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Local Historian Jobs in Federal Way, WA (NOW HIRING)

... historians, and other environmental staff to expand existing and new client relationships ... local laws and regulations; and * Participate in and/or contribute to National Historic ...

Local Historian information

See Federal Way, WA salary details

$34.1K

$96.4K

$153.6K

How much do local historian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for local historian in Federal Way, WA is $96,414.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,300.00 and $117,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Local Historian jobs in Federal Way, WA?

For Local Historian jobs in Federal Way, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Local Historian jobs in Federal Way, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Local Historian jobs in Federal Way, WA are:

Infographic showing various Local Historian job openings in Federal Way, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,414 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Archaeological Field Technician

Seattle, WA • Remote

$24 - $32/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Overview / Responsibilities

Wood is seeking experienced Archaeologists to work periodically on an as-needed project basis with senior project managers, senior archaeologists and architectural historians, and other environmental staff to expand existing and new client relationships, contribute to Wood's capacity in the environmental and engineering marketplace, and to:

  • Perform background research including record searches and archival historical documentation searches.
  • Conduct Native American and NAHC consultations.
  • Participate in Phase I surveys and Extended Phase I, Phase II Significance Assessments, and Phase III Data Recovery excavations.
  • Construction monitoring.
  • Participate in and/or contribute to cultural resource studies in compliance with CEQA, NEPA, and other federal, state and local laws and regulations; and
  • Participate in and/or contribute to National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 and/or 110 consultation studies.

Compensation Range: $24.00 - $32.00 per hour

Accountabilities:

Successful candidates will report to a designated Senior Program Manager and work with environmental and cultural resources specialists throughout California and the Pacific West States. Primary responsibilities will include Native American and NAHC consultations, background research including outreach to historical societies, museums, and/or repositories. In addition, successful candidates may be requested to participate in field work, data preparation for presentations of findings including the production of state appropriate site forms. Successful candidates will have an understanding of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA), Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), and that related state laws can apply.

These roles can be based throughout the Western United States: California, Nevada, Washington, Utah, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, and Arizona

#LI-Remote

Skills / Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or master's degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, History, or related field.
  • 3 to 5 years of experience in performing cultural resources services in a field, office, or laboratory setting.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a team environment.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work efficiently and demonstrate effective organizational skills.
  • Working knowledge of cultural resources management and environmental principles and standards.
  • Working experience with SharePoint and Microsoft.
  • Working experience in compliance with NHPA, ARPA, NAGPRA, and appropriate state laws.
  • Experience with pedestrian survey and cultural resource monitoring. Large scale linear and/or utility and infrastructure project experience is a plus.
  • Experience identifying and analyzing a wide variety of archaeological materials from prehistoric and historic-period archaeological sites in the field is a plus
Company Overview

Wood is a global leader in engineering and consultancy across energy and the built environment, helping to unlock solutions to some of the world's most critical challenges. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in more than 60 countries, employing around 40,000 people. www.woodplc.com

Diversity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.

Employment Type: OTHER