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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Genealogist

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GenealogyResearchArchivesHistory

🎯 Role Definition

A Genealogist researches, verifies, documents, and presents family histories and lineages for private clients, legal contexts, cultural institutions, and publishing. This role combines deep archival research (vital records, census, probate, military, immigration), analysis of genetic genealogy data, and client consulting. The Genealogist produces reproducible research reports, annotated family trees, source citations, and recommendations for further research while ensuring confidentiality, ethical standards, and compliance with legal requirements.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Research Assistant or Genealogical Intern supporting archival projects
  • Archivist, Records Technician, or Library Assistant with collections experience
  • Recent graduate in History, Library Science, Anthropology, or related fields

Advancement To:

  • Senior Genealogist / Lead Researcher
  • Project Manager or Director of Genealogical Services
  • Certified Genealogist (Board for Certification of Genealogists) or Principal Investigator for institutional research

Lateral Moves:

  • Archivist or Records Manager in cultural heritage institutions
  • Genetic Genealogy Specialist or Forensic Genealogist
  • Client Relations Manager for family history services

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct exhaustive primary-source research across civil, church, municipal, and governmental archives to reconstruct family histories and verify lineage claims, using best-practice source evaluation and evidence analysis.
  • Prepare reproducible, source-cited genealogical research reports, narrative summaries, and client-ready family trees that clearly document methodology, conclusions, and recommended next steps.
  • Perform detailed searches of census records, birth/marriage/death certificates, probate files, land deeds, tax records, immigration and passenger lists, military records, and city directories to identify ancestors and familial relationships.
  • Analyze and interpret results from consumer and professional DNA tests (autosomal, mitochondrial, Y-DNA) in collaboration with genetic genealogy tools to support paper-trail research and identify unknown relatives.
  • Develop and execute targeted research plans including research objectives, timelines, cost estimates, and deliverables for client projects and institutional assignments.
  • Verify and reconcile conflicting evidence, evaluate reliability of sources, and present reasoned conclusions with appropriate caveats and alternative hypotheses.
  • Manage multi-generational genealogical projects end-to-end — from client intake and scope definition through research, documentation, quality assurance, invoicing, and delivery.
  • Conduct oral history interviews with clients and informants to capture family stories, oral traditions, and undocumented details, then cross-reference with documentary evidence.
  • Index, transcribe, and abstract original records and digitized documents to create searchable datasets and to preserve context for future research and publication.
  • Locate and obtain copies of primary records from local courthouses, churches, archives, registries, and international repositories, including preparation of FOIA or similar requests when necessary.
  • Maintain and update genealogical databases, genealogy software projects (RootsMagic, Legacy, Family Tree Maker), and online trees (Ancestry, MyHeritage, FamilySearch) ensuring accurate source links and metadata.
  • Create high-quality charts, pedigree and descendant reports, and visualizations for print and digital delivery tailored to client needs, publications, or institutional exhibits.
  • Advise clients and legal teams on admissibility and chain-of-evidence standards for genealogical documentation in probate, heirship, immigration, and estate matters.
  • Collaborate with archivists, librarians, and local historical societies to access restricted collections, obtain permissions, and ensure proper handling and citation of unique source materials.
  • Conduct jurisdictional and locality research to understand record-creation contexts, record survival issues, boundary changes, and language/script barriers that impact research strategy.
  • Establish and follow rigorous privacy, confidentiality, and data security practices for client information, sensitive family data, and genetic information.
  • Supervise, train, and mentor junior genealogists, interns, or volunteer indexers; review their work for quality and adherence to research standards.
  • Prepare proposals, work scopes, and cost estimates for research contracts, including estimated hours, deliverables, and potential record access fees.
  • Contribute to knowledge management by documenting research workflows, maintaining reference guides, and curating resource libraries for the team.
  • Coordinate and perform probate, heir-search, and missing-heir research for law firms and title companies, including drafting lineage charts and compiling evidentiary packages for court use.
  • Conduct international research and partner with overseas researchers when necessary; navigate foreign-language records, translation needs, and jurisdiction-specific archival systems.
  • Lead digitization, transcription, and metadata creation projects to enhance discoverability of historical records and to support long-term preservation initiatives.
  • Present findings to clients, stakeholders, and at conferences or community events; create educational materials and workshops to teach family history research techniques.
  • Stay current with developments in genealogical methodology, genetic genealogy, paleography, digitization standards, and ethics through continuous professional development.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with special projects such as grant-funded research, exhibitions, or institutional outreach to promote genealogical resources and services.
  • Support development of searchable databases, indices, and catalog records to improve public access to collections and online research tools.
  • Provide customer service and front-line support for client inquiries, appointment scheduling, and initial consultations; maintain clear client communications and expectations.
  • Participate in quality assurance activities, auditing research files and citations to ensure compliance with organizational standards and reproducibility.
  • Contribute content for blogs, newsletters, social media, and knowledgebase articles that highlight research case studies, record finds, and genealogy tips to drive SEO and client engagement.
  • Coordinate with IT or digital teams on data migration, backup strategies, and secure storage of genealogical projects and genetic data where applicable.
  • Assist with internal training sessions to promote consistent use of genealogy software, citation standards, and organization-wide best practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert knowledge of vital records, census records, probate and land records, immigration and naturalization records, and military service documentation.
  • Proficiency with major genealogy platforms and software: Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, RootsMagic, Legacy Family Tree, and GEDCOM export/import workflows.
  • Practical experience using genetic genealogy tools and services (23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage DNA, GEDmatch) and interpreting autosomal, mitochondrial, and Y-DNA matches in context with documentary evidence.
  • Strong documentary evidence analysis and source citation skills using recognized standards (Evidence Explained, Evidence!).
  • Record retrieval experience including FOIA requests, courthouse searches, and working with local repositories and digitization workflows.
  • Paleography and foreign-language reading skills sufficient to extract data from 18th–20th century handwriting and non-English records (common languages: Spanish, French, German, Latin).
  • Database management skills: building and maintaining genealogical databases, creating indices, and exporting structured data for analysis.
  • Familiarity with archival description standards (DACS, ISAD(G)) and metadata practices to support preservation and discoverability.
  • Experience preparing legal genealogical reports for probate, heirship, and immigration cases with attention to admissibility and evidentiary standards.
  • Strong transcription and indexing skills with attention to accuracy and consistency.
  • Competence in digital tools for image capture, enhancement, and OCR workflows; basic familiarity with GIS and historical map overlays is a plus.
  • Project scoping, budgeting, and time-estimation skills for delivering research on schedule and within client budgets.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional written communication — able to produce clear, client-facing narratives, technical reports, and well-documented research logs.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills for interviewing clients, liaising with archives, and presenting findings to diverse audiences.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving to reconcile conflicting sources, construct research hypotheses, and pivot strategies when records are missing.
  • High attention to detail and organizational skills for managing multiple research files and complex evidence chains.
  • Client-focused mindset with sensitivity to emotional family histories and respect for cultural and privacy concerns.
  • Time management and the ability to prioritize tasks across concurrent projects with competing deadlines.
  • Teaching and mentoring ability to train junior staff, volunteers, or clients in basic genealogical methods.
  • Ethical judgment, including understanding of privacy laws, genetic data sensitivity, and professional standards of practice.
  • Adaptability and curiosity to pursue creative research avenues and to work with international and multi-lingual resources.
  • Collaborative disposition to work cross-functionally with legal teams, archivists, genetic counselors, and IT staff.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in History, Genealogy, Library and Information Science, Anthropology, or related field; OR demonstrable equivalent experience in professional genealogical research.

Preferred Education:

  • Master’s degree in History, Library/Information Science, Public History, Archival Studies, or related discipline.
  • Professional credentials such as Certification from the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG), Accredited Genealogist (AGA), or certificates in genetic genealogy.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • History
  • Genealogy / Family History
  • Library and Information Science / Archival Studies
  • Anthropology
  • Biology / Genetics (for genetic genealogy)
  • Legal Studies (useful for probate and heirship research)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–7 years of progressively responsible genealogical research experience, including client-facing projects and archival research.

Preferred: 5+ years of professional genealogical research, demonstrated portfolio of completed client reports and research projects, experience with legal or probate cases and genetic genealogy interpretation.

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