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Local Historian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WSP

Architectural Historian Director

Reno, NV · On-site

This Opportunity WSP is seeking an Architectural Historian Director to join our Reno, NV office ... Responsible for SME innovation and administration; ensuring corporate compliance with all Local ...

Olsson

Architectural Historian

Kansas City, KS

Navigating complex federal, state, and local regulations, and attaining necessary permits and clearances * National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA): Developing necessary NHPA documentation ...

New

Olsson

Architectural Historian

Bryant, AR · On-site

Navigating complex federal, state, and local regulations, and attaining necessary permits and clearances * National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA): Developing necessary NHPA documentation ...

New

LSA Associates, Inc.

Architectural Historian

Irvine, CA · On-site

$93K - $116K/yr

LSA is seeking an Architectural Historian to work on a salary or hourly, project-hire basis in its ... Complete evaluations using national, State, and local significance criteria * Prepare cultural and ...

LSA Associates INC

Architectural Historian

Irvine, CA

$93K - $116K/yr

LSA is seeking an Architectural Historian to work on a salary or hourly, project-hire basis in its ... Complete evaluations using national, State, and local significance criteria * Prepare cultural and ...

Olsson

Architectural Historian

Maumelle, AR

Navigating complex federal, state, and local regulations, and attaining necessary permits and clearances * National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA): Developing necessary NHPA documentation ...

Olsson

Architectural Historian

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

Navigating complex federal, state, and local regulations, and attaining necessary permits and clearances * National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA): Developing necessary NHPA documentation ...

Olsson

Architectural Historian

Jacksonville, AR

Navigating complex federal, state, and local regulations, and attaining necessary permits and clearances * National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA): Developing necessary NHPA documentation ...

New

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All JobsLocal Historian Jobs

Local Historian information

See salary details

$30.5K

$86.3K

$137.5K

How much do local historian jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for local historian 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Local Historian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Local Historian, you need a strong background in history, research methods, and archival management, often supported by a degree in history or related fields. Familiarity with digital archives, genealogical databases, and historical mapping tools is commonly required. Exceptional analytical thinking, curiosity, and strong written and verbal communication skills help set outstanding local historians apart. These competencies ensure accurate preservation, interpretation, and sharing of local heritage with both the community and wider audiences.

What are some common challenges faced by local historians in verifying historical information?

Local historians often encounter challenges such as limited access to primary sources, incomplete or conflicting records, and oral histories that may lack documentation. Verifying historical information frequently requires cross-referencing multiple sources, consulting archives, and engaging with local communities to piece together accurate narratives. Developing strong research skills and building relationships with libraries, museums, and longtime residents can help local historians overcome these obstacles and enhance the reliability of their work.

What are local historians?

Local historians are individuals who research, document, and interpret the history of a specific geographic area, such as a town, city, or region. They collect and analyze historical records, oral histories, photographs, and artifacts to preserve the unique heritage of their community. Local historians often work with museums, archives, schools, or historical societies, and may write articles or books, create exhibitions, or give public talks. Their work helps foster a sense of identity and continuity by connecting present-day residents with their community's past.

What is the difference between Local Historian vs Museum Curator?

AspectLocal HistorianMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsHistory degree, research skillsHistory, museum studies, or related field
Work EnvironmentCommunity events, archives, local sitesMuseums, galleries, exhibit planning
Employer & IndustryHistorical societies, local governmentMuseums, cultural institutions
Search & Comparison IntentHistorical research, local historyExhibit curation, collection management

While both roles involve history and research, a Local Historian focuses on researching and sharing local history within communities, often engaging with the public and archives. A Museum Curator manages collections, designs exhibits, and works within museum settings. The roles overlap in historical knowledge but differ in work environment and specific responsibilities.

More about Local Historian jobs
What cities are hiring for Local Historian jobs? Cities with the most Local Historian job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Historian jobs? The most popular types of Historian jobs are:
What states have the most Local Historian jobs? States with the most job openings for Local Historian jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Local Historian jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Local Historian jobs are:
Local Historian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Local Historian job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,335 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
As Needed Architectural Historian / Historian

As Needed Architectural Historian / Historian

HELIX ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING, INC.

San Diego, CA

$24 - $48/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description

Preserve California's history-one project at a time.
HELIX Environmental Planning is seeking an As-Needed Architectural Historian / Historian to support cultural resources and built-environment studies throughout Southern California. This As-Needed Architectural Historian / Historian role is ideal for a San Diego-based professional who enjoys a balance of field surveys, archival research, and technical documentation in a flexible, project-driven environment.


Why HELIX?

HELIX is a California-based, employee-owned environmental consulting firm known for technical excellence, collaboration, and meaningful work. Our Cultural Resources team supports public and private projects across the state, delivering high-quality, defensible studies that meet local, state, and federal requirements. As an As-Needed Architectural Historian / Historian, you'll work alongside experienced cultural resources professionals on diverse and engaging projects.


Day in the Life of an As-Needed Architectural Historian / Historian

As an As-Needed Architectural Historian / Historian, you may conduct built-environment field surveys in San Diego and Riverside counties, perform in-person and online historical research, and prepare DPR 523 forms. You'll assist with technical reports and coordinate with cultural resources specialists, environmental planners, clients, subconsultants, and agency staff. Because this is an as-needed position, hours will vary based on project demand.


Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct architectural history and built-environment field surveys
  • Perform historical research using San Diego-area archives and public records
  • Prepare California DPR 523 series forms and supporting documentation
  • Assist with cultural resources technical reports
  • Communicate effectively with HELIX staff, clients, and agency personnel

Schedule & Location

  • As-needed, hourly position - no guarantee of hours, but estimating 10 hours/week
  • San Diego-based with local field assignments
  • Variable hours depending on workload
  • Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive a HELIX vehicle

Pay

  • $24-$48 per hour, based on experience and qualifications

Apply Today

If you're ready to contribute as an As-Needed Architectural Historian / Historian and enjoy flexible, meaningful cultural resources work, apply through the HELIX website. A writing sample may be requested as part of the selection process.

Equal Opportunity Employer
HELIX is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and an inclusive work environment. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply regardless of gender, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service or veteran status. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.


PM21

Requirements

 Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in History, Architectural History, or closely related field (or equivalent experience)
  • Familiarity with historic preservation and cultural resources regulations in California
  • Experience conducting historical research in San Diego (e.g., building permits, assessor records, local archives)
  • Strong research, writing, organizational, and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience authoring historic contexts
  • Experience preparing California DPR forms

Apply