Assistant State Archaeologist (Permitting)

 

Apply at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3581739/assistant-state-archaeologist-commerce-specialist-3

Description

Working conditions:  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. Field visits and travel may be required. 

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 (Download PDF reader). 

What you will be doing:
You will function as the state’s assistant expert in archaeology and work independently.  You will be responsible for administering and making independent decisions on archaeological permitting, visiting permitted excavations to ensure the application of the appropriate methodologies and stipulations, applying DAHP’s civil penalty authority to permit violations and negotiating settlements.  You must coordinate with the State Physical Anthropologist assisting in burial recovery permit review and issuance under RCW 27.44, and fieldwork as required by the State Physical Anthropologist.  You will also develop and teach various training courses pertaining to archaeology, cultural resources, and lecture on other topics as requested.  You will be expected to work closely with Tribal governments on Tribal concerns and apply mediation skills in situations involving disputing parties and must interact with a variety of stakeholders, including administrative and other personnel in the Department, public agencies, Tribes, private consultants, property owners and the general public.

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.

If you are passionate about archaeology and Pacific Northwest history, this may be the job you've been waiting for!

Duties

Some of what you’ll enjoy doing includes:

• Reviews archaeological permit applications and prepares and issues archaeological permits
• Works with the State Attorney’s General Office and applies the agency’s civil penalty authority for violations
• Some project reviews may require travel to sites or jurisdictions to conduct field assessments of archaeological sites when they are accidentally disturbed by construction or development activities
• Visits permitted excavations to ensure the application of the appropriate methodologies and stipulations
• Works with archaeologists, tribal representatives, industry, and developers to ensure avoidance, or minimization and mitigation of impacts to archaeological sites and cultural resources
• Builds relationships with local planners and Tribal cultural resource staff to enhance programmatic workflow and effectively advise project stakeholders about potential impacts to cultural resources
• Meets with Tribes and local governments to understand tribal and agency concerns and works to mediate those concerns with proponents of permits
• Works closely with tribal governments on tribal concerns and apply mediation skills in situations involving disputing parties
• Assists agency staff members with conducting complex reviews of project impacts to cultural resources on behalf of the SHPO pursuant to applicable regulations
• Provides archaeological expertise and counsel to the SHPO, the state ACHP, DAHP staff, public agencies, Governor’s office, AG’s office and other members of the public 
• Develops and teaches various training courses including Section 106, state laws, Forest Practices Act and implementing regulations, ARPA, cultural resources training, and lectures on archaeological topics
• Conducts trainings for Tribes and public agencies when requested
• Assists State Physical Anthropologist in permitting and excavating human remains discoveries, coordinating burial removal permits, and working cooperatively with affected Indian Tribes
• Responds to inquiries from the public about archaeological issues specifically when human remains or archaeological materials are inadvertently discovered
• Visits discoveries, provides advice, expertise, and oversight
• Assists Cultural Resource Data Manager and GIS consultants with GIS issues as they relate to archaeological data
• Provides advice, assistance and direction to staff digitizing archaeological information, giving site numbers to forms and reviewing archaeological information
• Collaborate on DAHP policy regarding archaeological data and site mergers
• Provides archaeological expertise and counsel to the SHPO, the state ACHP, DAHP staff, public agencies, Governor’s office, AG’s office and other members of the public
• Tracking and reporting on performance measures
• Answers questions, confirms, and clarify policies and procedures

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

*Must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology.

Graduate degree in archaeology, anthropology, or closely related field

AND

• At least one year of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archaeological research, administration, or management
• At least four months of supervised field and analytic experience in general North American archaeology
• A valid driver's license free from serious traffic violations
• Demonstrated ability to carry research to completion

Desired Competencies:

• Familiarity with GIS based platforms
• Experience consulting with Tribes in the Pacific Northwest
• Experience building relationships with stakeholder groups and organizations / agencies
• Adaptability to process improvement and dynamically changing workplace environments.
• Expertise in archaeological field methods and theory
• Advanced knowledge of laws and regulations as they apply to archaeological properties
• Advanced understanding of traditional cultural properties

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:  The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the “duties summary” section of your application in Careers.wa.gov, completeness of the application material submitted, and the supplemental questionnaire.  A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the application. Responses to the supplemental questionnaire regarding work experience must be reflected in the "duties summary" section of the application.  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.  

Conditions of Employment: 

• COVID Vaccination Requirement: Per Governor Inslee's Proclamation 21-14 (Download PDF reader), state employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. If you are selected to serve in this position, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination before you are able to begin work.  Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status, having an approved medical accommodation, or having an approved religious accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved accommodation.