History Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Open: June 1, 2026

Close: When Filled

Job Title: Genealogist

Department:Historic Preservation

Reports To: Director

Hours: 40 Hrs/Wk – Full Time

Salary: Based on Salary Matrix+Benefits   

Requisition: 841         

Under the direction of the Director/THPO of the Historic Preservation Department, this position will create a genealogical database to assist Puyallup Tribal members with their family history research, conduct genealogical research, analysis, interpretation, and source citation in order to document the Tribe’s history. The position will record family histories from Puyallup Tribal and general community members using video and audio recordings when permitted. 

1. Conduct effective and efficient genealogical research at various archives, libraries, online, and onsite in order to gather Tribal History.  Documents findings by indexing within Department’s records.
2. Creates a database containing Puyallup Tribal member familial history, including scanning and uploading documents, photos, and other resources to be easily accessible to Puyallup Tribal Members.
3. Arranges meetings with Puyallup Tribal Members and other community members to document Tribal familial history. Researches information received for confirmation and then adds documentation to database.
4. Performs extensive research of the Tribe’s history, timelines, important dates, events and members, and compiles information into various mediums for dissemination into videos, slide shows, PowerPoint presentations, books and pamphlets.
5. Assists the Director/THPO and Assistant Director/Collections Manager in compiling history, documents and photographs for the creation of documentaries on the Puyallup Tribe’s history.
6. Assists Tribal and community members with Constructing family charts.
7. Using the database created, and information gathered from Tribal members, creates and maintains the Puyallup Tribal family chart.
8. Prepares history reports in narrative form or writes brief historical compilations to document research and findings.
9. Evaluates and makes recommendations for genealogical displays/exhibits in the Tribal Museum
10. Assists the Director/THPO and Assistant Director/Collections Manager in preservation and security of items of historical importance to the Tribe. 
11. Create informational material for Tribal membership regarding the history of the Puyallup Tribe. Gathering the many different family stories and history of the diverse membership and community members
12. As Tribal members and community members allow, enhance department collections, including oral histories, by collecting both audio and video recorded accounts of family history
13. Performs other duties as assigned. 

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Education and/or Experience

Associate’s degree required; and/or two years of experience and/or training in the areas of performing extensive genealogical research and compiling findings, including knowledge of how to locate and utilize online, local, and social history resources.  Demonstrated knowledge of how to perform extensive genealogical historical research is required.  Must be able to correctly record and transcribe oral histories.  Required knowledge of Puyallup Tribal history, culture and community.

Must be a Puyallup Tribal Member.

Must be willing to attend genealogy trainings both local and out of state.

Must have extensive skills using the following computer hardware and software:

• Past Perfect
• Ancestry
• Family Search
• Family Tree Maker
• Windows 2010 or newer
• Microfilm viewer
• Microphones, digital cameras, Video recorders
• Scanner/Printer/Copier

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Licenses or Certificates

Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of insurance.  Driver’s License must not contain any restrictions that would otherwise prevent the employee from driving GSA vehicles.

Other

Must demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity of personal history and historical documents.

Must demonstrate ability to conduct business confidentially and protect tribal members’ history.

Must demonstrate an ability to perform accurate research through extensive reading and in gathering oral history information.

Must have excellent written and verbal skills.

Must demonstrate good time management skills and be highly organized.

Must have ability to multitask while working on several projects at a time.

Must demonstrate strong customer service skills.

Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting.

High attention to detail required.

• Requires operation and set up of equipment.
• Requires the ability to operate a personal computer, multi-line telephone, calculator, facsimile and photocopier as well as various computer programs and audio/visual equipment.
• Requires the ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English.
• Requires the ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• The employee occasionally is required to stand and walk.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

• The noise level is low to moderate.
• The physical exertion is low to moderate.
• Work is performed in an office setting. Local travel required.
• There are frequent contacts and interruptions throughout the day.
• Stamina to work in a team environment in a shared workplace.