Become a Historian for Justice: Join the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Team
Are you a dedicated historian with a passion for justice and international research? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is seeking a skilled Historian to contribute to the vital mission of the Human Rights Violators Law Division (HRVLD) within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Job Responsibilities
The selected Historian will serve as a regional expert, conducting academic and investigative research into 20th-century conflicts. Key duties include:
- Researching in foreign and domestic archives to locate records pertinent to human rights investigations.
- Analyzing primary sources to prepare detailed investigative reports.
- Synthesizing findings for various stakeholders, including law enforcement and legal teams.
- Documenting and tracking historical evidence to support immigration and criminal prosecutions.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet both basic and specialized requirements:
- A degree in history or a related field (with at least 18 semester hours in history).
- At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level.
- Proficiency in relevant regional languages is highly desirable.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive federal salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
| Benefit Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | $143,913 - $187,093 per year |
| Health Insurance | Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision |
| Retirement | TSP (401k-style) and Federal Pension |
| Leave | Paid federal holidays and annual leave |
This is a unique career opportunity to utilize your historical training for a significant public service cause. If you have the tenacity to uncover the truth and the research skills to make an impact, submit your application by the closing date.
Why This Historian Job Matters
Join the Human Rights Violators Law Division at ICE and play a pivotal role in identifying and investigating war criminals to uphold justice and national security.
Historian Job Overview
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is seeking a dedicated Historian to join the Human Rights Violators Law Division (HRVLD). Based in Washington, D.C., this specialist role supports high-stakes investigative research into 20th-century conflicts. The selected candidate will help build criminal and immigration cases against individuals involved in human rights violations, torture, and war crimes, ultimately ensuring that those who perpetrate such acts face the consequences under U.S. law.
Requirements for Historian
- U.S. Citizenship.
- A degree in history or a related field with at least 18 semester hours in history.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level or equivalent.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test.
- Submission of a concise, two-page resume.
- Ability to pass a background investigation involving credit and criminal checks.
Preferred Qualifications for Historian
- Advanced language proficiency in Arabic for Middle East specialists.
- Relevant language proficiency for specialists in Africa, the Balkans, Europe, or Latin America.
- Expertise in researching foreign, domestic, or international archives related to 20th-century conflicts.
- Demonstrated ability to synthesize and present complex research to diverse audiences.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement plan and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with matching potential.
- ✓Generous paid federal holidays and personal leave accrual.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements and telework opportunities.
- ✓Tuition reimbursement programs.
- ✓Fitness center access and wellness initiatives.
- ✓Student loan repayment incentives may be available.
💡 How to Apply Historian Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Historian Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the online Occupational Questionnaire.
- Upload a two-page resume that explicitly details your relevant experience, including hours worked per week and supervisor contact status.
- Submit official or unofficial college transcripts.
- Submit required documentation for veteran or ICTAP status, if applicable.
- Double-check that all materials are in English and submitted by the deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages; additional pages will not be reviewed.
- Do not copy and paste the job description text into your resume; provide specific, unique examples of your work.
- Clearly indicate your region of expertise and language proficiencies.
- Be descriptive about your research findings and how they contributed to projects.
- Ensure all contact information and dates are current and accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of the HRVLD?
The HRVLD investigates and supports the prosecution of individuals who have committed human rights violations, including war crimes and genocide, to hold them accountable under U.S. immigration and criminal law.
Is a Top Secret clearance required?
Yes, because the role involves sensitive investigative data, all candidates must successfully obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Job from Immigration And Customs Enforcement
The Human Rights Violators Law Division (HRVLD) is a specialized unit committed to ensuring that the United States is not a safe haven for those who have participated in war crimes, genocide, or other severe human rights abuses. As a component of ICE, the HRVLD works closely with investigative teams to identify and prosecute individuals responsible for atrocities. By joining this team, you are directly contributing to the preservation of global human rights and U.S. national security.