Launching Your Career as an Air Force Historian
Are you a history enthusiast looking to translate your academic background into a high-impact federal career? The Department of the Air Force offers a unique gateway for recent graduates through the PALACE Acquire (PAQ) program. This role as a Historian Intern is not just a job; it is a two-year professional developmental roadmap designed to sharpen your research skills and integrate you into the complex, storied history of the U.S. Air Force.
Job Responsibilities
As a Historian Intern, you will be performing a variety of tasks that build your foundational knowledge in historical methodology. Your daily work will involve:
- Answering complex requests for historical documentation from internal and external stakeholders.
- Acquiring, screening, and organizing material for Air Force archives.
- Assisting researchers and staff in locating sensitive archival items like microfilm and audio tapes.
- Applying modern protection methods to preserve historical documents.
- Contributing to special research projects that support leadership decision-making.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, you must be a recent graduate who has completed a degree within the last two years. Core requirements include:
- A Bachelor’s degree in History or a related field (with 18+ semester hours of history).
- Proof of Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) or a competitive GPA (2.95+ overall).
- U.S. Citizenship.
- A willingness to undergo a Secret security clearance process.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $50,460 - $77,460 annually |
| Career Progression | Potential up to GS-11 |
| Schedule Type | Intern, Full-Time |
| Training | Formal 2-year PALACE Acquire plan |
Application Tips
Applying for a federal position requires meticulous attention to detail.
- Resume Format: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages. If you submit a resume longer than this, the system will reject it.
- Documentation: Always double-check that your transcripts are legible and officially reflect your history credits.
- Assessments: The HireVue assessment is non-negotiable. If you skip this step, your application will be marked as incomplete.
Joining the Air Force as a Historian Intern offers the chance to preserve history while building a future in federal service. With a competitive salary range and a clear, managed path to career advancement, this is a top-tier choice for any history graduate. Start your application today to secure your place in the PALACE Acquire program.
Why This Historian Job Matters
Launch your career in federal heritage management with the Air Force's prestigious PALACE Acquire Internship program—where history meets global impact.
Historian Job Overview
The Department of the Air Force is seeking motivated Recent Graduates for the Historian Intern position under the PALACE Acquire program. This is a unique opportunity to gain formal, hands-on training in historical research, archival methodology, and the management of Air Force historical collections. Successful candidates will enter a two-year professional development track designed to transition interns into permanent federal careers. This role requires academic excellence and a passion for preserving the complex legacy of the United States Air Force.
Requirements for Historian
- Completion of a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an accredited institution within the previous two years (or by August 1, 2024).
- Bachelor's degree in History or a related field with at least 18 semester hours in history.
- Documented Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) or high-level GPA (2.95+ overall or 3.45+ in major).
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Submission of a formal, two-page maximum resume detailing hours worked per week.
- Completion of the online HireVue assessment.
Preferred Qualifications for Historian
- Experience in organizing information for research access.
- Knowledge of archival protection methods for delicate documents.
- Proficiency in archival principles and collection management software.
- Strong oral and written communication skills suitable for professional report generation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Formal two-year structured training plan.
- ✓Annual salary increases and structured promotion potential.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and life insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid federal holidays and generous leave accrual.
- ✓Pathway to permanent employment upon successful program completion.
💡 How to Apply Historian Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Historian Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account to start the application process.
- Complete the mandatory application questionnaire via the provided link.
- Register and complete the required HireVue assessment to remain eligible.
- Upload a two-page maximum resume including employment dates and hours worked.
- Attach official transcripts proving your degree and SAA requirements.
- Submit your final package before the September 30, 2027 deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less; longer resumes will result in disqualification.
- Ensure your resume includes clear start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position.
- Don't wait until the last minute; uploaded documents require time for virus scanning.
- Review your transcript against the 18-hour history credit requirement before applying.
- Follow the Air Force Civilian Careers link to ensure your HireVue profile is correctly linked to this announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent position?
This position is part of the PALACE Acquire Internship. While it begins as a formal training program, it is designed to lead to a permanent, full-time federal position upon successful completion of your training plan.
What if I have foreign education?
Foreign education is acceptable if you provide documentation verifying that your credentials are equivalent to a U.S.-accredited educational program.
Can I submit a cover letter?
Human Resources will only review your resume and required documentation. Please do not submit cover letters or extra documentation, as they will not be evaluated.
How do I know if I qualify for Superior Academic Achievement?
*A: You generally qualify if you ranked in the upper third of your graduating class, achieved a GPA of 2.95 or higher, or were elected to a national honor society.*
What is the PALACE Acquire Program?
*A: It is a civilian internship program offering a structured training path that leads to a permanent position in the Air Force.*
Job from Air Force Civilian Career Training
The mission of the United States Air Force is to fly, fight, and win. This vision relies on the strength of its Airmen and the integrity of its mission. As a civilian historian, you play a critical role in documenting the decisions, technology, and operations that keep the Air Force at the forefront of global security. This position is managed by the Air Force Personnel Center and provides a supportive environment for professional growth.