Lead the Legacy: Become a Supervisory Historian with the U.S. Coast Guard
Are you a dedicated history professional ready to lead at the federal level? The U.S. Coast Guard, a cornerstone of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is currently accepting applications for a Supervisory Historian at the GS-14 grade level. This high-profile role is located in the heart of Washington, D.C., and offers the rare opportunity to manage the historical programs that define one of the most storied maritime services in the world.
Job Responsibilities
As the Supervisory Historian, your work will be diverse and highly influential. Your core duties will include:
- Program Management: Overseeing the Coast Guard history program and aligning it with organizational objectives.
- Collection Oversight: Maintaining strict accountability for extensive archives, historical documents, and art collections.
- Leadership: Managing and mentoring subordinate staff, planning workflows, and providing professional development.
- Strategic Liaison: Representing the Coast Guard within the national historical community and collaborating with museums and societies.
- Advisory Services: Providing expert technical historical advice to service leadership.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must demonstrate significant experience and academic achievement:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Education: A degree in history or a related field with at least 18 semester hours in history.
- Experience: One full year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level.
- Documentation: All applicants must submit transcripts to prove education eligibility.
Requirements Overview Table
| Criteria | Requirement Type |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Mandatory (U.S.) |
| Education | Degree + 18 hours in History |
| Experience | 1 Year at GS-13 equivalent |
| Clearance | Non-Sensitive Background Check |
Salary Overview
This position is compensated at the GS-14 level, with a competitive annual salary range of $143,913 to $187,093. This structure reflects the high degree of responsibility and the specialized nature of the expertise required for the role.
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Homeland Security enjoy a robust benefits package, including:
- Retirement: Access to the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Insurance: A variety of federal health, dental, and life insurance plans.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous paid leave, federal holidays, and flexible work options.
- Development: Tuition reimbursement and continuous training programs.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limits: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this length will not be reviewed.
- Clarity is Key: Avoid copying duties from the job announcement; instead, use your own words to describe your impact.
- Detail Matters: Include specific dates (mm/yy) and average hours worked per week for every position listed on your resume.
This role is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced historian to steer the future of a major federal heritage program. If you have the passion, leadership skills, and historical background to guide the U.S. Coast Guard's legacy, submit your application before the October 7, 2026, deadline.
Why This Supervisory Historian Job Matters
Lead the narrative of our nation’s maritime legacy by stepping into a pivotal leadership role as the Supervisory Historian for the U.S. Coast Guard.
Supervisory Historian Job Overview
The U.S. Coast Guard, a vital component of the Department of Homeland Security, is seeking a seasoned Supervisory Historian (GS-14) to manage the Office of History and Heritage. Based in Washington, D.C., this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the preservation and dissemination of Coast Guard history. You will oversee historical archives, artifact collections, and artistic heritage, while serving as a key advisor to senior leadership. This position is perfect for a mission-driven professional eager to bridge the gap between historical research and operational policy in a prestigious federal environment.
Requirements for Supervisory Historian
- U.S. Citizenship
- Registration or exemption from Selective Service
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level or equivalent
- Positive education requirement (Degree in History or related field with at least 18 semester hours in history)
- Successful completion of a background investigation for Non-Sensitive clearance
- Direct deposit for federal salary payments
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Historian
- Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale archival and artifact collections
- Proven experience in developing work plans and overseeing staff performance
- Strong communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement
- Expertise in liaison activities with museums and historical societies
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent)
- ✓Generous personal leave and paid federal holidays
- ✓Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
- ✓Flexible work schedules and wellness programs
- ✓Access to on-site fitness centers
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Historian Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Historian Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages, ensuring it lists start/end dates and hours per week.
- Collect all required documentation, including transcripts and SF-50 forms.
- Submit your application through the online portal by the closing date.
- Monitor your email for a unique link if selected to complete the USA Hire Assessments.
- Check your application status via your USAJOBS account.
💡 General Tips
- Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; documents exceeding this will be excluded.
- Ensure transcripts are legible and include course titles, hours, and grades.
- Use clear, quantifiable examples of your leadership and historical management experience in your resume.
- Do not include personal information like SSN, DOB, or photos on your resume.
- If claiming Veterans' Preference, ensure your DD-214 is the Member 4 copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the education requirement for this role?
Candidates must have a degree in history, or a related field that includes at least 18 semester hours in history, or a combination of education and experience equivalent to such a major.
Can I substitute education for experience?
No, at the GS-14 level, education cannot be substituted for the required year of specialized experience.
What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on October 7, 2026.
Job from U.S. Coast Guard
The Department of Homeland Security works tirelessly to secure our nation’s borders, protect our transportation systems, and ensure the resilience of our communities. The U.S. Coast Guard is a vital component of this mission, serving both domestically and globally. Working within the Office of History and Heritage, you will play a crucial role in safeguarding the identity and traditions of the Coast Guard.