Tribal Historic Preservation Officer

Yakama Nation Legends Casino Hotel; Toppenish (WA); On-site; USD 96,000; Full time

Job summary

A tribal organization is looking for a Tribal Historic Preservation Officer to oversee program planning and execution, manage budgets, and represent cultural interests. The role requires a Master's Degree in Anthropology and five years of related experience. Responsibilities also include maintaining communication with tribal leadership, initiating research for funding sources, and collaborating with various agencies. Strong knowledge of historic preservation laws and the Yakama Treaty is essential. Competitive pay at $46.10 per hour with full-time hours.

Qualifications

• Five years of professional work experience in a comparable position.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all stages of program planning and execution.
• Develop and manage the program budget.
• Represent Yakama Nation in meetings with officials.
• Maintain communication with the Yakama Tribal Council.

Skills

Knowledge of the Treaty of 1855

Ability to draft contracts

Ability to advocate for cultural resources

Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Education

Master’s Degree in Anthropology or related field

Job description

Job Title

Tribal Historic Preservation Officer

Employer

Yakama Nation Legends Casino

Department

Department of Natural Resources

Wage

$46.10 per hour, Regular/Full‑Time/Supervisory

Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct all stages of program planning, development, and execution.
• Develop and manage the annual program budget, monitor expenditures, and ensure full compliance with grant funding requirements, policies, and regulations.
• Initiate research to identify and secure alternative funding sources for cultural resource management activities.
• Represent Yakama Nation interests in meetings with neighboring tribes and state, federal, and local officials.
• Maintain communication with the Yakama Tribal Council on matters of concern.
• Prepare, update, and implement the Yakama Nation Tribal Historic Preservation Plan.
• Provide public information, education, training, and technical assistance in historic preservation.
• Monitor and evaluate all development, maintenance, and related activities on Tribal lands to assess and mitigate potential impacts on cultural and historic properties.
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with other tribes, Native American preservation and repatriation organizations, and relevant agencies to advance cultural resource protection and historic preservation goals.
• Develop and maintain a collaborative partnership with the Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to advance shared preservation objectives.
• Maintain a strong collaborative partnership with the National Park Service to effectively fulfill Tribal Historic Preservation Officer responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Treaty of 1855, Yakama Reservation geography, and federal and state historic preservation laws.
• Ability to draft, negotiate, and execute contracts and work agreements for consultants and specialized service providers.
• Ability to advocate for the protection of cultural resources and represent the Yakama Nation’s cultural interests.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment and to travel as needed.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Anthropology or related field.
• Five years of professional work experience in a comparable position.
• Required to pass a pre‑employment drug test.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.

Preferred Requirements

• Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.