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Local Historian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Takeda

Medical Historian

Saint Louis, MO

$16/hr

The actual hourly wage offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location. U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term incentives. U.S. based ...

Takeda

Medical Historian

Las Vegas, NV

$16/hr

The actual hourly wage offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location. U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term incentives. U.S. based ...

Takeda

Medical Historian

Findlay, OH

$16/hr

The actual hourly wage offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location. U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term incentives. U.S. based ...

DOWL

Architectural Historian

Eugene, OR · On-site

Environmental Services Our environmental specialists understand federal, state, and local ... Summary DOWL is seeking a mid-level career Architectural Historian to join our Cultural Resources ...

DOWL

Architectural Historian

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

Environmental Services Our environmental specialists understand federal, state, and local ... Summary DOWL is seeking a mid-level career Architectural Historian to join our Cultural Resources ...

DOWL

Architectural Historian

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

Environmental Services Our environmental specialists understand federal, state, and local ... Summary DOWL is seeking a mid-level career Architectural Historian to join our Cultural Resources ...

DOWL

Architectural Historian

Eugene, OR · On-site

Environmental Services Our environmental specialists understand federal, state, and local ... Summary DOWL is seeking a mid-level career Architectural Historian to join our Cultural Resources ...

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Local Historian information

See salary details

$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.
Project Architectural Historian

Project Architectural Historian

WSP

Louisville, KY • On-site

$73K - $97K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 57 rated business consultants

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Project Architectural Historian for ourLouisville, KYoffice. Lexington, KY will also be considered.  Be involved in projects with our Heritage & Cultural Resources, Earth & Environment Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client's objectives and resolves their challenges.

Projects include a wide range of federal, state, and commercial clients with many new opportunities and interesting project locations. WSP Project Architectural Historians are field survey leaders, detailed researchers, and authors of technical reports. This position is a full-time, salaried position with benefits and opportunities to advance. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.
 

Your Impact
  • Perform basic professional architectural history work relating to cultural resource management, assist in research, report writing, and documentation of above-ground historic resources.  
  • Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures during resource surveys.
  • Utilize National Park Service (NPS) and Secretary of the Interior's guidance in evaluating the potential significance of above-ground resources and in determining effects of a project upon historic properties.
  • Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise reporting, evaluation, and documentation.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by company needs.
Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • BA/BS required, MA/MHP preferred in Historic Architecture, Historic Preservation, History, or related degree.
  • 3 to 5 years of relevant post-education experience working as an historian, architectural historian, or similar role.
  • Meet the Secretary of the Interior Standards (36 CFR 61) in Architectural History and/or History. 
  • A thorough understanding of National Register of Historic Places Criteria for recommendations and justifications for historic significance.
  • Good organizational skills and familiarity with standard office computer applications.
  • Excellent writing skills. A writing sample will be requested.
  • Skills directly associated with standard above-ground historic architectural and cultural historic surveys including familiarity with historic American architectural forms, styles and details, archival research, standard documentation of field investigations, preparation of architectural reports including resource descriptions, historic context, determinations of significance, and effects assessments following NPS guidance.
  • Familiarity and/or experience with Historic Maintenance and Treatment Plans/Historic Structure Reports.
  • Ability to address project research questions through a synthesis of data from the field, analysis of archival research, and incorporation of relevant published research.
  • Possess a valid driver's license and pass a background check.
     

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A minimum of two years of demonstrable experience in Cultural Resource Management. 
  • A technical skill or specialty such as, but not limited to, American architecture, historic bridges, cultural landscapes, cemetery investigations, archival research, preservation planning, HABS/HAER/HALS recordation, National Register nominations, GIS, etc.
     

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About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand.  Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. 

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