ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Maritime History Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMaritime History Jobs

Maritime History information

See salary details

$30.5K

$58.1K

$83K

How much do maritime history jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for maritime history in the United States is $58,099.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Maritime History job?

A Maritime History job involves researching, analyzing, and interpreting historical events related to oceans, ships, trade, and naval affairs. Professionals in this field work in academia, museums, government agencies, or marine archaeology, studying how maritime activities shaped societies. They may write books, curate exhibits, or advise on historical preservation efforts. Many roles require expertise in archival research, historical methods, and even fieldwork such as shipwreck exploration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Maritime History position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Maritime History, you need strong research skills, advanced knowledge of maritime events and traditions, and typically a graduate degree in history or a related field. Familiarity with archival databases, historical texts, and citation management tools like EndNote or Zotero is essential. Excellent analytical thinking, clear writing, and public speaking abilities distinguish top professionals in this field. These skills ensure accurate scholarship, effective dissemination of findings, and meaningful contributions to historical understanding and preservation.

What is a typical work environment like for someone working in Maritime History?

Professionals in Maritime History often work within museums, universities, research institutions, or governmental heritage organizations. Daily tasks may include conducting archival research, preparing scholarly publications or exhibits, collaborating with curators or other historians, and delivering lectures or presentations. The work can be both independent and highly collaborative, especially when preparing exhibitions or participating in interdisciplinary research projects. Some roles may also involve travel to historic sites or maritime archives for source material. This environment offers opportunities for both scholarship and public engagement, contributing to a dynamic and rewarding career.

More about Maritime History jobs
What cities are hiring for Maritime History jobs? Cities with the most Maritime History job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Maritime History jobs? The most popular types of Maritime History jobs are:
What states have the most Maritime History jobs? States with the most job openings for Maritime History jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Maritime History jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Maritime History jobs are:
Maritime History jobs near you
Infographic showing various Maritime History job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,099 per year, or $27.9 per hour.
Historian/Destination Speaker

Historian/Destination Speaker

American Cruise Lines

Portland, ME • On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Historian/Destination Speaker
American Cruise Lines, the world's leading small ship cruise line, is adding to its team of onboard Historians and Destination Speakers and is looking for passionate individuals to enhance the onboard experience. Discover the best of America and the country's most beautiful waterways while visiting the unique cities and towns along the way. American Cruise Lines' guests are well-traveled individuals looking for a destination-focused adventure, where they will have the opportunity to explore the history, culture and natural scenery of each unique port visited. Our Historian and Destination Speakers play an integral role in the guest experience through educational presentations, underway commentary, port overviews, casual talks and group discussions.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.
General Qualifications:
  • Extremely polished public speaking skills required.
  • Excellent and polished presentation skills.
  • Extraordinarily knowledgeable of the history, geography, ecology, ports of call, and other points of interest within the cruise itinerary.
  • Strong interpersonal and social skills required.
  • Must possess a strong sense of production and presentation.
  • Must be enthusiastic, outgoing, confident, friendly, sociable, service-minded, and always have a can-do attitude.
  • Excellent time management and attention to detail.

Region-specific Minimum Requirements Include:
West Coast Itineraries (with extensive knowledge of either)
  • Puget Sound & Alaska - Topics should include Marine Wildlife, Glaciers & Ice Fields, Native American & Alaskan Native Cultures, Geology, Forests & Ecosystems, Exploration & Settlement, and The Fishing & Seafood Industry.
  • The Columbia & Snake Rivers - Topics should include Lewis & Clark, Native American Culture, Geology, Wildlife & Ecology, Wine & Agriculture, and Hydropower & Dams, Mt. St. Helens, the Oregon Trail and River Navigation.

Mississippi River (& Tributaries) Itineraries
  • Extensive knowledge of the Upper or Lower Mississippi, Ohio, or Tennessee & Cumberland Rivers.
  • Topics should include The Civil War & Historic Battles, The Louisiana Purchase, Agriculture & Industry, River Navigation, Music & Cultural Contributions, Culinary Traditions, Native American Cultures, Mark Twain & Literature, Floods & River Management, and Architecture & Historic Homes.

East Coast Itineraries (with extensive knowledge of either)
  • New England - Topics should include Colonial History, Maritime Heritage, The Revolutionary War, Lighthouses & Navigation, Literary & Artistic Contributions, Lobstering & Fishing Industry, Architectural Styles, Whaling, and Culinary Traditions.
  • Chesapeake Bay - Topics should include Jamestown, Williamsburg & Early American History, Native American Cultures, Maritime Heritage, The Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, The Civil War and Crabbing & Oystering.
  • The Historic South - Topics should include Colonial & Antebellum History, The Civil War, The Revolutionary War, Gullah Culture & Heritage, Architectural Styles & Historic Homes, Southern Literature, the Civil Rights Movement, Maritime History, Southern Culinary Traditions and Southern Gardens & Horticulture.
  • Florida - Topics should include the Spanish Exploration, Native American History, The Everglades & Ecosystems, Pirates & Maritime History, Marine Wildlife, Hemingway & Literature, Architectural Styles, and Hurricanes & Weather Patterns.

Great Lakes Itineraries
  • Topics should include Native American Cultures, French & British Exploration, The War of 1812, Maritime Heritage & Shipwrecks, Lighthouses & Navigation, Immigration & Industry, Architecture & Historic Cities, Music & Artistic Contributions, Culinary Traditions and Wildlife & Ecology.

Responsibilities:
  • Provide daily formal presentations (45-60 mins each).
  • All presentations should be supported by PowerPoint visuals.
  • Provide narration/commentary while the ship is underway from port to port during daylight hours, broadcast over the ship's PA system to public lounges, outer decks and into guest staterooms.
  • Present daily 15-20 min Port Previews and Q&A for all ports of call included on the cruise.
  • Participate in daily hosting of Shore Excursions providing coach commentary when needed.
  • Dine with guests each evening.
  • Be available to guests throughout the day and evening for one-on-one chats and socialization.

Work Schedule:
  • 7 Days per week while onboard the ship.
  • Weeks working and living onboard the ship range depending on candidate availability and regional needs.
  • Covered Expenses - American Cruise Lines provides travel to and from your assigned vessel, along with room and board.

Attributes for Success:
  • Passion for building relationships and speaking about American history.
  • Ability to engage guests throughout each cruise.
  • Sense of urgency in all guest, crew, and home office requests.
  • Positive attitude and receptive to continuous performance feedback.
  • Basic knowledge of audio/visual equipment.

*Job sites across the nation*

Apply