Oral Historian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 880597 

Agency: Department of State

Working Title: DOS - HISTORIC PRESERVATIONIST SUPV - SES - 45001107

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 45001107 

Salary:  $52,000 - 55,000 annually 

Posting Closing Date: 08/02/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

Department of State

Historic Preservationist Supervisor - SES

Division of Historical Resources

Director's Office

Open Competitive

Minimum Qualifications:

• Six (6) years of direct experience working in archaeology, anthropology, history, public history, historic preservation, or a closely related field in the humanities or social sciences OR Master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in one or more of the aforementioned fields. A copy of college transcripts must be included if using education to qualify.
• Cover letter detailing how the applicant's skills and experience align with the posted position, not to exceed one page in length, along with current resume or CV and three professional references with current and complete contact information must be included with application.
• At least two years supervisory or project management experience in government, non-profit, academic, museum, or other cultural organization setting, or in cultural resources management field supervision.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to historic burials and historic preservation, including Chapter 872, Florida Statutes and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
• Experience researching or preserving historic cemeteries.
• Experience documenting research, including documenting research methods and results through writing reports of findings, permit applications, thesis or dissertations papers, public or peer reviewed articles, etc.
• Experience as a spokesperson or representative in a public-facing program.
• Experience translating technical information into plain language for stakeholders, including colleagues, officials, and the general public.
• Experience traveling to conduct site assessments of historical or archaeological resources
• Experience planning and participating in public outreach events.
• Experience adjusting a work schedule to accommodate evenings, weekends, and after-hours obligations, including workdays longer than 8 hours.
• Valid Driver's License.

Preferences:

• Advanced coursework with a focus on historic cemetery research in archaeology, anthropology, history, public history, or historic preservation.
• Experience researching historic cemeteries and working with descendent populations.
• Experience supporting a grants department or administering cemetery grants.
• Experience organizing public meetings, including keeping records and recording meeting minutes.
• Knowledge of Florida history and culture

Special Note:

Responses to qualifying questions must be clearly supported in your employment history.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• In coordination with the Office of Historic Cemeteries and Ancestry Program Administrator and Division leadership, implement established guidelines and drive ongoing growth of the Historic Cemeteries Program. Determine the future direction of the program and the best use of resources for continued success.
• Serve as the Historic Cemeteries Program Supervisor. Coordinate the activity of two direct reports in carrying out historical research and outreach to stakeholders to determine the history and location of historic and abandoned cemeteries throughout the state. Create SMART expectations in People First and monitor and evaluate employees on their performance.
• Work with the Florida Master Site File and the Florida Public Archaeology Network to publicize the online Historic Cemetery Inventory (HCI) submittal tool and ensure permanent retention of data in the Florida Master Site File. Conduct historical research and data gathering as needed. Coordinate with the Department of Education to develop lesson plans for new curriculum and with the University of South Florida's Black Cemetery Network to promote enrollment in the network.
• Support the DHR Grants Department through review of cemetery grant applications and deliverables.
• Manage the Historic Cemeteries Program Advisory Council with assistance from direct reports and administrative staff in the Director's Office, including scheduling council travel, planning meetings, ensuring required public notices are posted, producing agendas and ensuring meeting minutes are recorded.
• Travel to:
  • 1) confirm location and conditions of historic and abandoned cemeteries as reported,
  • 2) conduct outreach to partners and community groups to engage them in research, survey, and recording cemeteries, and
  • 3) gather information and oral histories of elders and others knowledgeable about historic and abandoned cemeteries.
• Additional duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of Florida history and culture.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to historic burials and historic preservation, including Chapter 872, Florida Statutes and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
• Ability to identify research and preservation needs for historic cemeteries.
• Ability to document research, including documenting research methods and results through writing reports of findings, permit applications, thesis or dissertations papers, public or peer reviewed articles, etc.
• Ability to translate technical information into plain language for stakeholders, including colleagues, officials, and the general public.
• Ability to act as a spokesperson in a public-facing program.
• Ability to travel, conduct site visits, and plan and participate in events related to the program and public outreach.
• Ability to adjust work schedule to accommodate evenings, weekends, and after-hours obligations, including workdays longer than 8 hours.
• Ability to stoop, squat, reach, bend, stretch, crawl, climb and/or twist.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS:  A Level 2 criminal background check is a condition of employment.  If selected for this position, you must provide your fingerprints.  We will send your fingerprints to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for a criminal background check.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

We are committed to enhancing our workforce through the employment of Veterans, individuals with disabilities and seek qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds, abilities, skills, and talents to join our workforce.

Male applicants born on or after January 1, 1960, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more informatio

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.