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  • Research Historian – State Historical Society of North Dakota, Bismarck, ND

Research Historian – State Historical Society of North Dakota, Bismarck, ND

  • 29 Sep 2026 11:04 AM
    Quote
    Message # 13722628
    Erica Houn

    Summary of Work

    As the Research Historian, you will join the team of the State Historical Society of North Dakota’s Audience Engagement & Museum Department in a position reporting to the Head of Curatorial Services. This is a rare opportunity to join a dynamic museum collections team.

    If you love research and working with the public, this is the perfect position for you! You will conduct research using museum and archival collections to meet the diverse needs of our audiences, including agency staff. Through in-depth research, you will create meaningful connections to the agency’s collections by enhancing database records and linking related materials throughout the State Historical Society's collections. If you enjoy public speaking, you will have opportunities to provide dynamic, engaging behind-the-scenes museum collections tours, give public presentations, and serve as the primary collections representative for media inquiries and stories. You will also work closely with a cross-departmental team to develop engaging exhibits and publications by providing knowledge and stories that relate to selected artifacts.

    Major responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

    • Research and enhance the information and understanding of the agency’s collections, including provenance, use, history, and story of objects.
    • Work collaboratively with a cross-departmental team to connect museum collections with organizational projects such as exhibits and publications.
    • Serve as a history ambassador. Give presentations and work with public groups to meet their needs related to collections information.
    • Write agency blogs, articles, and develop short video stories about collections items.
    • Work with Tribal Nation representatives during consultations and research requests. Assist with NAGPRA related duty of care procedures as needed.
    • Serve as a member of the agency’s museum collection committee.
    • Serve as a North Dakota historian for staff and public questions.
    Minimum Qualifications

    • A master’s degree in history, public history, museum studies, or related field, plus three years of experience as a museum curator or similar.
    • An understanding of museum procedures and collection management policy.
    • Proven experience in public speaking related to providing tours, media interviews, videos, or other related areas.
    • Three years of demonstrated success in writing exhibition text and/or labels.
    • Demonstrated experience with research papers or genealogy.
    • Proficient in Re:Discovery Proficio or a similar collections management database.
    Preferred Qualifications

    • An in-depth knowledge of North Dakota history.
    • Understanding of state government policies and procedures related to cultural resources, abandoned property, and records management.
    • Knowledge of NAGPRA regulations and consultation with Tribal Nations.
    About Team ND

    "Far and away the best prize life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

    More than 7,500 talented, hard-working people across sixty-three agencies have come together as Team North Dakota. At Team ND, we are driven to succeed through gratitude, humility, curiosity and courage. Our purpose is to empower people, improve lives, and inspire success. Join us in being legendary.

    Total Rewards: The State of North Dakota is committed to providing team members with a strong and competitive rewards package that support you, your health and your family.

    Considering a new position on Team ND? How does your current position stack up? Use our Total Rewards Calculator to estimate.

    Hiring Salary Range: $5,484-$6,030 monthly.

    Application Procedures 

    All applications must be submitted via the Career site at www.nd.gov/careers . Paper submissions are not accepted. Application packages must be submitted online by 11:59 PM CST on the closing date listed on the posting.

    Application packages must include cover letter, resume, and three work-related references. Application materials must clearly demonstrate how the applicant meets the minimum qualifications for the position. Application materials that do not clearly document the required education and/or experience may be deemed ineligible. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their materials clearly demonstrate that the minimum qualifications are met.

    Applicants will be scored on a 100-point candidate questionnaire to be considered for interviews; please provide detail in responses to the questionnaire. Applicants who experience difficulties during the application process should contact recruiter@nd.gov or 701.328.3290.

    Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State Historical Society does not provide Sponsorships.

    For more information or if you need accommodation or assistance in the application or selection process, contact Erica Houn at ehoun@nd.gov or 701.328.2327.

    Equal Opportunity Employer 

    The State of North Dakota and this hiring agency do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provisions of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.

    As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.

    Last modified: 29 Sep 2026 11:07 AM | Erica Houn
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