Title- Cultural Resources Policy & Consultation Specialist
Classification- Environmental Planner 4
Job Status- Full-Time - Permanent
WDFW Program- Capital Asset Management Program (CAMP)
Duty Station- Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
Hybrid/Telework- While this position may offer a hybrid work arrangement (subject to supervisor approval), the successful candidate must be available to report to the Olympia, WA headquarters as needed.
Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!
Photo Caption: Olympic National Park – Photo Credit: WDFW
This position plays a key role in ensuring cultural resources are compliant and integrated into environmental planning and project implementation across the agency.
As WDFW's technical expert in cultural resource management, archaeology, tribal relations, and regulatory compliance, you will provide technical leadership and scientifically informed guidance.
Working collaboratively with tribal governments, public agencies, and other stakeholders you will support regulatory compliance, informed decision-making, and the long-term preservation of Washington's cultural resources.
What to Expect-
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Cultural Resources Policy & Consultation Specialist will,
Provide cultural resource review, consultation, and compliance for the agency projects, grant-funded work, and work on agency-owned lands:
Administer the cultural resource compliance process for projects subject to Executive Order 21-02 and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), or agency policy.
Exercise delegated decision-making authority to determine appropriate cultural resources compliance pathways, consultation strategies, and mitigation approaches for complex or controversial projects.
Develop and maintain a consistent state-wide approach to cultural resources management, including responses to new and existing policies, and significant initiatives.
Provide regulatory guidance to agency staff and grant sponsors on cultural resource compliance for grant-funded projects.
Coordinate with program staff and project managers to ensure intra-agency collaboration, consistent statewide processes and integration of cultural resource stewardship into project and land management planning.
Consult and facilitate consultation with Tribes, DAHP, and other interested government agencies to coordinate stewardship of cultural resources and productive, respectful relationships:
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Conduct and facilitate respectful consultation with Tribal Cultural Programs, modeling accountability and integrity to build trust, often in coordination with agency leadership and the Director of Tribal Affairs.
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Ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Governor's Executive Order 21-02, and agency policy.
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Collaborate with Tribal, state, federal, and local cultural and natural resource experts, planners, and regulatory staff.
Supervise and mentor a team that performs cultural resource review, consultation, and compliance work to address legal and stewardship requirements:
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Provide full supervisory oversight for staff performing cultural resource review and consultation work, including hiring, assigning work, evaluating performance, approving leave, and recommending corrective action.
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Lead team meetings, communicate the status of ongoing projects and/or job tasks, and coordinate work schedule with team members and agency staff.
Working Conditions:
Work setting, including hazards:
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Duties are performed mostly in an office setting.?Work will also be performed at construction sites, fish hatcheries, wildlife areas, and newly acquired properties.
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This position may require walking in uneven terrain and steep slopes for extended periods in inclement weather conditions.
Schedule:
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Typically, Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. 40 hours per week.
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Workload may require additional hours and may be expected to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs.
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A flexible work schedule may be considered at the incumbent’s request, subject to supervisory approval.
Travel Requirements: Occasional statewide travel and overnight stays to meet with clients, consultants, consulting parties, conduct business, or attend or provide training.
Customer Interactions: Daily interactions with the public, clients and project managers, including some who may be experiencing anger or frustration.
Qualifications:
Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major study in cultural resource management, anthropology, archaeology, tribal relations, environmental studies, or a closely related field.
And
Seven (7) years or more of professional-level experience with the following (may be gained concurrently):
Regulatory Cultural Resource Compliance: Administering and reviewing complex cultural and historical resource compliance activities subject to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, State environmental regulations such as Washington State Forest Practices Rules, the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and Governor’s Executive Order 21-02 or directly equivalent regulations.-
Formal Cultural Resource Consultation: Leading formal consultations with affected Federally Recognized Tribes and the State historic preservation officers, specifically regarding cultural resource impacts, preservation, and mitigation.
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Cultural Resource Relationship Management: Establishing and managing collaborative, high-level intergovernmental relationships with Tribal governments, federal, state, and local agencies to resolve sensitive or complex cultural resource planning disputes and tribal sovereignty concerns.
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Cultural Resource Protocol Innovation: Designing, authoring, and implementing specialized cultural resource review protocols, legal frameworks (such as MOUs or Programmatic Agreements), and compliance tracking mechanisms specifically for state and federal grant-funded work.
Please Note: Master's degree or higher in cultural resource management, anthropology, archaeology, tribal relations or a closely related field will substitute for two (2) years of the required professional-level experience.
Certifications/Licenses:
Valid Driver’s License.
Special Requirements/Conditions of Employment:
Possess or ability to acquire, professional-level access to Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) WISAARD database and no violations of RCW 27.53 – Archaeological Sites and Resources.
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess one or more of the following:
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Archaeological or anthropological field study and/or analytic experience in the Pacific Northwest region. This can be demonstrated as coursework, participation in a field school, or as work experience.
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Demonstrable experience working with Native American Tribes with interests in the Pacific Northwest. A candidate should include a Tribal Historic Preservation Officer or Tribal Program staff as a reference for evidence of meeting this criterion.
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Familiarity with technology commonly used in cultural resources management, such as database systems, GPS, and ArcGIS Pro.
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Working knowledge of environmental and cultural resource permitting, regulatory processes, including statutes, rules, and policy guidance.
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Knowledge of training principles; contract preparation and administration; negotiation principles, techniques and planning.
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Ability to develop long-range work plans, think conceptually, observe, and interpret trends, analyze data, identify key relationships and draw logical conclusions.
Your application must include the following:
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A completed online application showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
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An up-to-date resume.
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A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.
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At least three professional references with current contact 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:
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Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at [email protected].
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Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
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Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
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Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
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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
[email protected], 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
[email protected].
Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to
[email protected] and reference job #2026-05802.
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