Consulting Cultural Resource Scientist

Puget Sound Energy; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is seeking a Consulting Cultural Resource Scientist to lead complex cultural resource projects across utility infrastructure programs and to provide mentorship to staff and consultants. The role emphasizes Section 106 compliance, regulatory coordination, and high-level technical leadership.

Working under the Cultural Resources Supervisor, you will advance the company’s cultural resources program and hydro-license commitments, coordinating with Tribes and agencies while

Qualifications

• BS and Master's in Environmental Science, Biology, Hydrology, Engineering, Anthropology, Mathematics or similar with 10 years of field experience
• Two years of additional experience may be considered in lieu of advanced degree

Responsibilities

• Lead complex cultural resource projects across utility infrastructure programs.
• Mentor and guide cultural resources staff and consultants.
• Ensure Section 106 compliance and regulatory coordination.
• Develop consultant scopes, schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Represent the Cultural Resources Program in meetings and technical groups.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Presentation skills

Analytical skills

Leadership capability

Regulatory liaison

Education

BS in Environmental Science / Biology / Hydrology / Engineering / Anthropology / Mathematics or similar

Master's in Archaeology / Anthropology / History / Historic Preservation / Cultural Resources Management or related field

Job description

Puget Sound Energy is looking to grow our community with top talented individuals like you! With our rapidly growing, award winning energy efficiency programs, our pathway to an exciting and innovative future is now.

PSE'sEnvironmental Servicesteam is looking for qualified candidates to fill anopenConsulting Cultural Resource Scientistposition!

Specific details regarding the work arrangements for this position will be discussed in further detail during the interview process.

Job Description

The Consulting Cultural Resource Scientist leads the most complex and high-profile cultural resource projects across the company's operations, including transmission, substation, wildfire mitigation, underground, hydroelectric, renewable energy, generation, natural gas, and other utility infrastructure programs. The position serves as a senior technical resource, supports workload balancing across cultural resource portfolios, and provides mentorship and guidance to cultural resources staff and consultants.

Working under the direction of the Cultural Resources Supervisor, the Consulting Cultural Resource Scientist serves as a senior technical and project delivery leader supporting implementation of the company's cultural resources management program and hydro-license cultural resource commitments. This position provides advanced expertise in cultural resources compliance, utility infrastructure project delivery, Section 106 consultation, consultant management, technical quality assurance, and cultural resource program implementation.

All PSE employees are expected to uphold the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE's operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities and promote and support a culture of total safety. Additionally, employees need to demonstrate commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct. All duties are to be performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.

Job Responsibilities

• Works under the direction of the Cultural Resources Supervisor to support implementation of PSE's cultural resources program.
• Serves as a senior technical resource supporting implementation of the company's cultural resources management program and hydro-license cultural resource commitments.
• Leads cultural resource compliance efforts for complex utility infrastructure projects, including transmission lines, substations, wildfire mitigation initiatives, undergrounding programs, hydroelectric facilities, renewable energy projects, generation facilities, and other capital improvement projects.
• Leads Section 106 compliance efforts for assigned projects, including consultation, regulatory coordination, effects assessment, treatment planning, and agreement development.
• Provides senior-level technical review and quality assurance of cultural resource reports, permit applications, technical studies, compliance documents, agreement documents, treatment plans, and consultant deliverables.
• Develops consultant scopes of work and manages consultant schedules, budgets, deliverables, and technical performance for assigned projects and programs.
• Coordinates with Tribes, regulatory agencies, project managers, engineers, planners, consultants, and internal stakeholders to support successful project delivery and regulatory compliance.
• Leads implementation of cultural resource commitments associated with hydroelectric operations and FERC-licensed facilities, including cultural resource studies, monitoring programs, site stewardship activities, museum and collections initiatives, and Cultural Resource Advisory Group commitments.
• Maintains and prioritizes assigned project portfolios and develops tracking systems to monitor project reviews, consultant activities, cultural resource commitments, schedules, permits, and regulatory obligations.
• Develops and implements program tools, tracking systems, workflows, and best management practices that improve project delivery, compliance performance, and operational efficiency.
• Represents the Cultural Resources Program in meetings, advisory groups, technical working groups, and professional forums as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS and Master's in Environmental Science, Biology, Hydrology, Engineering, Anthropology, Mathematics or similar with 10 years of experience in the field (two years of appropriate additional experience may be considered in lieu of advanced degree).
• Significant experience in electric and/or gas supply industry or equivalent.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Expert analytical skills.
• Demonstrated capability in leadership, team building, and establishing long-term relationships with regulatory agency contacts.

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, History, Historic Preservation, Cultural Resources Management, or a closely related field required
• Meet the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology and be qualified to obtain or maintain archaeological permits and WISAARD access in Washington State.
• Ten (10) years or more of progressively responsible professional experience in cultural resources management, archaeological compliance, historic preservation, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading Section 106 consultation and development of Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs), Programmatic Agreements (PAs), or other cultural resource compliance documents.
• Experience supporting renewable energy, transmission, distribution, generation, natural gas, or other utility infrastructure projects.
• Professional experience working with Tribes in the Pacific Northwest and coordinating government-to-government consultation processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and provide sound technical and regulatory recommendations.

Additional Information

At PSE, we value our employees and provide them with opportunities to excel. We offer a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. To learn more about why PSE is a great place to work, see our Employee Value Proposition, which highlights our commitment to employee growth, work-life balance, and meaningful career opportunities in the energy sector.

The pay range for this position is$108,200.00-$180,200.00, and this position is eligible for annual goals based incentive bonuses.

PSE offers a suite of benefits to our employees. Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short- and long-term disability insurance. There are additional voluntary options of supplemental life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent daycare, and an Employee assistance program (EAP). For long term savings, PSE offers a 401(k) investment option and a cash balance retirement plan. Employees will also receive Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays throughout the calendar year.Detailed benefit overviews can be found on our Career page - Why Work For Us (pse.com).

Families and businesses depend on PSE to provide the energy they need to pursue their dreams. Our steadfast commitment to serving Washington communities with safe, dependable and efficient energy started in 1873. Today we're building the Northwest's energy future through efforts like our award winning energy efficiency programs and our leadership in renewable energy.

Puget Sound Energy is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status or presence of a disability that with or without reasonable accommodation does not prevent performance of the essential functions of the job, or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law.

Should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources Staffing department at [e-mail] or 425-462-3017.