Cultural Resources Supervisor – Natural Resource Scientist 4 – Permanent – *00052-25

Working Title– Cultural Resources Supervisor
Classification– Natural Resource Scientist 4
Job Status– Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program– Capital and Asset Management Program – Cultural Resources Division
Duty Station– *Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
* Although this is a hybrid opportunity, the successful incumbent must reside within the State of Washington and must be available to report to the duty station located in Olympia, Washington as needed.  The selected candidate may be able to telework/work remotely up to 5 days per week at the discretion of the supervisor.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Embrace this role to supervise a team that performs scientific research, consults with Tribal Cultural and Natural Resources Programs, and coordinates with state and federal Cultural and Natural Resource experts, Environmental Planners, and regulatory review staff.

This is an opportunity to be our principal planning consultant, directing the use of scientific studies to inform environmental planning, restoration, and construction projects.

With your experience, you will serve as a principal investigator (lead scientist) for developing cultural resources investigations and is responsible for directing the development of science-based and culturally appropriate resource management plans and resource protection plans.

WHAT TO EXPECT 
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

Serve as a Principal Investigator, plan and implement cultural resource strategies that address legal requirements, and facilitate resolution of pertinent cultural resource management issues.

• Create policies/procedures/programmatic measures, ensure consistent application of rules, analyze data, develop record-keeping procedures, and identify specific protective measures pertaining to cultural resource management.
• Lead and attend planning workgroups, both internally and externally. This may include development of novel cultural resource management strategies for emergent disciplinary practices, new legislation/regulation, or changes in Department policy.
• Actively collaborate on Wildlife Area Management Plans, Travel Management Planning and other agency planning documents.
• Advise and assist other planners, project and land managers, and Program Managers in the integration of cultural resource management into broader agency efforts.
• Plan and maintain work systems, procedures, and policies.
• With the Division Manager, plan for a CR Division that has the staff capacity and expertise to respond to changing laws and expectations.

Supervise and mentor a team, direct and facilitate consultation with Tribal Cultural and Natural Resources Programs, and coordinate with state and federal cultural and natural resource experts, environmental planners, and regulatory review staff.

• Plan and maintain work systems, procedures, and policies that enable and encourage optimum performance.
• Lead team meetings, communicate status of ongoing projects and/or job tasks, and coordinate work schedule with team members and agency staff for the purpose of maintaining open communication.
• Monitor and inspect work in progress to ensure continuity and timely completion of work.
• Design and implement staff training and development plans to provide cross training of employees, specific job-related training, and other approaches to provide opportunities for staff flexibility and development.
• Establish performance measures and standards in coordination with other CRD supervisors to ensure program performance objectives are equitable.

Advise/provide cultural resource consultative services to WDFW Program Managers, Program Directors, higher level managers, and agency staff. Includes creating and conducting trainings with agency staff for better compliance with cultural resources laws, regulations, and policies.

• Assemble, organize, and provide structure and oversee multi-disciplinary and inter-agency teams assigned to resolve project issues including cultural resource laws, regulations, and policies.
• Provide coordination on complex policies, legal issues, and proposed legislation.
• Participate in Agency workgroups and plan development to represent cultural resource perspectives and requirements.
• Develop and implement strategic and operational planning for cultural resource review within agency Programs for a predictable flow of work.
• Review natural and cultural resource scientific studies performed by other programs, agencies, and contractors on WDFW-managed lands or in support of WDFW projects.

Apply WDFW goals, objectives, and strategies to preserve and protect native fish and wildlife and their habitats, while meeting the agency’s cultural resources stewardship goals.

• Collaborate with a diverse team to minimize impacts on the ecological environment while upholding all applicable laws, regulations, and policies for cultural resource management, principles of planning, and environmental impacts.
• Coordinate with agency Program and Regional staff to identify ways in which Cultural Resources Division can contribute to management, restoration, and perpetuation of those habitats.
• Facilitate Tribal coordination and assist with the integration of Indigenous knowledge into the agency’s land management strategies and practices.

 
Working Conditions:

Work setting: Duties are performed mostly in an office setting.  Work will also be performed at construction sites, fish hatcheries, wildlife areas, and newly acquired properties.  This position may require walking in uneven terrain and steep slopes for extended periods.   Work during inclement weather conditions may also be required.

Schedule: Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  A 40 hour/week work schedule is expected.  Workload may require additional hours and the incumbent may be expected to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs.  A flexible work schedule will be considered at the incumbent’s request, subject to supervisory approval.

Travel requirements: Statewide travel is required to meet with clients, conduct business, or attend or provide training.  State vehicles are available for use during required travel.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications: 
Must meet the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for Archaeologist, Cultural Anthropologist, or equivalent (see 36CFR61).

• The minimum professional qualifications for archaeologist are:
  • A graduate degree in archaeology, physical anthropology, historic preservation, or closely related field, with coursework in archaeology history, OR a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, Historic Preservation, or closely related field; and
  • At least one (1) year of full-time professional experience or equivalent specialized training in archeological/anthropological research, administration, or management.
  • At least four (4) month’s training under the supervision of a SOI-qualified archaeologist/anthropologist, with work focusing on field investigations and results analysis. This is usually achieved via field school and/or coursework, but this qualification may also be reached by field crew or cultural resources technician or other similar early-career professional experience.

Additionally, WDFW requires ALL of the following:

• Five (5) years professional work experience applying the principles of cultural resources management, archaeological, historical, or cultural resource research, administration, or management to land use, environmental, or natural resource planning.
• At least two (2) years of this work must be associated with managing multiple or multi-part projects and the development of procedures and/or policies to support regulatory compliance with federal, state, local, or Tribal laws and regulations.

Demonstrated knowledge of:

• Methods and objectives of natural resource and environmental restoration planning.
• Governmental administrative structure at all levels.
• Federal and state cultural resource laws and regulations.
• Prehistoric and historic archaeological field research methods.
• Scientific report writing and evaluation of written reports.
• State archaeological and historic information.

Demonstrated ability to:

• Obtain access to and effectively use the WISAARD database.
• Identify archaeological and cultural resources in the field.
• Communicate and work closely with tribal governments and local communities.
• Knowledge of Agency’s mission, goals, and objectives.
• Knowledge of contract preparation and administration.

Other experience, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to work with sensitive data and determine appropriate actions given laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to these data.
• Ability to accept responsibility for major program activities.
• Ability to interpret and apply agency policy.
• Ability to develop long-range work plans, think conceptually, observe and interpret trends, analyze data, identify key relationships, and draw logical conclusions.
• Knowledge of the Department’s mission, goals, and objectives.
• Knowledge of principles of training; contract preparation and administration; principles of negotiation; principles and techniques of planning.
• Knowledge of GIS systems and ability to read and create maps using ArcGIS Pro.
• Some experience or knowledge in creating and utilizing cultural resource predictive models.

License:  Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications: 
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• At least five (5) years of regional experience in the Pacific Northwest Archaeology and/or Anthropology.
• Demonstrated experience consulting with Native American Tribes with interests in the Pacific Northwest.
• Demonstrated experience with Applied Ethnography, particularly in Ethnobotany/Traditional Ecosystem, Environment, or Natural Resources Management.
• Demonstrated experience managing cultural resources review of projects subject to Section 106, Forest Practices, State Environmental Policy Act, Executive Order 21-02 or subsequent regulation, or other similar state and federal regulations.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three (3) professional references with current contact information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

 Union – WAFWP:

This position is in the bargaining unit represented by the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals and is subject to the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Washington Association of Fish & Wildlife Professionals.

 Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and qualifying spouses who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov.
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.   Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer.  We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity.  Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to Cheri.Potter@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2025-00052.

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