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Local Historian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Architectural Historian

Louisville, KY

HDR is seeking a qualified, motivated Architectural Historian to join our growing Cultural ... local regulations. This is a full-time position with generous benefits and can be located in the ...

Olsson

Architectural Historian

Prairie Grove, 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 ...

Olsson

Architectural Historian

Maumelle, 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 ...

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 ...

Olsson

Architectural Historian

Greenland, 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 ...

Olsson

Architectural Historian

Bentonville, 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 ...

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 ...

WSP

Part Time Project Architectural Historian

Baltimore, MD

$79K - $106K/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

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

Part Time Project Architectural Historian

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$79K - $106K/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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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 Jul 17, 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 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.

Can I work from home as a historian?

As a local historian, working from home is possible for tasks such as research, writing, and data analysis, especially with digital archives and online resources. However, in-person activities like site visits, interviews, and community events typically require a physical presence. The ability to work remotely depends on the specific role and employer requirements.

Is there a high demand for historians?

The demand for historians, including local historians, is generally steady but varies by region and sector. Employment opportunities are often found in museums, archives, educational institutions, and government agencies, with success often relying on strong research skills and relevant certifications. Overall, the job market for historians is considered moderate, with competition for positions in certain areas.

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 kind of jobs do historians get?

Historians can work in various roles such as research analysts, archivists, museum curators, historical consultants, and educators. These jobs often require strong research, writing, and analytical skills, and may involve working in academic, cultural, or government institutions.

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.

Where can I get a job as a historian?

Historians can find employment in museums, archives, universities, government agencies, and historical societies. Job opportunities often require a relevant degree, research skills, and knowledge of historical methods, with positions available on a full-time or part-time basis depending on the 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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,335 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
Architectural Historian

Architectural Historian

HDR

Louisville, KY

Other

Posted 8 days ago

HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 369 rated engineering

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 
HDR is seeking a qualified, motivated Architectural Historian to join our growing Cultural Resources practice and support field projects and desktop reviews for projects throughout Southeast, and HDR projects throughout the United States. The primary duty of this position is to support clients with cultural resource management compliance activities for a variety of projects, including road, rail, transit, military, renewable energy, etc. The successful candidate will support clients in complying with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and appropriate state and local regulations.


This is a full-time position with generous benefits and can be located in the following HDR office(s): Louisville, Kentucky and Chattanooga or Nashville, TN.


Primary Responsibilities
In the role of Architectural Historian, we'll count on you to:
Conduct fieldwork, including reconnaissance and intensive-level survey, to identify historic properties for a variety of clients, including those associated with transportation, renewable energy/power, and government agencies.
Assist with fieldwork preparation, perform record checks and research, review historical maps and aerial photographs, compile required equipment, GPS unit, tablets, and phone
Execute fieldwork, including photography, data management, and coordination with GIS analysts and other staff
Conduct archival research and develop historic contexts and other writing deliverables
Complete architectural survey forms, determinations of eligibility, and reports that meet the requirements of the appropriate State Historic Preservation Office and our local, state, and federal clients
Complete projects with clear, specified objectives, and understand the scope of the work being requested
Work independently on small projects, or assist the Cultural Resources team on larger projects
Travel to project locations, predominantly within the Southeast, although additional nationwide travel may be requested as needed
Willingness to work under varied weather conditions
Perform other duties as needed
Preferred Qualifications
Master's Degree in History, Architectural History, Historic Preservation, or closely related field
Previous work experience in cultural resource-related projects
Familiarity using GIS and ArcGIS Field Maps
Prequalified, or able to be prequalified with KYTC under Cultural Historic.
Experience in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, as well as the general Midwest.

In addition, we request the submission of a brief writing sample (3-25 pages) of sole authorship, chosen at the discretion of the applicant. Examples include a detailed architectural description, determination of eligibility, NRHP form, HABS/HAER/HALS documentation, historic context development, or other similar document showing an understanding of the field of history and excellent writing skills.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Architectural History or closely related field
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite
  • Self-starter with excellent writing and communication skills
  • Willingness to work under varied weather conditions
  • Successful candidates must be familiar with field study design and documentation, regulatory framework for cultural resource management, and GIS utilities
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

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