Historian Job Description

What is the job description of a Historian? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Historian? What does a Historian do?

Job description of a Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and present the past by studying a variety of historical documents and sources. Historians are academics and researchers who study events of the past. Their primary duties include obtaining historical data from libraries, archives and artifacts, determining the authenticity of historical data and teaching or researching at universities.

This Historian job description example includes the list of most important Historian duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Historian profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Historian Duties and Responsibilities

Historian job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Obtaining historical data from libraries, archives and artifacts.
  • Determining the authenticity of historical data.
  • Determining the significance of historical data.
  • Preserving artifacts and significant documents in museums or libraries.
  • Contributing to academic journals and presenting at conferences.
  • Studying history at the intersection of society, culture and economics.
  • Assisting and partaking in public exhibits.
  • Obtaining extensive information on historical figures for biographies.
  • Teaching or researching at universities.
  • Translating historical documents into a suitable language.
  • Researching the historical development of empires, countries, cities or tribes.
  • Interviewing subject experts to gain a deeper under understanding of historical events.

Historian Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Historian job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Bachelor's and Master's degree in History.
  • PhD necessary for research positions.
  • Experience in a research position.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Critical thinking ability and highly analytical mindset.
  • Outstanding attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
  • Good organizational skills.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Historian starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Historian job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Historian may also reference it in preparation for the interview.