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Salary Range
€28k - €51k
Career Zone

In Brief...

Studies the history and traditions of families, which can involve the construction of family trees and provide insight on historical eras.

Knowledge

  •   History and Archeology Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
  •   English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  •   Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  •   Clerical Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
  •   Geography Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Knowledge areas are ranked by their importance to this career

Skills

  •   Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  •   Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  •   Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  •   Writing Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  •   Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Skills are ranked by their importance to this career

Work Environment

This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):

 
Records Management & Archives
Clerical & Administration
 
Academia & 3rd Level Education
Education & Teaching
 
History
History, Culture & Languages
 
Culture
History, Culture & Languages

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Most commonly reported Work Activities

  •   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  •   Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  •   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
  •   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  •   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  •   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  •   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
  •   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  •   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  •   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

 

 

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

  • Conserve and preserve manuscripts, records, and other artifacts.
  • Gather historical data from sources such as archives, court records, diaries, news files, and photographs, as well as from books, pamphlets, and periodicals.
  • Conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, conservation, and reconstruction of historic places and materials.
  • Research and prepare manuscripts in support of public programming and the development of exhibits at historic sites, museums, libraries, and archives.
  • Present historical accounts in terms of individuals or social, ethnic, political, economic, or geographic groupings.
  • Organise data, and analyse and interpret its authenticity and relative significance.
  • Research the history of a particular country or region, or of a specific time period.
  • Conduct historical research, and publish or present findings and theories.
  • Recommend actions related to historical art, such as which items to add to a collection or which items to display in an exhibit.
  • Determine which topics to research, or pursue research topics specified by clients or employers.

Further Information

Interests - Genealogist

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Entry / Progression - Genealogist

There are many pathways to becoming a Genealogist/ Historical Researcher. These take many years of study and commitment to your subject area and research. Study may involve travel to other countries for your research. The work involves Studies the historical records,  traditions of families, which can involve the construction of family trees and provide insight on historical eras. Skills of detection, understanding of legal conventions, hard copy & soft copy archival tracing, and a methodical research set of skills may form part of this career.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: office administration, legal secretary, pre-university, arts, culture, history, applied social studies, archaeology and heritage, cultural, heritage studies.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: office administration, legal secretary, pre-university, arts, culture, history, applied social studies, archaeology and heritage, cultural, heritage studies.

Search for PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: heritage studies, information and communication studies, social sciences, ancient history and archaeology, geography, archaeology, social sciences, arts archaeology.

Search for CAO Courses

Adult Education & Lifelong learning  genealogy, history of family and genealogical methods NFQ 6 (minor), genealogy, heritage studies at NFQ 7 (Special Purpose) Search lifelong learning.

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: archaeology, anthropology, social studies, data analyses.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Pay & Salary - Genealogist

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €28k - €51k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Glassdoor/ Indeed

Last Updated: August, 2024

Labour Market Updates - Genealogist

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Sales office managers; delivery office managers; administrative supervisors; clerical supervisors; facilities supervisors; office supervisors.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels for this occupation have remained relatively stable in recent years. These roles were found across all sectors of the economy, albeit in small numbers. The data does not point to any issues with this occupation at present

Useful Contacts - Genealogist

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