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Personal Historian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant

Birmingham, AL ยท On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

STA-Office of The Historian Opening Date: 05/15/2026 FLSA: Non-Exempt Welcome to Samford University ... personal information. This application will be saved and used to apply for future job openings.

... expand personal knowledge in automation systems such as emerging PLC technologies, Industrial Cybersecurity, Virtualization, Augmented Reality, Big Data Integration / Historian Systems and IIoT ...

... historian based solutions. Work directly with business stakeholders, data consumers, and data ... Generous PTO which includes vacation, holidays, and unlimited personal time * Grow With Us: Ongoing ...

... expand personal knowledge in automation systems such as emerging PLC technologies, Industrial Cybersecurity, Virtualization, Augmented Reality, Big Data Integration / Historian Systems and IIoT ...

IT Systems Specialist

Scottsdale, AZ ยท On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Familiarity with communication protocols (Modbus, DNP3, OPC UA/DA), or SCADA/EMS historian ... This role is eligible to earn an annual cash bonus, subject to personal and company performance ...

Showing results 21-40

Personal Historian information

See salary details

$30.5K

$86.3K

$137.5K

How much do personal historian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for personal 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 is a personal historian?

A personal historian is a professional who helps individuals, families, or organizations record and preserve their personal stories, memories, and histories. They typically conduct interviews, gather photographs or memorabilia, and organize the material into written narratives, audio recordings, or video documentaries. Personal historians play a vital role in capturing life experiences for future generations, often producing family memoirs, biographies, or legacy projects. Their work ensures that personal and family histories are documented and cherished. Services can be tailored to different needs, from simple oral history recordings to professionally published books.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a personal historian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Personal Historian, you need strong interviewing, research, and storytelling abilities, typically supported by a background in writing, history, or journalism. Familiarity with audio/video recording equipment, transcription software, and digital archiving tools is often required. Excellent listening skills, empathy, and attention to detail help build trust and capture authentic life stories. These skills are crucial for preserving accurate, meaningful personal histories that resonate with clients and their families.

What are some common challenges a personal historian might face when working with clients to document their life stories?

Personal Historians often encounter challenges such as helping clients recall specific memories, navigating sensitive or emotional topics, and ensuring that the narrative remains authentic to the individual's voice. Building trust and creating a comfortable environment is essential for clients to share openly. Additionally, organizing and verifying historical materials like photos or documents can require patience and strong attention to detail. Collaboration with family members and adapting to each client's communication style are also important aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Personal Historian vs Genealogist?

AspectPersonal HistorianGenealogist
Required CredentialsWriting skills, research experience, sometimes certifications in history or writingResearch skills, knowledge of genealogy, certifications like Certified Genealogist
Work EnvironmentClient meetings, interviews, writing sessions, often freelance or self-employedArchives, libraries, online databases, often employed by genealogical organizations
Industry UsagePersonal storytelling, life history projects, memoirsFamily history research, building family trees, historical records analysis

While both roles involve research and storytelling, a Personal Historian focuses on crafting personal life stories and memoirs for clients, often emphasizing narrative and interview techniques. A Genealogist specializes in tracing family histories through records and databases. The two roles may overlap in research skills, but their primary goals and work environments differ significantly.

More about Personal Historian jobs

What states have the most Personal Historian jobs?

States with the most job openings for Personal Historian jobs include:

Infographic showing various Personal Historian job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,335 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Architectural Historian - Mid/Senior Level (Hybrid)

Barr Engineering Co.

Albuquerque, NM โ€ข On-site

$96K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 hours ago


Job description

The role - what you'll do
Barr is seeking a full-time architectural historian to join and cultivate our growing cultural resource management practice across the United States, primarily in the Midwest and Southwest. Our program offers a wide range of services, including cultural surveys, testing, data recovery, built environment documentation, cultural report preparation, and internal review to support project compliance with local, state, and federal antiquities laws. The person in this position will work with Barr scientists and engineers, clients, regulatory agencies, and other cultural resources professionals to manage projects and address architectural history needs.
A successful candidate for this role enjoys managing multiple deadlines while consistently enacting high-performance standards on a wide variety of projects. They are intrinsically motivated with a client-service mindset and are interested in developing and mentoring other staff. This person can juggle conflicting priorities while working both independently and on a collaborative team.
Your impact - key responsibilities
  • Project management: prepare and review scopes of work and budgets for all phases of projects. Oversee architectural history-related projects from inception to completion, including budget and task management.
  • Background research: complete thorough background research and prepare historic contexts as necessary for both the Midwest and Four Corners regions.
  • Fieldwork: conduct and support built environment field studies.
  • Analysis: utilize data from field studies to inventory and perform contextual analysis of aboveground resources.
  • Reporting: prepare recommendations of eligibility and reports in alignment with National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) standards. Conduct reviews of reports to ensure quality standards.
  • Permitting: assist with permit applications and other technical writing, such as NEPA documentation.
  • Staff development: support the growth and development of team members.
  • Collaboration: build and sustain strong relationships with clients, regulatory personnel, and internal teams. Collaborate across disciplines to align technical approaches with client goals while contributing to a positive, inclusive team culture.

About the opportunity
  • Hybrid: a hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position is based out of Barr's Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Utah, or Washington offices.
  • Travel requirement: willingness to travel and periodically adjust personal schedule to meet project and team needs (including up to 30%; needs will vary seasonally and over time).
  • Work environment: applicants must be able to work in an office environment and perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants must also be able to work in locations with terrain typical of agricultural and urban sites, as well as in locations with limited accessibility, moving traffic, and other conditions typical of agricultural and urban settings. Job assignments may involve work on historical homesteads, dams, or mine sites. Some work locations may also feature rough terrain, steep slopes, and dense vegetation. An OSHA-mandated physical exam may be required; safety training will be provided.

About you - required core competencies
  • Education: master's degree from an accredited college or university in architectural history, historic preservation, public history, history, or a related field.
  • Experience: minimum 8 years of experience as an architectural historian.
    • Demonstrated experience with NEPA, Section 106, and other local, state, and federal regulations regarding cultural resources.
    • Experience working through all steps of the Section 106 review process (initiate, identify, assess effects, and resolve adverse effects).
    • Superior writing, editing, and communication skills.
  • Permitting: ability to obtain required permits to perform architectural surveys on federal, state, tribal, local, and public land in the Four Corners or Midwest.
  • Software: experience using MS Office suite (Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook) and cultural resource databases.
  • Driver's license: possession of a current, valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future

Helpful additional experience (not required)
  • Experience working in a consulting environment.
  • Familiarity with architectural styles of the Midwest and/or Southwest.
  • Demonstrated success in business development activities, including client engagement and business opportunities.
  • Working knowledge of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
  • Working knowledge of mapping and ArcGIS-related programs.

Compensation
Anticipated range of $86,000-$115,000 annually. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees in this position may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This position is classified as exempt (salaried) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
#LI-Hybrid
Benefits - what we offer
We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.
  • Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
  • Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock
  • Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders
  • Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities
  • Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave
  • Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities

Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.
About us - why choose Barr
At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.
As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success.
To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture
Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines. Barr Engineering Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.