Renewable Energy Archaeologist / Project

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Washington’s Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation seeks an experienced professional to determine NRHP eligibility for archaeological sites and to work with Tribal governments on concerns related to renewable energy projects.

The role includes developing training on Section 106, EO 21-02, and archaeological topics, and mediating between tribes, developers, and archaeologists. Travel up to 20% and field work are expected.

Qualifications

• Requires graduate training in archaeology or anthropology.
• 3+ years of managing complex archaeological projects.
• Experience applying National Register of Historic Places criteria and related equity issues.
• Knowledge of Section 106 and 36 CFR 800 requirements.

Responsibilities

• Make determinations of eligibility for NRHP for archaeological sites.
• Collaborate with Tribal governments on Tribal concerns and mediation.
• Develop and teach training courses including Section 106 and EO 21-02.
• Attend meetings and field visits; provide expert opinions on archaeological issues.

Skills

Archaeology

Project management

Tribal liaison

Mediation

Public presentation

GIS

Education

Graduate in archaeology/anthropology

4 months lab and field experience

Tools

GIS

Job description

*This project position is expected to last thru June 30, 2027*

Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Flexible and compressed schedules will be allowed.

Who We Are:

The cultural and historic resources of a community tell the 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 office towers, 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 significant 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 (Download PDF reader).

What you will be doing:

You will make determinations of eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places for archaeological sites related to renewable energy projects. You are also expected to work closely with Tribal governments on Tribal concerns and apply mediation skills in situations involving disputing parties for renewable energy projects. Additionally, you will also be developing and teaching various training courses including Section 106, cultural resources training, and lectures on archaeological topics.

Some of what you’ll enjoy doing:

• Use independent judgment to make determinations as to whether archaeological sites are eligible to the National Register of Historic Places
• Make determinations as to the effects of federal undertakings (licenses, permits, projects, under the direct or indirect jurisdiction of a federal agency) on archaeological sites as per 36 CFR Part 800
• Conduct reviews of project impacts for the purposes of Executive Order 21-02 State Environmental Policy Act and the National Environmental Policy Act
• Attend scoping meetings, planning meetings, and conduct field visits
• Act as mediator between tribal governments, developers, and archaeologists when the various parties are unable to agree on solutions
• Provide training as needed on Section 106, EO 21-02, and archaeological issues and topics as needed/requested
• Attend archaeological unit meetings and offer opinions and advice to other archologists on archaeological issues affecting projects
• Assist the GIS and Records unit with questions about site forms, reports, or other questions that require archaeological expertise

Travel Requirements:

Travel is estimated to be up to 20% of the work schedule.

Working conditions:

Will be in the DAHP office, outdoors on construction sites, or in the field and you may be exposed to construction or road project conditions. Safety equipment will have to be worn as the conditions dictate. Working hours may vary due to the project being examined.

REQUIRED:

• Valid Driver's License, free from serious traffic violations
• Must meet minimum Professional Qualifications for Historic Preservation Professionals as defined in 36CFR Part 61 that 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

Equity Competencies

State of Washington Employees contribute to ensuring services, programs, workplaces, and interactions are responsive, respectful, accessible, and effective to the people and communities we serve. Employees are expected to:

• Take action to learn and Grow: Demonstrate a willingness to learn from new experiences, seek feedback, consider different perspectives, and continuously improve knowledge, skills, communication, and approaches to work.
• Take action to meet the needs of others:Seek to understand theneeds and experiences of customers, coworkers, and communities.Identify barriers to access and participation and address them before they become obstacles for the people we serve, providing support that is respectful, timely, and effective.

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;
• Ability and willingness to do extensive traveling including time for night meetings and overnight stays;
• Advanced training and knowledge of archaeological properties and theories; specific expertise in Northwest United States archaeology is desirable;
• 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.

NOTE: 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 email [e-mail].

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.