1

Research Historian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Historian (Seasonal)

Atlanta, GA · On-site +1

$25.57 - $33.24/hr

Summary This position provides Historian support to the park by researching, writing, and educating ... Research and document the park's historical and cultural resources to support park needs. * Teach ...

HDR is seeking a qualified, motivated Architectural Historian to join our growing Cultural ... research, review historical maps and aerial photographs, compile required equipment, GPS unit ...

HDR is seeking a qualified, motivated Architectural Historian to join our growing Cultural ... research, review historical maps and aerial photographs, compile required equipment, GPS unit ...

Architectural Historian

Irvine, CA · On-site

$93K - $116K/yr

LSA is seeking an Architectural Historian to work on a salary or hourly, project-hire basis in its ... Conduct fieldwork and archival research * Prepare historic context statements and eligibility ...

Architectural Historian

Irvine, CA · On-site

$93K - $116K/yr

LSA is seeking an Architectural Historian to work on a salary or hourly, project-hire basis in its ... Conduct fieldwork and archival research * Prepare historic context statements and eligibility ...

Research Assistant

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

STA-Office of The Historian Opening Date: 05/15/2026 FLSA: Non-Exempt Welcome to Samford University ... Description The Research Assistant for the Office of University Historian assists in all aspects of ...

Architectural Historian

Reno, NV · Remote

$35 - $40/hr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood is seeking an experienced Architectural Historian to work on-call ... Perform archival, informant, background, and digital historic research and prepare detailed ...

Job Summary The Architectural Historian serves as the lead technical expert for historic ... Conduct and oversee literature reviews, archival research, oral history interviews, historic ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Research Historian information

See salary details

$30.5K

$86.3K

$137.5K

How much do research historian jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for research 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 Does a Research Historian Do?

A research historian conducts extensive research on historical people, places, objects, and events to understand the past better. Your responsibilities in this career involve organizing data, collaborating with other researchers, preparing papers with your findings, and ensuring information is accurate. Your day-to-day duties are to review documents and artifacts, find relevant facts, evaluate the information, and present information through exhibits, documentaries, and other history programs. You may assist with developing guided tours and presentations, or you may focus on maintaining artifacts and files related to your research.

How much do research historians make?

Research historians typically earn a median annual salary of around $63,000, though salaries can range from approximately $40,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience, education, and employer. Those with advanced degrees and specialized skills in archival research or digital tools may earn higher wages, especially in academic or government positions.

What is the difference between Research Historian vs Archivist?

AspectResearch HistorianArchivist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in History or related field; research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Library Science, Archival Studies, or History
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, museumsArchives, libraries, museums, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, historical research, museumsPreservation, cataloging, managing historical records

Research Historians focus on analyzing historical data and producing research reports, often working in academic or museum settings. Archivists specialize in preserving, organizing, and maintaining historical records and documents. While both roles require knowledge of history, Research Historians are more involved in research and analysis, whereas Archivists focus on record management and preservation.

How to become a research historian?

To become a research historian, typically a bachelor's degree in history or a related field is required, followed by a master's or doctoral degree for advanced research roles. Developing strong research, analytical, and writing skills, along with proficiency in archival research and historical methods, is essential for success in this field.

Is there a high demand for historians?

The demand for research historians is generally moderate, with employment often tied to academic institutions, museums, archives, and government agencies. Job growth is expected to be slow, and competition can be high, so strong research, writing, and analytical skills are important for success in the field.

What are research historians?

Research historians are professionals who study and analyze past events, cultures, and societies by examining historical records, documents, and artifacts. They often work in academic, governmental, or private institutions to uncover new information, interpret historical data, and contribute to our understanding of history. Their work may involve conducting archival research, writing scholarly articles or books, and presenting findings at conferences. Research historians play a vital role in preserving historical knowledge and helping society learn from the past.

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

To thrive as a Research Historian, you need strong analytical skills, expertise in historical methods, and typically an advanced degree in history or a related field. Familiarity with archival research tools, digital databases, and citation management systems is crucial. Exceptional written communication, attention to detail, and critical thinking set outstanding historians apart. These skills ensure accurate interpretation, credible scholarship, and meaningful contributions to historical understanding.

What does a research historian do?

A research historian investigates and analyzes historical events, sources, and documents to understand and interpret the past. They often work with archives, libraries, and digital tools, and may produce reports, publications, or presentations based on their findings.

What are some common challenges faced by Research Historians when working on collaborative projects?

Research Historians often collaborate with archivists, librarians, and other subject matter experts, which can present challenges such as coordinating research methods, aligning on project objectives, and managing differing interpretations of historical sources. Effective communication and flexibility are key, as projects may require integrating diverse perspectives and reconciling conflicting data. Adapting to team dynamics and maintaining meticulous documentation ensures that historical research remains credible and cohesive throughout the project.
What cities are hiring for Research Historian jobs? Cities with the most Research Historian job openings:
What states have the most Research Historian jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Historian jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Research Historian jobs? For Research Historian jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Research Historian job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 16% Internship, 67% As Needed, 14% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,335 per year, or $41.5 per hour.
Historian (Seasonal)

Historian (Seasonal)

National Park Service

Atlanta, GA • On-site, Remote

$25.57 - $33.24/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 3 days ago


National Park Service rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 98 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

124th of 288 rated public sector bodies


Job description

Summary
This position provides Historian support to the park by researching, writing, and educating about historical resources of the park. The position will work under the Park's Interpretation program, but also in collaboration with Cultural Resources.
Likely Entry On Duty: October 2026
Open to the first 30 applicants.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 (EST) on the 07/24/2026 to be considered.
For more park(s) information, select "Learn more about this agency" below:
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
Duties:
  • Research and document the park's historical and cultural resources to support park needs.
  • Teach visitors about the park's history and cultural significance.
  • Collect and report field data on cultural resources, including sites, objects, and conditions.
  • Write reports, interpretive materials, and other educational content.
  • Help with projects such as oral histories, conservation work, archaeological surveys, and coordination with visiting specialists.

Physical Demands: The work is sedentary, but at times requires travel to repositories of information, and may require visits to remote sites which require walking or riding over rough, uneven surfaces. Documentary research and report writing work is sedentary, entails the ability to concentrate and write for long periods of time.
Work Environment: Most work is performed in offices, archives, and libraries. Assignments may entail work with dusty records or objects.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship required.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Males must meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement.
  • Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
  • You will be required to wear a uniform and comply with the National Park Service uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • You may be required to work overtime.
  • You must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license while employed in this position. Please indicate in your application whether you possess a valid State driver's license.

Qualifications
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-07/24/2026 (unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement).
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your 2 page resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect full and/or part-time or total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). If part-time, the hours must be annotated to be able to pro-rate the amount of qualified specialized experience. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. You may only submit one resume. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.
Qualifying experience may be obtained in the private or public sectors. The OPM Qualification Standards Handbook is available for review at: OPM Qualification Standards.
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-07/24/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
Credit will be given for all appropriate qualifying experience. To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST clearly indicate the nature of the duties and responsibilities for each position, starting and ending dates of employment (month/year), and the resume must reflect total number of hours worked (i.e., work 40+ hours a week, rather than indicating full-time). Part-time hours will be pro-rated to determine the amount of qualified specialized experience.
BASIC EDUCATION FACTOR: All candidates MUST meet the basic education below for the Historian position:
1) A degree in history; or related field that included at least 18 semester hours in history.
OR
2) Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in history, or a major in a related field that included at least 18 semester hours in history, plus appropriate experience or additional education. **Evaluation of Graduate Education - Graduate study in the social sciences or humanities may also be credited when such study included training in historical research methodology; or the thesis approached the subject from an historical viewpoint and used professional historical research methodology and techniques in its preparation.
Candidates who do not meet this basic requirement with proof of submitted transcripts by close of this announcement will receive no further consideration for this position. You must include transcripts.
AND To qualify for this position at the GS-7 grade level, you must also possess one of the following minimum qualifications:
1. Have at least one full year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-05 level in the federal government (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of the position.
Examples of specialized experience include:
  • Assisting in historical research such as literature reviews or on-site studies
  • Researching, writing, and conducting site documentation fieldwork
  • Participating in Section 106 reviews
  • Investigate undocumented cultural or historic sites

-OR-
2. Successfully completed at least one year of graduate-level education in history or related field of study.
-OR-
3.Have a Combination of Graduate Education and Specialized Experience. You must have successfully completed graduate level education and specialized experience as described above. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
ICTAP/CTAP Statement: Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level on all competencies.
Education
To qualify based on education, you must submit a legible copy of transcripts from an accredited institution with your name, school name, credit hours, course level, major(s), and grade-point average or class ranking. Transcripts do not need to be official, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.
If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet qualification requirements, you must show that your education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign education programs and that (1) deemed your education equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program, or (2) given full credit for courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.
Additional information
This job opportunity announcement will be used to fill one or more additional selections at anytime without notification.
Click here for the OPM Salaries and Wage to calculate locality pay.
Non-Competitive Rehire Eligibility: Temporary seasonal employees can only maintain their non-competitive rehire eligibility if they work no more than a combined total of Temporary NTE less than 1560 hours anywhere in the National Park Service (NPS) within their established service year. Accordingly, non-competitive rehire eligibility allows for re-appointment to the same position or another position appropriate for temporary appointment with the same qualification requirements (5 CFR 316.402[b][7]), based on series and grade, anywhere in the major subdivision (NPS).
If you have held a temporary seasonal appointment in the past 12 months and have already worked the maximum temporary appointment less than 1560 hours during that period, you are still welcome to apply. However, please be aware that exceeding the limit of 1560 hours in your established service year will result in the loss of your non-competitive rehire eligibility.
The limit can be exceeded by working multiple temporary seasonal positions that result in a combined total greater than 1560 hours. The limit also can be exceeded by working a single temporary seasonal appointment that exceeds 1560 hours, unless granted an exception by OPM.
Employment may be terminated at any time due to fluctuations in funding levels, project needs, employee performance, or other considerations.
Additional Information:
A selectee receiving a first appointment to the Federal Government (Civil Service) is entitled only to the lowest step of the grade for which selected. The display of a salary range on this vacancy shall not be construed as granting an entitlement to a higher rate of pay.
This announcement may be used to fill additional positions if identical vacancies occur within 90 days of the issue date of the referral certificate.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

What National Park Service employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom