Project Archaeologist – Natural Resource Scientist 2 – Permanent – Three Openings – *00041-25

Title– Project Archaeologist
Classification– Natural Resource Scientist 2
Job Status– Full-Time – Permanent
Number of Vacancies– Three (3)
WDFW Program– Capital Asset Management Program (CAMP) – Cultural Resources Division
Duty Station– Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Hybrid/Telework– While this position offers a hybrid work arrangement, the successful candidate must be available to report to the Olympia, Washington headquarters building as needed. 

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Play a key role in conducting scientific research and coordinating with Tribal, state, and federal cultural and natural resource experts to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Envision yourself leading cultural resource investigations to develop science-based, culturally appropriate management and protection plans, while providing consultative services on wildlife and habitat recovery projects.

This position also involves inter-agency collaboration, conducting scientific studies, and providing recommendations to avoid or mitigate adverse effects on cultural resources.

What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Project Archaeologist will, 

Provide advisory and consultative services to Agency Program and Project Managers, Program staff, and key project management personnel across CAMP, Enforcement, Fish, Habitat, and Wildlife Programs:

• Support the Principal Investigator responsible for science-based and culturally appropriate resource management plans and site protection plans. This task includes:
  • Implement cultural resource strategies that ensure compliance with the agency’s legal obligations while aligning with existing agency policies, current agreements (Centennial Accord), and regulations such as Forest Practices Act, RCW 27.53, Executive Order 21-02, and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
  • Actively manage agency cultural resources inventory, including refinement and expansion of GIS databases, site forms, correspondence, photos, tribal directory, and report inventory.
  • Write, review, and edit reports, inventory forms, and site protection plans.
  • Recommend appropriate measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects on cultural resources.
• Conduct or facilitate:
• Archival records review.
• Cultural resource field surveys.
• Field identification, collection, and evaluation of sample data.
• Report writing.
• Data analysis.
• Analysis and application of related research work conducted by others in specialty fields.
• Coordinate with program managers and staff to:
  • Provide intra-agency cooperation and efficiencies to achieve consistent department-wide and statewide processes.
  • Develop of management plans.

Facilitate consultation with Tribes, DAHP, and other interested government agencies to coordinate stewardship of cultural resources and productive, respectful relationships:

• Consult and coordinate with state, federal, and Tribal cultural and natural resource experts, as well as state and federal environmental planners and regulatory review staff.
• Lead and participate in team meetings, communicate status of on-going projects and/or job tasks, and coordinate work schedule with team members to maintain open communication.
• Work directly with DAHP and Tribal staff to provide cultural resource site information and access site records in the WISAARD database.
• Facilitate Tribal coordination and assist with integrating Indigenous knowledge into the agency’s land management strategies and practices.

Assist with Contract administration and management:

• Provide information to assist with contract preparation and administration of the Master Contract for Cultural Resource Services. Use the agency’s contracting processes.

Working Conditions: 

Work setting, including hazards: 

• Duties are performed in an office setting (60%) and may require travel to and work at remote locations including but not limited to construction sites, water access areas, fish hatcheries, wildlife areas, and newly acquired properties (40%).
• Work during inclement weather conditions and may have encounters with wildlife.
• May require walking in uneven terrain and steep slopes for extended periods, frequently carrying 40 lbs. of gear.

Schedule: 

• Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., 40 hours per week.
• Workload may require additional hours and 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 fieldwork, or attend or provide training. State vehicles are available for use during required travel.

Customer Interactions: Frequent contact (likely daily) with clients and project managers, including some interactions with individuals experiencing anger, distress, or frustration.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Option 1: Bachelors degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, History, or allied field science, or equivalency AND at least two (2) years of any regional experience in Archaeology and/or Anthropology.

Option 2: *Eight (8) years of demonstrated proficiency and experience in field archaeology, including two (2) years of any regional experience in Archaeology and/or Anthropology.

*Please Note: A candidate using this equivalency may be expected to provide a professional reference who can address the candidate’s abilities in this capacity.

Competencies: 

• Ability to demonstrate and implement research designs in the field, and direct and oversee field crew’s work in surveys and excavations.
• Ability to demonstrate experience in developing field strategy, interpreting landforms and stratigraphy, logistical planning, and producing reports meeting the DAHP cultural resources reporting guidelines.
• Mastery of field skills, including mapping, detailed note taking, photography, artifact identification, GPS and compass navigation and artifact cataloging at a field laboratory level.
• Ability to work amicably with people of all backgrounds, and to self-regulate.

Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License. 

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

• Some graduate work in Anthropology, Archaeology, History, or allied field science.
• Knowledge of and ability to discuss regional ethnobotany and indigenous land management practices.
• Experience working with Native American Tribes.
  • Please Note: A candidate claiming this experience should be prepared to include a Tribal Historic Preservation Officer or Tribal Program staff as a reference for evidence of meeting this criterion.
• Familiarity with Section 106, Forest Practices, State Environmental Policy Act, Executive Order 21-02 or subsequent regulations, or other similar state and federal regulations.
• Professional competence in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) demonstrated by coursework, certifications, or a portfolio.
• Work experience in the Pacific Northwest.
• Ability to work with sensitive data and determine appropriate actions given laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to data.
• Ability to understand long-range work plans, think conceptually, observe and interpret trends, analyze data, identify key relationships, and draw logical conclusions.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• An up-to-date resume.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
• At least three 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 Elizabeth.Bullard@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 Elizabeth.Bullard@dfw.wa.gov and reference job #2024-00041.

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