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Public Administration & LegalISCO 2633

Genealogist

A genealogist is a person who reconstructs the history and the lineage of families, presenting the result as a table of successive generations, a family tree, or as a written account.

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Rate 5 of the 11 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

analyse recorded sources

analyse legislation

consult information sources

conduct research interview

write work-related reports

About genealogist

The genealogist analyses information sources, examines surviving records, and applies research methods for tracing a person through old documents created for other purposes: parish registers, civil records, censuses, land and court records, emigration lists. Each of these sources holds different information, so the genealogist compares them with one another.

The genealogist conducts interviews to obtain information, including informal ones, where a family's own account gives the lead that a record then confirms or contradicts.

The genealogist also uses genetic analysis. Knowledge of genomics makes it possible to compare a line established from documents with a biological one, and the two do not always agree. The genealogist researches family histories and prepares reports on the work done, setting out not only what was found but how certain it is and which sources were searched without result. Requirements for the work are set by the client or the employer.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (11)

genomicsgenomicsThe field of study in relation to whole genomes of organisms, as well as their genetic or epigenetic sequence of information. It aims to provide knowledge about the downstream of biological products a...investigation research methodsinvestigation research methodsThe methods and strategies used to conduct police, government intelligence or military investigation research, as well as the research regulations specific to the operation.genealogygenealogyStudy of historical relations and lineages among family relatives displayed in a table of the descent from person to person which forms a family tree or in a form of written narratives.analyse recorded sourcesanalyse recorded sourcesAnalyse recorded sources such as government records, newspapers, biographies, and letters in order to uncover and interpret the past.analyse legislationanalyse legislationAnalyse the existing legislation from a national or local government in order to assess which improvements could be made and which items of legislation could be proposed.consult information sourcesconsult information sourcesConsult relevant information sources to find inspiration, to educate yourself on certain topics and to acquire background information.conduct research interviewconduct research interviewUse professional researching and interviewing methods and techniques to gather relevant data, facts or information, to gain new insights and to fully comprehend the message of the interviewee.write work-related reportswrite work-related reportsCompose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligib...inspect datainspect dataAnalyse, transform and model data in order to discover useful information and to support decision-making.research family historiesresearch family historiesDetermine history of a family and its family tree by researching into existing genealogical databases, conducting interviews and performing qualitative research into reliable sources.interpret pedigree chartsinterpret pedigree chartsConstruct and interpret diagrams that show the occurrence and appearance of a particular gene and its ancestors from one generation to the next.
Optional (12) — show
historyhistoryThe discipline that studies, analyses, and presents the events of the past related to humans.interview techniquesinterview techniquesThe techniques for getting information out of people by asking the right questions in the right way and to make them feel comfortable.family lawfamily lawThe legal rules that govern family-related disputes between individuals such as marriages, child adoption, civil unions, etc.social sciencessocial sciencesThe development and characteristics of sociological, anthropological, psychological, political, and social policy theories.research designresearch designThe set of methods and techniques of research that are used to conduct a study. It includes practical steps in research such as purpose statement, data collection, methodology, and data analysis.transcription methodstranscription methodsThe methods to quickly transcribe spoken language into text, such as stenography.copyright legislationcopyright legislationLegislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.suggest revision of manuscriptssuggest revision of manuscriptsSuggest adaptations and revisions of manuscripts to authors to make the manuscript more appealing to the target audience.proofread textproofread textRead a text thoroughly, search for, review and correct errors to ensure content is valid for publishing.interview peopleinterview peopleInterview people in a range of different circumstances.search databasessearch databasesSearch for information or people using databases.document interviewsdocument interviewsRecord, write, and capture answers and information collected during interviews for processing and analysis using shorthand or technical equipment.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a genealogist do?

Genealogists trace history and lineages of families. The results of their effort are displayed in a table of the descent from person to person which forms a family tree or they are written as narratives. Genealogists use analysis of public records, informal interviews, genetic analysis, and other methods to gain input information.

What skills does a genealogist need?

A genealogist needs 11 essential skills, including genomics, investigation research methods, genealogy, analyse recorded sources, analyse legislation.

Will AI replace genealogist jobs?

The AI disruption score for genealogist is 51/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: transcription methods, proofread text, write work-related reports. Most resilient: conduct research interview, interview techniques, research design.

AI Replacement Risk

51/ 100
Moderate Risk
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Quick Facts

SectorPublic Administration & Legal
ISCO GroupLegal, social and cultural professionals
Essential Skills11

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