HISTORIAN
Historian is a competitive local-government title, the kind you test for: the exam result, not a hiring manager's pick, decides where you land in line.
You can qualify with a bachelor's degree or, if you do not have one, by piling up more experience instead.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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Historian is a local service title. It is filled by the counties, municipalities, authorities and other employers that have adopted civil service under Title 11A, not by State departments. Those employers set pay by ordinance or contract rather than from a State salary schedule, which is why most local titles carry no salary range here.
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Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under direction, does the professional work involved in preparing a chronological account or record of past or current events dealing with the community; assembles historical data by consulting various sources of information; organizes and evaluates the importance of data; publicizes the historical events through lectures, writing or other media; does other related work.
Examples of work
Performs research to obtain accurate and factual historical data through libraries, newspapers and/or other sources. Answers inquiries and supplies historical information. Maintains liaison and promotes cooperation with public and private agencies in the community. Plans and conducts historical demonstration projects. Prepares news articles about the historical data and highlights of current events. Prepares booklets about the history and highlights of the community, its officials, and significant organizations and institutions. Prepares files of historical material. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of the methods used to collect and analyze extensive historical data. Knowledge of research techniques. Ability to prepare correspondence. Ability to make oral and written presentations. Ability to evaluate the significance of historical data. Ability to maintain records and files. Ability to gather and compile information. Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Six (6) years of experience as a professional librarian or in research work involving the collection, evaluation and interpretation of data for presentation or in work involved in the collection, analysis and dissemination of information in a public relations and/or publicity program. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.