Local Government Archaeologist (Environmental Planner 4)

The State of Washington is hiring a Local Government Archaeologist (Environmental Planner 4) in Tumwater, WA. This senior role involves overseeing SEPA reviews and working with tribal governments on archaeological issues. It offers a flexible work environment with telecommuting options and requires less than 20% travel. Ideal candidates are passionate about archaeology, skilled in communication, and adept at mediating disputes. The position supports professional growth in a small agency focused on historic preservation.
Description

Schedule: Travel is estimated to be less than 20% of the work schedule. You will work primarily in the office in Olympia with flexible options for telecommuting and start/end times. Field visits and travel may be required including time for night meetings and overnight stays.

A little bit about us:

The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation prides itself on promoting a sense of belonging in the workplace and in the diverse communities we serve throughout Washington State. The cultural and historic resources of a community tell the full story of its past, a past that makes any single community distinct from all other places. From lumber mills to schools, sacred landscapes to archaeological sites, rustic cabins to small business districts on Main Street, our historic and cultural resources provide everyone with a tangible link to persons and events that have shaped our communities and ourselves. Preserving these physical reminders of our past creates a sense of place, the result being an environment that instills civic pride and community spirit. By preserving cultural and historic resources, we are able to learn from past achievements (as well as mistakes) in order to improve, enrich, and even enliven, the Washington State that is passed to future generations.

To learn more about the vision and role of historic preservation in the State of Washington, download our current Statewide Historic Preservation Plan.

What you will be doing:

This senior level position functions as a specialist in archaeological laws and regulations as they relate to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and other local projects for DAHP. You will be responsible for administering and making independent decisions on SEPA reviews and reviews under other local laws and regulations as they pertain to effects on the state's historic and prehistoric archaeological sites. You will be working closely with tribal governments on tribal concerns and apply mediation skills in situations involving disputing parties for local projects. You will also teach various training courses including, SEPA, other local laws and regulations, cultural resources training, and lectures on archaeological topics as requested.

Who we are looking for:

You must be energetic and passionate about archaeology. You are a motivated person that is able to provide your support and specialized expertise to educate your peers, stakeholders, tribes, public agencies, etc. when requested. You are a good communicator, excel at working with a wide variety of stakeholders and are comfortable dealing with complex problems and mediating disputes between parties. You are interested in growing and looking for new and better ways to accomplish tasks and goals. You apply a progressive and adaptable attitude to your work.

Why you would want this job:
In addition to a comprehensive benefits package we also offer a flexible work environment, including the option to telework from anywhere in the State. You will be working with a small state agency with close connection to its mission and stakeholders. If you love to learn and grow, you will enjoy the variety that every day offers you. You are viewed as a subject matter expert and will have plentiful opportunities for professional growth and networking throughout the State, the Pacific Northwest, and the Nation. We put people first and place a high value on the importance of creating a pro-equity and anti-racist state by fostering a sense of belonging and continuously improving the way we serve Washingtonians.

Duties

What you will enjoy doing includes:
• Conducts reviews of project impacts for the purposes of SEPA, Shoreline Management Act, Growth Management Act, Forest Practices Act and other local development regulations put in place by cities and counties.
• Makes independent determinations on whether archaeological surveys are necessary for local development projects.
• Offers archaeological expertise to city and county governments who do not have archaeologists on staff.
• Responds to requests for assistance from State and Local Agencies and project proponents for archeological project review or guidance on archaeological issues.
• Attends scoping meetings, planning meetings, and conducts field visits for local development projects as needed.
• Acts as a mediator between tribal governments, developers, and archaeologists when the various parties are unable to agree on solutions related to archaeological issues for contentious projects.
• Assists the GIS and Records unit with questions about site forms, reports, or other questions that require archaeological expertise.
• Conducts training on SEPA, Shoreline Management Act, Forest Practices Act and how archaeological issues can be addressed and affect development projects under these acts for State and Local Agencies as needed.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:
• A valid driver's license, free from serious traffic violations
• Must meet minimum Professional Qualifications for Historic Preservation Professionals as defined in 36CFR Part 61.
• This includes a graduate in archaeology/anthropology, 4 months lab and field experience, and demonstrated ability to carry research to completion.
• Must have at least 3 years of experience in managing complex archaeological projects or experience completing project reviews for a state or federal agency.
• At least 3 years of experience in applying criteria for listing archaeological properties in the National Register of Historic Places, exceptions to the National Register, and considering integrity issues when applying the National Register criteria.
• Expert knowledge of Washington state prehistory and history.
• Expertise in archaeological field methods and theory.
• Experience may be cumulative

Key Competencies Expected :
• Able to learn and understand the language and concepts of our DEI culture and commit to being a part of creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, respectful and inclusive workplace.
• Demonstrate a commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness when provided training and opportunities to participate in improving our work environment.
• Participate and behave in a manner that creates trust and builds working relationships, promoting teamwork and collaboration in the work environment.
• Demonstrate the understanding that all people are valued; contribute to an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment when working with members of the group, team, organization or community.
• Commit to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity and inclusion in our organization.

PREFERRED:
• Clear and concise writing skills
• Strong ability to work cordially and professionally with DAHP staff, constituents and stakeholders and represent the agency in a positive, professional manner; strong public presentation abilities
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Advanced training and knowledge of archaeological properties and theories
• Specific expertise in Northwest United States archaeology
• General knowledge of:
• Field techniques, theory
• Expertise with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and implementing regulations 36CFR 800
• General knowledge of and familiarity with National Historic Preservation Act programs and related standards and guidelines with advanced experience and understanding of guidelines and procedures for nominating and listing properties in the National Register of Historic Places
• General ability in using applicable computer programs as well as photographic equipment and graphic techniques, background in implementation of RCW 27.53, RCW 27.44 and applicable rules.

Supplemental Information

Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:
• A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting;
• A current resume, detailing experience, and education; and
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)

NOTE: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the "duties summary" section or supplemental questions of the application. Please do not "refer to resume" for detail, or your application may be disqualified.

Union Inclusion:

This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
Opportunity for All: The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws. You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information: For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or email jobs@des.wa.gov.
Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.