ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Oral History Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shaker Village

Oral History Intern

Harrodsburg, KY · On-site

$1.5K/wk

Additionally, the intern will learn how to research, write questions, and conduct their own oral history interviews to complete their internship. Topics that may be addressed in interviews include ...

Samford University

Research Assistant

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

Conduct and transcribe oral history interviews related to the university historian's current research projects. * Organize archival materials, digital files, oral histories, and bibliographic ...

Wisconsin

University Archives Assistant

Madison, WI · On-site

We run a robust Oral History Program, provide records management services, and serve as an educational resource encouraging administrative and scholarly research among students, faculty, staff, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOral History Researcher Jobs

Oral History Researcher information

See salary details

$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do oral history researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for oral history researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Oral History Researchers face when conducting interviews, and how can they overcome them?

Oral History Researchers often encounter challenges such as building trust with interviewees, navigating sensitive topics, and ensuring accurate representation of personal narratives. Establishing rapport and maintaining ethical standards are crucial, as participants may be hesitant to share personal experiences. Researchers can overcome these challenges by preparing thoroughly, practicing active listening, and creating a safe, respectful interview environment. Additionally, clear communication about the purpose and use of the interviews helps foster trust and transparency.

What is an Oral History Researcher?

An Oral History Researcher is a professional who collects, records, and interprets firsthand accounts from individuals to document and preserve personal experiences related to historical events, communities, or cultures. They conduct interviews, transcribe audio or video recordings, and analyze the narratives to provide valuable insights into the past that may not be found in traditional written records. Their work is important for preserving diverse perspectives and ensuring that personal stories contribute to our understanding of history.

What is the difference between Oral History Researcher vs Archivist?

AspectOral History ResearcherArchivist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in History, Anthropology, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Library Science, Archival Studies, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch projects, interviews, fieldwork, academic or museum settingsPreserving, organizing, and managing collections in archives, museums, or institutions
Industry UsageHistorical societies, museums, universities, research institutionsLibraries, museums, government agencies, cultural institutions
Common Search/ComparisonOral History Researcher vs Archivist

While both roles involve working with historical materials, an Oral History Researcher primarily conducts interviews and gathers firsthand accounts for research purposes. An Archivist focuses on preserving, organizing, and maintaining collections, including oral histories, for long-term access. The roles often overlap in historical institutions but differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Oral History Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Oral History Researcher, you need expertise in qualitative research methods, interviewing techniques, and a background in history or related fields, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with audio/video recording equipment, transcription software, and digital archiving systems is essential. Outstanding interpersonal skills, active listening, and ethical sensitivity help build trust with interview subjects and ensure accurate data collection. These skills and qualities are crucial for preserving authentic narratives and producing valuable historical documentation.
More about Oral History Researcher jobs
What cities are hiring for Oral History Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Oral History Researcher job openings:
What states have the most Oral History Researcher jobs? States with the most job openings for Oral History Researcher jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Oral History Researcher jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Oral History Researcher jobs are:
Oral History Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Oral History Researcher job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Intern, Oral History & Archives

Jazz at Lincoln Center

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$20/hr

Temporary

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

About Jazz at Lincoln Center:

The mission of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Inc. (“JALC”) is to entertain, enrich and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education, and advocacy. From college students to young stars, from working professionals to celebrated masters, we present quality jazz for an ever-increasing audience in an unprecedented range of activities and a variety of venues. We are dedicated to lifting audiences and bringing people together with substance and with integrity. JALC has created a dynamic platform where our key constituents – jazz artists (beginner to grizzled veteran), fans (casual listeners to advanced scholars), educators (local band leaders to leading artist-educators) and advocates (local community advocates to important national promoters) – can meet, engage, learn, and work towards common objectives.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a current undergraduate student, graduate student or recent graduate in Library Science, Oral History, History, or a related field to support the Jazz at Lincoln Center Archives team. This internship offers hands-on experience in archival digitization, oral history research, metadata management, and audiovisual documentation within a nonprofit arts organization.

The intern will assist with digitization projects, oral history interview preparation, metadata entry and cataloging, archival research, and audiovisual setup for recordings. By the end of the internship, the intern will gain practical experience with archival workflows, oral history project coordination, and digital asset management practices in a professional archive setting.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist with digitization of printed archival materials and photographs using Epson flatbed scanners
  • Support all phases of the Oral History Project, including research and interview preparation
  • Set up audiovisual equipment for oral history interviews and recordings
  • Enter metadata and catalog newly created oral history files and archival assets
  • Conduct archival and historical research related to oral history initiatives
  • Assist with organizing and maintaining digital archive records and materials
  • Fulfill tasks assigned by a supervisor
  • Make recommendations for process improvements
  • Perform administrative duties as needed

Qualifications:

  • Excellent organizational abilities and attention to detail
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to perform focused and repetitive tasks with accuracy
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
  • Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a graduate degree program in Library Science, Oral History, History, Archival Studies, or related fields
  • Basic proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel required

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Previous oral history or archival research experience
  • Previous scanning and digitization experience
  • Experience with Adobe Premiere Pro or video editing software
  • Experience with ArchivesSpace
  • Previous experience in an educational or music-focused environment
  • Knowledge of jazz history

What We Offer:

  • Hands-on experience in a non-profit, arts, and educational organization
  • Technical skills related to the industry
  • Mentorship from experienced staff and educators
  • A supportive and dynamic work environment
  • Opportunity for continued project involvement or internship extension based on departmental needs

Schedule & Commitment

  • Hours: 15 to 20 hours per week
  • Duration: 3-month internship with the possibility for extension
  • Flexibility: Interns will collaborate with their supervisor to establish a schedule that balances departmental needs with their personal or academic calendar
  • Location: This is a fully in-person role. Staff work on-site at either Jazz at Lincoln Center’s administrative offices (3 Columbus Circle) in New York City.

Jazz at Lincoln Center is an equal opportunity employer that affords equal opportunities to all applicants, employees, contractors, and other covered persons, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Jazz at Lincoln Center is committed to creating an inclusive, open, and respectful culture that reflects and embraces diversity.