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Comprehensive Historian Job Description, Duties, Responsibilities, Requirements, and Qualifications

Comprehensive Historian Job Description, Duties, Responsibilities, Requirements, and Qualifications
September 27, 2025

Delve into the fundamental qualifications, critical tasks, primary responsibilities, and essential skills that should be highlighted in a detailed Historian job description.

What does a Historian do?

Historians are people who study events from the past. They do this by looking at old books, papers, and objects. Their job is to find out what really happened in the past and share this information with others.

Job Description

We are looking for someone who is good at thinking critically and pays close attention to details to be a historian. As a historian, you will need to make sure that the information you find is accurate, protect important objects and documents in museums or libraries, and study how history is connected to society, culture, and economics.

You will also have opportunities to share your knowledge with the public through exhibits and conferences, so being a good communicator is important.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Find old books, papers, and objects from libraries, archives, and artifacts.
  • Make sure the information you find is true.
  • Understand why the information is important.
  • Teach or do research at a university.
  • Translate old documents into easy-to-understand language.
  • Study how empires, countries, cities, or tribes developed over time.
  • Keep important objects and documents safe in museums or libraries.
  • Write for academic journals and present at conferences.
  • Explore how history is connected to society, culture, and economics.
  • Help with public exhibits.
  • Gather lots of information about historical figures to write their biographies.
  • Talk to experts to learn more about past events.

Requirements and Qualifications

  • Must have a Master's degree in history.
  • A Ph.D. is needed for research jobs.
  • Prior experience in a research role.
  • Good at thinking critically and analyzing information.
  • Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Great at working with others.
  • Organized and able to manage time well.

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