Summary

This position supports both the Assistant Director for Museum Management and the Assistant Director for Library Services and contributes directly to the organization's institutional knowledge, collections documentation, historical interpretation, and digital modernization initiatives. The duties advance the Department's mission to preserve, interpret, and communicate the history to internal and external audiences.

Duties

Help

The duties and responsibilities for a GS-0170-Historian-14 generally include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Review and verify sources of historical facts and develops comprehensive narrative.
• Identify and assess historical evidence contained in Federal record depositories.
• Research historical documents and records.
• Plan and execute special studies.
• Review and preserve historical agency documents and related artifacts.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

• You must be a United States Citizen or National.
• You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check which includes a drug screening.
• You may be required to complete a one-year probationary period. See "Additional Information" section for specific details.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
• A USA Hire assessment is required. An email will be sent with additional information after you submit your application. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement to complete the assessment.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position of Historian, at GS-0170-14, you must meet the qualification requirements listed below.

Basic Requirement:

A. Degree: history; or related field that included at least 18 semester hours in history. Though a specific degree level isn't shown as a requirement, a master's degree or higher is preferred.

or

B. 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, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

For the GS-14: Specialized Experience: For the GS-14, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service which demonstrates responsibility for researching files, archives or library collections which identify the analytical integration of archival materials or physical artifacts.

No Substitution allowed at the GS-14 grade level.

You MUST meet all qualification requirements by the 10/09/2026 of this announcement.

Your resume must support your responses to the online questionnaire and the qualification requirements. Failure to do so may result in an ineligible rating.See the Required Documents section for important notes about what must be included in your resume.

After you submit your application, you will receive notification indicated whether or not the USA Hire assessment is required. You will have 48 hours from the closing date of this announcement 10/09/2026 to complete the assessment which is part of your application.

Education

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements, please see the statements below.

Education must be reviewed and certified by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, in order for it to be creditable towards your qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from accredited institution.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

Additional information

Additional selections may be made from this announcement.

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.

Career Transition Programs (CTAP or ICTAP):

These programs apply to Federal and/or DOJ employees who meet the definition of surplus or displaced from a position in the competitive service. To receive selection priority for this position, you must:

1. Meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria;
2. Be rated well-qualified for the position [with a score of 85 or above OR rated Highly Qualified] based on the competencies listed above; and
3. Submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility.

Probationary Period: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

1) your performance and conduct;

2) the needs and interests of the agency;

3) whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and

4) whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

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.

Continue Additional Information:

Note: In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201(b) certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance Act.

This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.

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.