Genealogy Television Show Researcher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of popular television, the role of genealogy television show researchers has never been more significant.

As interest in ancestry soars, the demand for skilled professionals who can delve into family histories, uncover lineage narratives, and authenticate heritage information grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a genealogy television show researcher?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the ins and outs of this role,
• A hiring manager detailing the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of genealogical research for television,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we reveal a customizable genealogy television show researcher job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Genealogy Television Show Researcher Duties and Responsibilities

Genealogy Television Show Researchers play a crucial role in creating engaging content for genealogy-based television shows.

They specialize in tracing and presenting family histories in an interesting and easy-to-understand manner.

Their work involves meticulous research, fact-checking, and collaboration with production teams.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conduct thorough research to trace individuals’ ancestry and family history
• Utilize various genealogical resources, databases, and archives to gather information
• Interview family members and relatives to gather personal stories and historical context
• Collaborate with other experts such as geneticists, historians, and anthropologists
• Verify the accuracy of the information collected and fact-check all the data
• Present findings in a way that is engaging and easy to understand for the television audience
• Work closely with the production team to provide relevant and interesting content for the show
• Maintain confidentiality about sensitive or personal information discovered during research
• Keep up-to-date with the latest research techniques and genealogical trends

 

Genealogy Television Show Researcher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a meticulous and dedicated Genealogy Television Show Researcher to join our team.

You will be responsible for conducting comprehensive genealogical research to support the development of our show.

The Genealogy Television Show Researcher responsibilities include creating family trees, digging into historical records, conducting interviews, and using genetic information to trace lineage.

Our ideal candidates are well-versed in using genealogy databases and software, have a deep understanding of history, and possess a keen eye for detail.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough genealogical research to support show content
• Create detailed family trees for featured individuals
• Examine historical records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates for information
• Conduct interviews with family members and other relevant individuals
• Use genetic information to trace lineage when necessary
• Compile and analyze researched data
• Write summaries of findings for use in the show script
• Collaborate with production team to ensure accuracy of information presented
• Maintain confidentiality and respect privacy concerns

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a genealogist or similar role
• Experience using genealogy databases and software
• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Knowledge of history and genealogy principles
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in History, Anthropology, Genealogy or a related field is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunity to work on exciting television projects

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Genealogy Television Show Researcher
• Work Environment: Office setting with some field research. Travel may be required for research purposes or to meet with interviewees.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Researcher or Show Producer.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Genealogy Television Show Researcher Do?

A Genealogy Television Show Researcher typically works for television networks or independent production companies.

Their primary task is to investigate and document the ancestry and family history of the individuals featured in the show.

They use a variety of sources to gather information, such as public records, historical documents, personal interviews, and DNA databases.

Their research often involves tracing the lineage of a person back several generations, which may require knowledge of different cultures and historical periods.

The Genealogy Television Show Researcher is also responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information they find, ensuring that it is comprehensive, and presenting it in a manner that is easy to understand for the audience.

In addition, they often work closely with the production team, providing consultation on how to best incorporate the research findings into the narrative of the show.

They may also assist in locating and contacting potential subjects for the show, and prepare them for filming by explaining the process and what information they have uncovered about their ancestry.

Genealogy Television Show Researchers play a vital role in the show’s production by providing factual and compelling content that engages viewers and adds depth to the narrative.

 

Genealogy Television Show Researcher Qualifications and Skills

A Genealogy Television Show Researcher should possess a unique blend of historical knowledge, research abilities, interpersonal skills, and creativity to execute their role effectively, such as:

• Strong research skills to delve into various historical records, databases, archives, and other resources to uncover familial and ancestral information.
• Background knowledge of history, anthropology, or sociology to better understand and interpret the information found in genealogical research.
• Excellent attention to detail to ensure accuracy and reliability of information, as well as to pick up on minor details that could lead to significant discoveries.
• Good communication skills to effectively share findings with the production team, interviewees, and viewers, and to liaise with various entities such as archives and government offices.
• Interpersonal skills to build relationships with family members, historians, and other sources, and to conduct sensitive interviews when required.
• Critical thinking abilities to draw connections between different pieces of information and to solve genealogical puzzles.
• Aesthetic creativity for creating compelling visual genealogical charts and diagrams for television presentations.
• Knowledge of genealogical software and databases to streamline and organise research.
• Organizational skills to manage large amounts of data and information, and to keep track of various research threads over the course of a show’s production.

 

Genealogy Television Show Researcher Experience Requirements

For a position as a Genealogy Television Show Researcher, a strong background in research and genealogy is required.

Entry-level candidates should have at least 2-3 years of experience in genealogical research, possibly gained through volunteering, internships, or part-time roles in genealogy, history, or a related field.

The ability to utilize genealogical databases and archives, and understand historical documents is essential.

An academic background in history, anthropology, or a related field can be beneficial.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience should demonstrate a proven track record of extensive genealogical research, including the ability to trace familial lineage and ties accurately over extended periods.

They should also have experience in preparing detailed research reports and presenting their findings in an engaging manner suitable for television audiences.

Those with 5 or more years of experience should ideally have worked on a genealogy television show or similar production.

They may have managerial or supervisory experience, and are likely to have developed strong relationships with archives, libraries, and other resources relevant to genealogical research.

An understanding of privacy laws and ethical considerations related to genealogical research is also important.

Fluency in multiple languages can be an asset, allowing researchers to explore genealogical ties in other countries.

This role requires a detail-oriented individual with a passion for history and storytelling.

 

Genealogy Television Show Researcher Education and Training Requirements

Genealogy Television Show Researchers usually have a bachelor’s degree in history, anthropology, genealogy or a related field.

They need a strong background in research methodologies and should be familiar with using both traditional archives and digital databases for genealogical research.

Knowledge of different cultures, historical periods, and geographical regions is beneficial as they often need to trace family histories across different countries and centuries.

Fluency in multiple languages can also be an advantage, especially when researching non-English speaking families or accessing foreign records.

Some positions may require Genealogy Television Show Researchers to have a master’s degree in genealogy or a related field.

Certification from a recognized genealogical society or institution, while not necessarily mandatory, can enhance a candidate’s credibility and proficiency.

Continuing education, like attending genealogy workshops, seminars, and conferences, is encouraged to stay updated with the latest research tools and methodologies.

Knowledge and experience in television production and storytelling can be beneficial, as presenting the research findings in an engaging and understandable manner is a crucial part of the job.

 

Genealogy Television Show Researcher Salary Expectations

A Genealogy Television Show Researcher can expect to earn an average salary of $52,000 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience in the field, education level, and the geographical location of the job.

The type of network or production company can also significantly influence the salary.

 

Genealogy Television Show Researcher Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Genealogy Television Show Researcher need?

A Genealogy Television Show Researcher should have excellent research skills, enabling them to dig deep into historical records, databases, and other sources to find and confirm information.

They should also possess excellent communication and interviewing skills to interact with family members and other contacts.

Basic knowledge in genetics can be a plus, as genetic information is often used in genealogical research.

 

Do Genealogy Television Show Researchers need a degree?

While a degree is not a strict requirement, many Genealogy Television Show Researchers have a background in history, anthropology, or a related field.

Some may have a certification or degree in genealogical research.

Given the nature of the job, a background in journalism or documentary filmmaking can also be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Genealogy Television Show Researcher resume?

Look for experience in research, particularly in historical or genealogical research.

Any experience or training in television production, journalism, or a similar field would be advantageous.

Certification from a recognized genealogical society or institution can also be a strong point.

 

What qualities make a good Genealogy Television Show Researcher?

A good Genealogy Television Show Researcher should be tenacious and detail-oriented, able to track down obscure records and make connections between disparate pieces of information.

They should also be empathetic, as they will often be dealing with sensitive family history.

They should also have a knack for storytelling, as the goal of their research is often to create compelling television content.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Genealogy Television Show Researcher?

Finding a qualified Genealogy Television Show Researcher can be a challenge due to the specialized nature of the role.

However, there are many passionate genealogists who may be interested in the opportunity to bring their skills to a wider audience through television.

It might be beneficial to reach out to genealogical societies or institutions for potential candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve dug deep into the roots of what it means to be a genealogy television show researcher.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about tracing family trees.

It’s about unearthing compelling stories, one ancestor at a time.

With our comprehensive genealogy television show researcher job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into the past.

But why halt your journey there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating meticulous listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every ancestor is a part of a larger narrative.

Let’s uncover those stories. Together.

How to Become a Genealogy Television Show Researcher (Complete Guide)

Employment Enthusiasm: The Hottest Jobs in the Current Era

Rising Job Market Stars: The Most Trending Careers

Escape the Mundane: Fun Jobs That Also Fill Your Bank Account

Workplace Weirdness: Unbelievable Jobs That Are Totally Real