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Local Historian Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

LEAD HISTORIAN

Quantico, VA · On-site +1

$102K - $133K/yr

Summary You will serve as a LEAD HISTORIAN in the Marine Corps University of TRAINING AND EDUCATION ... local commuting area. Depending on the hiring organization and the position being filled, job ...

Pharmacist - PRN

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$51.73 - $56.66/hr

Fairfax offers activities to impress the hobby historian, avid outdoorsman, and aspiring artist ... Admire the work of over 60 local artists at the Workhouse Arts Center * Indulge at the annual ...

Pharmacist - PRN

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$51.73 - $56.66/hr

Fairfax offers activities to impress the hobby historian, avid outdoorsman, and aspiring artist ... Admire the work of over 60 local artists at the Workhouse Arts Center * Indulge at the annual ...

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Showing results 1-20

Local Historian information

See Washington, DC salary details

$34.5K

$97.8K

$155.7K

How much do local historian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for local historian in Washington, DC is $97,783.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,300.00 and $118,900.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Historian jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Historian jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Local Historian jobs in Washington, DC?

For Local Historian jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Local Historian jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Local Historian jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Local Historian job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 61% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,783 per year, or $47 per hour.

LEAD HISTORIAN

Quantico, VA • On-site, Remote

U.S. Marine Corps
Government Relations and Lobbying Services • 11 - 50 employees

$102K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Summary
You will serve as a LEAD HISTORIAN in the Marine Corps University of TRAINING AND EDUCATION COMMAND.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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  • You will write on operational an tactical events and actions, the creation and implementation of service concepts and doctrine, command and unit histories, and physical infrastructure (barracks, bases, stations, and airfields).
  • You will abstract and collate the pertinent information from published works, command chronologies, after action reports, diaries, letters, flight logs, journals, periodic reports, message files, briefs, and oral histories.
  • You will ensure editing and proofreading that the writing is free from error.
  • You will include proper sourcing, such as footnotes, endnotes, and a bibliography
  • You will identify and develop of source material for all graphics, such as maps, charts, graphs, photos, and illustrations.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a US Citizen.
  • Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
  • Must participate in the direct deposit pay program.
  • New employees to the Department of the Navy will be required to successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit e-verify.gov
  • Generally, current federal employees applying for GS jobs must serve at least one year at the next lower grade level. This requirement is called time-in-grade. Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
  • Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days immediately following retirement date to a civilian position is subject to the provisions of 5 United States Code 3326.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • You will be required to complete training, obtain, and maintain a government credit card for travel and travel-related purchases
  • This position may require travel from normal duty station to CONUS and OCONUS and may include remote or isolated sites. You must be able to travel on military and commercial aircraft for extended periods of time.
  • You will be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.

Qualifications
In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the (GS-11) grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Conducting complex historical information research and analysis using primary and secondary sources; preparing authoritative historical reports, studies, and interpretive products; providing expert historical guidance to leadership; and conducting oral history interviews.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
OR
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0100/history-series-0170/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.
Education
BASIC REQUIREMENT
Applicants must meet the following positive education qualifications requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual: Applicants must possess
  1. Degree: history; or related field that included at least 18 semester hours in history.
    OR
  2. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in history, or a major in a related field that included at least 18 semester hours in history, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

A transcript must be submitted with your application if qualifying using education. See Required Documents for additional information.
Additional information
This position is covered by the Department of Defense Priority Placement Program.
Additional vacancies may be filled by this announcement.
A tentative offer of employment will be rescinded if the selectee fails to meet the pre-employment requirements, including failure to report to any of the scheduled appointments.
During the application process you will have the ability to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions in the local commuting area. Depending on the hiring organization and the position being filled, job requirements (e.g., security clearance, travel, drug testing, financial disclosure filing, bargaining unit status, etc.) may vary. Other hiring managers filling similar positions may offer relocation expense reimbursement and/or may offer recruitment incentives for new employees, depending on funding availability and in accordance with policy. If you opt-in and are referred on a certificate, your resume will be available to other hiring managers for 180-days from the date the job announcement closes. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.
Federal annuitant information: The selection of an annuitant is subject to the Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policy on the employment of annuitants. Policy information may be found at: http://www.secnav.navy.mil/donhr/Documents/CivilianJobs/FedCivAnnuitants.pdf
PPP applicants will be placed at the FPL, if determined Well Qualified (WQ). To receive priority consideration, the FPL must be the same grade level or equivalent of the retained grade or the grade held immediately prior to separation.
ICTAP Applicants: To be considered well-qualified and exercise selection priority as an ICTAP candidate, displaced Federal employees must satisfy all qualification requirements for the position and receive a rating in the highly qualified category (score 85) or higher. ICTAP candidates must provide copies of all of the following documentation at the time of application: 1) agency notice; 2) most recent performance appraisal; and 3) most recent SF-50 or notification of personnel action that includes position, grade level, and duty location. Applicants who do not provide this documentation will not receive consideration as an ICTAP candidate. For more information about ICTAP eligibility please review the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/
Military Spouse Preference applicants will be placed at the highest grade for which they have applied and are determined Best Qualified (BQ). A BQ military spouse possesses knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies comparable to others who meet the competitive referral criteria for the specific position.
Certain incentives (such as Recruitment, Relocation or Student Loan Repayment) may be authorized to eligible selectees.
A relocation incentive is generally a single payment intended to offset some of the relocation costs experienced by the selectee. A relocation incentive may be authorized.
Initial consideration for this announcement is limited to the number of applications listed at the top of this announcement. All applications received on the day the application limit is reached will be accepted and processed.
No PCS costs will be paid.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.