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Public Historian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

347 Group, Inc.

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Architectural Historian

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$52K - $68.64K/yr

Master of Arts (evidence of completion or nearly completed) in Historic Preservation, Public ... Compensation based on experience. (Architectural, Historian, GIS, Historic Preservation, Cultural ...

Headquarters, Air Force Reserve Command

$106.44K - $138.37K/yr

... public interest. * Must attend and successfully complete the Historian Training Course within 9 ... months of being hired. * Mobility is a condition of employment, the employee must sign an Air Force ...

Timmons Group

Architectural Historian

Richmond, VA · On-site

The Architectural Historian is responsible for conducting investigations involving historic ... and the public. * Ability to work on simultaneous tasks while meeting project deadlines and ...

ProSidian Consulting

Historian (A027)

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

... Public Services | Information Technology, Media, And Telecommunications | Life Sciences & Health Care | Manufacturing And Operations | Nuclear and Environmental | Professional Services |, etc. Learn ...

Olsson

Architectural Historian

Colorado Springs, CO

Public Engagement and Outreach:  Organizing public meetings and workshops to gather community ... Historian * Practical experience in archaeological or historical research, cultural resource ...

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Olsson

Architectural Historian

Fayetteville, AR

Public Engagement and Outreach:  Organizing public meetings and workshops to gather community ... Historian * Practical experience in archaeological or historical research, cultural resource ...

New

Olsson

Architectural Historian

Little Rock, AR

Public Engagement and Outreach:  Organizing public meetings and workshops to gather community ... Historian * Practical experience in archaeological or historical research, cultural resource ...

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All JobsPublic Historian Jobs

Public Historian information

See salary details

$30.5K

$86.3K

$137.5K

How much do public historian jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for public 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 Public Historian, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Historian, you need expertise in historical research, interpretation, and public engagement, typically supported by an advanced degree in history or public history. Experience with digital archives, museum collection software, and project management tools is often required, along with knowledge of preservation standards. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and storytelling skills help public historians make history accessible and relevant to diverse audiences. These competencies are vital for preserving historical integrity while engaging the public and supporting educational outreach.

What are some typical challenges public historians face when working with diverse community groups on historical projects?

Public historians often collaborate with a wide range of community groups, each with their own perspectives and interests regarding historical interpretation. A common challenge is balancing differing viewpoints and ensuring that all voices are represented accurately and respectfully. Effective public historians must employ strong communication and facilitation skills to build trust, navigate sensitive topics, and mediate conflicts. This collaborative approach not only enriches the historical narrative but also fosters meaningful community engagement and learning.

What are public historians?

Public historians are professionals who interpret and present history to the public outside of traditional academic settings. They work in museums, archives, historic sites, government agencies, and community organizations, making history accessible and relevant to diverse audiences. Public historians often engage in activities such as curation, exhibit design, oral history projects, and educational programming. Their work helps communities understand and connect with their past, ensuring that history is preserved and communicated in meaningful ways.

What is the difference between Public Historian vs Museum Curator?

AspectPublic HistorianMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in History, Public History, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Museum Studies, History, or related field
Work EnvironmentHistorical sites, government agencies, community organizationsMuseums, galleries, cultural institutions
Employer & Industry UsagePublic history projects, educational programs, archivesExhibition planning, collection management, curation

Public Historians focus on making history accessible to the public through education, outreach, and preservation projects, often working in community or government settings. Museum Curators primarily manage collections, develop exhibitions, and oversee museum operations. While both roles require history-related credentials and involve public engagement, Public Historians emphasize community-based projects, whereas Museum Curators concentrate on collection and exhibit management.

More about Public Historian jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Historian jobs? Cities with the most Public Historian job openings:
What states have the most Public Historian jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Historian jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Historian jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Historian jobs are:
Public Historian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Historian job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,335 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
As Needed Architectural Historian / Historian

As Needed Architectural Historian / Historian

HELIX ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING, INC.

San Diego, CA

$24 - $48/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description

Preserve California's history-one project at a time.
HELIX Environmental Planning is seeking an As-Needed Architectural Historian / Historian to support cultural resources and built-environment studies throughout Southern California. This As-Needed Architectural Historian / Historian role is ideal for a San Diego-based professional who enjoys a balance of field surveys, archival research, and technical documentation in a flexible, project-driven environment.


Why HELIX?

HELIX is a California-based, employee-owned environmental consulting firm known for technical excellence, collaboration, and meaningful work. Our Cultural Resources team supports public and private projects across the state, delivering high-quality, defensible studies that meet local, state, and federal requirements. As an As-Needed Architectural Historian / Historian, you'll work alongside experienced cultural resources professionals on diverse and engaging projects.


Day in the Life of an As-Needed Architectural Historian / Historian

As an As-Needed Architectural Historian / Historian, you may conduct built-environment field surveys in San Diego and Riverside counties, perform in-person and online historical research, and prepare DPR 523 forms. You'll assist with technical reports and coordinate with cultural resources specialists, environmental planners, clients, subconsultants, and agency staff. Because this is an as-needed position, hours will vary based on project demand.


Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct architectural history and built-environment field surveys
  • Perform historical research using San Diego-area archives and public records
  • Prepare California DPR 523 series forms and supporting documentation
  • Assist with cultural resources technical reports
  • Communicate effectively with HELIX staff, clients, and agency personnel

Schedule & Location

  • As-needed, hourly position - no guarantee of hours, but estimating 10 hours/week
  • San Diego-based with local field assignments
  • Variable hours depending on workload
  • Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive a HELIX vehicle

Pay

  • $24-$48 per hour, based on experience and qualifications

Apply Today

If you're ready to contribute as an As-Needed Architectural Historian / Historian and enjoy flexible, meaningful cultural resources work, apply through the HELIX website. A writing sample may be requested as part of the selection process.

Equal Opportunity Employer
HELIX is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and an inclusive work environment. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply regardless of gender, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service or veteran status. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.


PM21

Requirements

 Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in History, Architectural History, or closely related field (or equivalent experience)
  • Familiarity with historic preservation and cultural resources regulations in California
  • Experience conducting historical research in San Diego (e.g., building permits, assessor records, local archives)
  • Strong research, writing, organizational, and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience authoring historic contexts
  • Experience preparing California DPR forms

Apply