Historian Job Description Template

Historian Job Description

Intro Paragraph: To start your job description, first describe the open historian position and which type of candidate would make a good fit. This will help prospects determine if the work aligns with their interests and represents what they’re looking for in a job. For example, you could write something like:

Our organization is searching for a historian to join our [research specialty] team. We are looking for someone passionate about preserving historical data and artifacts and studying the effects of political, economic, and cultural pressures on the human condition. The ideal candidate will be just as comfortable studying and working independently as they are speaking publicly on our organization’s behalf and participating in conferences. If you are an experienced historian who would like to oversee our organization’s data preservation and contribute to public forums and publications on our behalf, we encourage you to apply.

About Our Organization: In addition to an overview of the role itself, historian job candidates also want to know what it’s like to work for your company and team. You will have an easier time attracting good-fit candidates if you include information about what makes working for your company unique, such as your company culture or the type of work you do.

List information such as:

• If you give employees promotions or raises.
• How you invest in their professional development (courses, training, etc.)
• Interesting projects you’ve worked on in the past or are taking on.

This helps candidates decide if they want to apply for your position or would fit well at your organization and on your team. Also, keep in mind this is especially true when hiring Gen Z and Millennials, who value strong work cultures and a sense of community at the office.

Historian Job Responsibilities: The specific job responsibilities you expect of the historian you hire will vary depending on your organization’s needs. Use this general list of suggestions as a jumping-off point and edit them as you see fit:

• Plan, research, and lead historic preservation initiatives in alignment with organizational objectives.
• Keep track of and preserve historical data and artifacts.
• Ensure archives are organized and up to date.
• Log and archive historical evidence, such as interview transcripts, audio recordings, and video footage.
• Educate the public by sharing knowledge in academic journals and at libraries, universities, and other institutions.
• Interview other subject matter experts for additional insight and collaboration opportunities.

Work Hours and Benefits: After you list the main job responsibilities, add a section to your historian job description that notes which hours the hired candidate will work. For example, is it a full- or part-time role? Will they work from 9 am to 5 pm? Also, mention if your organization allows employees a flexible work schedule. Since historians often do a lot of solo work, they might appreciate the option to work from home occasionally.

This is also a great place to include the benefits and perks you offer. Candidates will want to know whether you provide extras, such as:

• comprehensive healthcare packages
• commuting stipends
• childcare
• gym discounts

Include salary range information if you know it. You might be required to include this information if your state is listed under the salary range transparency laws, but regardless, candidates want to know if the salary is in line with their expectations before going through the interview process.

Historian Qualifications and Skills: There are a wide variety of skills and qualifications that can be useful in helping candidates succeed as a historian. Edit this list to match your needs:

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and writing skills.
• Analytic mindset and solid problem-solving skills.
• Good organization and intrapersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Passionate about learning and research.
• Knowledge about preserving historical data and artifacts.

Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in history, or a related field.
• Three years’ experience as a historian or similar role.
• Relevant industry certifications in their field of study.

Call to Action: End your historian job description with a clear call to action, such as “apply here” or “learn more.” You don’t want qualified candidates confused about how to apply.