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Local Historian Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

On-Call Architectural Historian

San Jose, CA · On-site

$25.32 - $42.26/hr

Remote research, drafting historic contexts, report writing, and resource evaluation based on NRHP, CHRH, and/or local regulations. * Work directly with other architectural historians, archaeologists ...

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 ...

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 ...

Automation Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

The scope of support includes process data historians, processing, and/or building management ... in compliance with CAL OSHA and other local, state, and federal regulatory agencies.

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Local Historian information

What are 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 is a local historian?

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.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a local historian?

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 the most commonly searched types of Historian jobs in California? The most popular types of Historian jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Local Historian jobs in California? For Local Historian jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Local Historian jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Local Historian jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Local Historian jobs? Cities in California with the most Local Historian job openings:
Infographic showing various Local Historian job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

On-Call Architectural Historian

Kleinfelder Inc

San Francisco, CA

$25.32 - $42.26/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Kleinfelder rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

257th of 441 rated engineering


Job description

Job Description

Take Your Environmental Career to the Next Level 

Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive!

Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Kleinfelder's Environmental team is looking for you! From environmental planning, permitting, remediation, and site characterization to chemical data management and hydrogeology, Kleinfelder offers a variety of services designed to provide technically appropriate and cost-effective solutions. 

Step into Your New Role

Kleinfelder is seeking On-Call Architectural Historians to support with public and private sector projects throughout California. The individual will assist with historical research, field survey, resource recordation, and technical reports. The individual will largely work remote and in the field but will report to Kleinfelder offices as needed. The individual's direct supervisor is located in San Diego, California, however the individual's home office can be in any of our Northern California offices including Sacramento, Oakland, San Jose, San Francisco or Santa Rosa. Key Responsibilities

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

  • Fieldwork including but not limited to: Research at in-person repositories, reconnaissance- and intensive-level architectural history surveys, resource recordation including architectural descriptions, and resource evaluation based on NRHP, CHRH, and/or local regulations.
  • Office tasks including but not limited to: Remote research, drafting historic contexts, report writing, and resource evaluation based on NRHP, CHRH, and/or local regulations.
  • Work directly with other architectural historians, archaeologists, biologists, environmental planners and project managers.
  • Successful candidates will be familiar with working within a fast-paced consulting environment and help to develop effective solutions to both expected and unexpected project challenges.
  • Provide enthusiasm and commitment to client service and technical excellence.

 Requirements and Qualifications

  • BA or higher (MA preferred) in Historic Preservation, Architectural History, History, or closely related field.
  • SOI Qualified architectural historian or historian preferred.
  • 3 - 6 years of related experience in California.
  • Familiar with preparing Department of Parks and Recreation Forms (DPR 523- series)
  • Candidates must be able and willing to travel and work outdoors in remote locations and for extended periods under all weather conditions, sometimes traversing rugged terrain.
  • GIS experience (e.g., ArcGIS Online, field maps)

  • Photography proficiency 

  • Familiarity with CRM databases/software (i.e. CHRIS)

  • Some overnight travel may be required.
  • Valid driver's license and good driving record required.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication and management skills.
  • The ability to work closely with clients, engineers, and other technical specialists as part of a larger combined project team.
  • Candidates located in Northern California are preferred.

Following an offer, candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete employment reference checks, verification of professional licensure and/or educational credentials, a motor vehicle report (MVR), and a comprehensive background check.

Move Forward with Kleinfelder:Kleinfelder and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, has been connecting great people to the best work since 1961. We are engineers, scientists, and construction professionals providing solutions that improve our clients' transportation, water, energy, and other private infrastructure. As a responsive, cross-disciplinary team of bright, curious, and innovative problem-solvers, we are dedicated to doing the right thing, every day, on every project from over 110 offices in the US, Canada, and Australia.Connecting great people to the best work is our purpose - together, we deliver. 

Progress with an Employer that Values You 

Kleinfelder, and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity. We are proud to offer the following: 

Benefits:Kleinfelder, and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays.The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Pay Transparency Law. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Hourly Range:$25.32-$42.26  

Career Development:We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program. 

Equal Opportunity:Kleinfelder, and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. (Compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules) 

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES 

Please note that Kleinfelder, and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Kleinfelder, and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Kleinfelder, and its' subsidiaries and affiliates, explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resume, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Kleinfelder. 

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Employment Type: OTHER

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