Historian: Shaping the Legacy of Air Force Special Operations
Have you ever wondered who documents the monumental shifts in military strategy and mission execution? The Air Force is currently seeking a highly skilled Historian for a vital position at Cannon AFB, New Mexico. This is not just a desk job; it is a front-row seat to the evolving history of the United States Air Force. If you are a history professional with a passion for research, military operations, and public service, this could be your next career milestone.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will do much more than archive records. Your responsibilities include:
- Research and Writing: Conducting in-depth research to document the history of the wing and tenant organizations.
- Advisory Services: Serving as a historical consultant to commanders and leadership staff.
- Fieldwork: Participating in contingency operations, potentially deploying to remote or high-threat locations to safeguard sensitive documentation.
- Outreach: Delivering lectures, conducting seminars, and facilitating oral history interviews with personnel.
Requirements
To succeed in this position, you must meet rigorous standards, including:
- A degree in history or a related field (with 18+ hours in history coursework).
- Specialized experience at the GS-11 level.
- Ability to obtain/maintain a Top Secret clearance.
- Physical readiness for worldwide deployment.
| Requirement Type | Specification |
|---|---|
| Clearance | Top Secret |
| Education | History / Related Field (18+ sem hours) |
| Experience | 1 Year at GS-11 Equivalent |
| Drug Testing | Required (Testing Designated Position) |
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $89,508 to $116,362 per year, commensurate with federal GS-12 pay scales.
Benefits
Employees enjoy a full federal benefits package, including medical insurance, retirement savings through the Thrift Savings Plan, and generous leave accrual.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Keep your resume to exactly two pages.
- Be Specific: Include all employment dates and weekly hours worked.
- Review: Ensure all required forms like the DD Form 2760 are ready if requested.
Serving as a Historian for the Air Force is a chance to leave a lasting mark on history. If you are ready for this professional challenge, we encourage you to review the requirements and submit your application before the October 30, 2026 deadline.
Why This Historian Job Matters
Preserve the legacy of Air Force Special Operations as a professional Historian at Cannon AFB. Shape the narrative of modern military missions in a high-stakes, dynamic environment.
Historian Job Overview
The Department of the Air Force is seeking a dedicated Historian to join the Air Force Special Operations Command at Cannon AFB, New Mexico. In this role, you will act as the primary historical authority for the organization, responsible for researching, documenting, and analyzing the command’s mission and evolution. This role is unique in its breadth, as you will serve a complex, high-tech environment that includes various tenant units. You will be an essential advisor to leadership, providing data-driven insights, managing historical records, and participating in contingency operations to ensure the legacy of the Air Force is accurately captured for the future.
Requirements for Historian
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must hold a degree in history or a related field with at least 18 semester hours in history.
- Possess at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Must pass a pre-employment medical examination and meet worldwide deployment standards.
- Must be able to carry and use firearms; must sign DD Form 2760.
- Valid driver's license required.
- Must pass periodic, short-notice drug testing as a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
- Must be willing to live and work in adverse, high-threat environments during deployments.
Preferred Qualifications for Historian
- Proven track record in conducting complex organizational research and military history projects.
- Experience in conducting oral history interviews in a professional setting.
- Strong ability to synthesize large volumes of diverse data into actionable historical reports.
- Excellent communication skills for delivering lectures and providing staff briefings.
- Advanced proficiency in research methodologies and document preservation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
- ✓Federal retirement benefits (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style investment)
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and training
- ✓Life and long-term care insurance options
💡 How to Apply Historian Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Historian Job
- Create or update your account on the official USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a resume that is no longer than two pages.
- Ensure your resume explicitly includes hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
- Gather transcripts and any required certification documents (SF-50, DD214, etc.).
- Complete the online application questionnaire within the USAJOBS portal.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline on October 30, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less; longer resumes will be excluded.
- Double-check that your resume explicitly states your pay plan, series, and grade if you are a federal employee.
- Be precise with your work history; include specific month/year start and end dates.
- Ensure your resume is searchable to allow recruiters to view your qualifications.
- Verify your documents are successfully uploaded and clear the virus scan well before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is travel a component of this job?
Yes. This position requires occasional or long-term travel to both CONUS and OCONUS locations, including deployments to high-threat areas.
What level of security clearance is required?
This position requires a Top Secret security clearance.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No. Per the requirements, resumes must not exceed two pages to be considered.
Job from Air Force Special Operations Command
The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is at the cutting edge of global power and vigilance. They operate with a core vision of integrity and service. As a Historian within this branch, you are tasked with capturing the essence of that mission—recording the triumphs, the technical advancements, and the operational challenges that define the modern Air Force.