planning meetings, ensuring required public notices are posted, producing agendas and ensuring meeting minutes are recorded.
  • Travel to:
    • 1) confirm location and conditions of historic and abandoned cemeteries as reported,
    • 2) conduct outreach to partners and community groups to engage them in research, survey, and recording cemeteries, and
    • 3) gather information and oral histories of elders and others knowledgeable about historic and abandoned cemeteries.
  • Additional duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  • Knowledge of Florida history and culture.
  • Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to historic burials and historic preservation, including Chapter 872, Florida Statutes and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
  • Ability to identify research and preservation needs for historic cemeteries.
  • Ability to document research, including documenting research methods and results through writing reports of findings, permit applications, thesis or dissertations papers, public or peer reviewed articles, etc.
  • Ability to translate technical information into plain language for stakeholders, including colleagues, officials, and the general public.
  • Ability to act as a spokesperson in a public-facing program.
  • Ability to travel, conduct site visits, and plan and participate in events related to the program and public outreach.
  • Ability to adjust work schedule to accommodate evenings, weekends, and after-hours obligations, including workdays longer than 8 hours.
  • Ability to stoop, squat, reach, bend, stretch, crawl, climb and/or twist.
  • Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS:  A Level 2 criminal background check is a condition of employment.  If selected for this position, you must provide your fingerprints.  We will send your fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a criminal background check.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

We are committed to enhancing our workforce through the employment of Veterans, individuals with disabilities and seek qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds, abilities, skills, and talents to join our workforce.

Male applicants born on or after January 1, 1960, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more informatio

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.


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