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Local Historian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Olsson

Architectural Historian

Prairie Grove, AR

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

Greenland, AR

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

Bentonville, AR

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

New

Chloeta

Architectural Historian

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Chloeta is hiring an Architectural Historian that brings expertise in historical architecture ... Evaluates the historical significance of architectural resources in accordance with local, state ...

WSP

Architectural Historian Director

Reno, NV

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 ...

WSP

Project Architectural Historian

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $111K/yr

WSP Project Architectural Historians are survey field leaders, detailed researchers, and authors of ... Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic ...

WSP

Project Architectural Historian

Louisville, KY · On-site

$73K - $97K/yr

WSP Project Architectural Historians are field survey leaders, detailed researchers, and authors of ... Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic ...

WSP

Project Architectural Historian

Washington, DC

$65K - $111K/yr

WSP Project Architectural Historians are survey field leaders, detailed researchers, and authors of ... Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic ...

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Local Historian information

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$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.

Architectural Historian

Olsson

Prairie Grove, AR

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Company Description

We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company.

We're a people-centric firm, so it's no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.

Job Description

At Olsson, we help our clients in multiple states navigate complex historical and archaeological compliance landscapes with ease. We ensure proactive adherence to key historical preservation laws and regulations, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) review process. Our innovative methods empower clients to achieve project goals while preserving our historical heritage.

Olsson is seeking candidates who meet the United States Secretary of Interior (SOI) Professional Qualifications Standards (36 CFR 61). The ideal candidate could be an archeologist or an architectural historian. This role is multifaceted and critical in ensuring compliance with state, local, and federal historical and archaeological preservation regulations while promoting sustainable projects. In this role, you will lead compliance projects, perform cultural resource assessments, engage with regulatory agencies, coordinate with clients, and collaborate with team members and external consultants. You will have the opportunity to mentor and train others in complex compliance work, as well as lead client and regulatory meetings.

Join us and be part of a team that's making a real impact!

We are open to considering candidates in a variety of locations, including areas where we may not currently have an office presence. While we have active openings in Fayetteville, AR; Little Rock, AR; Lincoln, NE; Omaha, NE; Overland Park, KS; Oklahoma City, OK; Colorado Springs, CO; Loveland, CO; and Denver, CO, we welcome candidates interested in other locations as well.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Regulatory Compliance: Navigating complex federal, state, and local regulations, and attaining necessary permits and clearances
  • National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA): Developing necessary NHPA documentation, collaborating with agencies such as the lead federal agency, Native American tribes, state agencies, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), USACE, and USFWS to obtain essential reviews and guidance, while coordinating a multidisciplinary team.
  • Field Investigations: Completing or coordinating fieldwork with Olsson staff or sub-consultants, including archaeological surveys, test excavations, and the documentation of above-ground historic resources such as buildings, roadways, bridges, and historic districts
  • Public Engagement and Outreach: Organizing public meetings and workshops to gather community input, shaping projects through feedback, and ensuring transparent communication of project details while effectively engaging stakeholders. Additionally, lead federal agencies may request Olsson's assistance with tribal consultation requirements
  • Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Work: Collaborating with engineers, architects, and urban planners to incorporate historical preservation into projects and promote interdisciplinary teamwork
  • Project Management: Overseeing projects from start to finish, managing timelines, budgets, and deliverables, and coordinating with subconsultant, clients and agencies
Qualifications

You are passionate about:

  • Working collaboratively with others
  • Having ownership in the work you do
  • Using your talents to positively affect communities
  • Empowering others to use their talents
  • Utilizing your skills to manage multiple priorities in a client-focused environment
  • Enhancing team development by sharing best practices, tools, and valuable lessons learned

You bring to the team:

  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to contribute and work well on a team
  • Graduate degree in archaeology, anthropology, history, architecture, historic preservation, or a closely related field
  • Qualification under the Secretary of the Interior (SOI) Professional Qualification Standards (36 CFR 61) for Archaeologist or Architectural Historian
  • Practical experience in archaeological or historical research, cultural resource management, or compliance with historic preservation standards
  • Aptitude for project management, ensuring oversight and compliance with historical and archaeological regulations
  • Skilled in clearly communicating findings and producing high-quality written deliverables, including reports, memos, and documentation.
  • Self-direction and dependability, with strong follow-through on deadlines and deliverables

#LI-AA1

Actual compensation will vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, geographic location, skills, education, and internal equity.

Colorado Pay Range
$80,000—$140,000 USD
Additional Information

Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.

As an Olsson employee, you will:

  • Receive a competitive 401(k) match
  • Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
  • Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
  • Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
  • Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles

In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.

Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.

Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants' personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the "CCPA"), this notice explains Olsson's practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices.

For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.