Local Government Archaeologist (Environmental Planner 4)
Apply NowCompany: State of Washington
Location: Olympia, WA 98501
Description:
Salary: $6,077.00 - $8,170.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-DAHP-001
Department: Archaeology & Historic Preservation
Opening Date: 04/22/2025
Closing Date: 5/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Schedule: 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 and start/end times. Field visits and travel may be required including time for night meetings and overnight stays.
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
What you will be doing:
This senior level position functions as a specialist in archaeological laws and regulations as they relate to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and other local projects for DAHP. You will be responsible for administering and making independent decisions on SEPA reviews and reviews under other local laws and regulations as they pertain to effects on the state's historic and prehistoric archaeological sites. You will be working closely with tribal governments on tribal concerns and apply mediation skills in situations involving disputing parties for local projects. You will also teach various training courses including, SEPA, other local laws and regulations, cultural resources training, and lectures on archaeological topics as requested.
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.
Duties
What you will enjoy doing includes:
Qualifications
REQUIRED:
* Experience may be cumulative
Key Competencies Expected:
PREFERRED:
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:
NOTE: 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. A resume will not substitute for completing the "duties summary" section or supplemental questions of the application. Please do not "refer to resume" for detail, or your application may be disqualified.
Union Inclusion:
This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
Opportunity for All: The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.
Contact Information: For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or email jobs@des.wa.gov.
Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Do you have a valid driver's license, free from serious traffic violations?
02
Do you have a Graduate degree in archaeology, anthropology, or closely related field (with 4 months lab and field experience, demonstrated ability to carry research to completion)?
03
Do you have at least 3 years of experience in managing complex archaeological projects or experience completing project reviews for a state or federal agency?
04
From the question above, state what job(s) this will be found on your application.
05
Do you have at least 3 years of experience in applying criteria for listing archaeological properties in the National Register of Historic Places, exceptions to the National Register, and considering integrity issues when applying the National Register criteria?
06
From the question above, state what job(s) this will be found on your application.
07
Select ALL you have experience with:
08
How did you hear about this job posting?
09
We would like to know where you heard about this position.If you selected College Job Board, Job Fair, Job Board, or Other, please let us know the specific name of the college, job board, or place you heard about this position.If you selected a specifically named job board or webpage (listed above), please enter "n/a".
Required Question
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-DAHP-001
Department: Archaeology & Historic Preservation
Opening Date: 04/22/2025
Closing Date: 5/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary Information: The high end of the salary range, Step M is typically a longevity step
Description
Schedule: 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 and start/end times. Field visits and travel may be required including time for night meetings and overnight stays.
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
What you will be doing:
This senior level position functions as a specialist in archaeological laws and regulations as they relate to the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and other local projects for DAHP. You will be responsible for administering and making independent decisions on SEPA reviews and reviews under other local laws and regulations as they pertain to effects on the state's historic and prehistoric archaeological sites. You will be working closely with tribal governments on tribal concerns and apply mediation skills in situations involving disputing parties for local projects. You will also teach various training courses including, SEPA, other local laws and regulations, cultural resources training, and lectures on archaeological topics as requested.
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.
Duties
What you will enjoy doing includes:
- Conducts reviews of project impacts for the purposes of SEPA, Shoreline Management Act, Growth Management Act, Forest Practices Act and other local development regulations put in place by cities and counties.
- Makes independent determinations on whether archaeological surveys are necessary for local development projects.
- Offers archaeological expertise to city and county governments who do not have archaeologists on staff.
- Responds to requests for assistance from State and Local Agencies and project proponents for archeological project review or guidance on archaeological issues.
- Attends scoping meetings, planning meetings, and conducts field visits for local development projects as needed.
- Acts as a mediator between tribal governments, developers, and archaeologists when the various parties are unable to agree on solutions related to archaeological issues for contentious projects.
- Assists the GIS and Records unit with questions about site forms, reports, or other questions that require archaeological expertise.
- Conducts training on SEPA, Shoreline Management Act, Forest Practices Act and how archaeological issues can be addressed and affect development projects under these acts for State and Local Agencies as needed.
Qualifications
REQUIRED:
- A valid driver's license, free from serious traffic violations
- Must meet minimum Professional Qualifications for Historic Preservation Professionals as defined in .
- This includes a graduate in archaeology/anthropology, 4 months lab and field experience, and demonstrated ability to carry research to completion.
- Must have at least 3 years of experience in managing complex archaeological projects or experience completing project reviews for a state or federal agency.
- At least 3 years of experience in applying criteria for listing archaeological properties in the National Register of Historic Places, exceptions to the National Register, and considering integrity issues when applying the National Register criteria.
- Expert knowledge of Washington state prehistory and history.
- Expertise in archaeological field methods and theory.
* Experience may be cumulative
Key Competencies Expected:
- Able to learn and understand the language and concepts of our DEI culture and commit to being a part of creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, respectful and inclusive workplace.
- Demonstrate a commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness when provided training and opportunities to participate in improving our work environment.
- Participate and behave in a manner that creates trust and builds working relationships, promoting teamwork and collaboration in the work environment.
- Demonstrate the understanding that all people are valued; contribute to an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment when working with members of the group, team, organization or community.
- Commit to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity and inclusion in our organization.
PREFERRED:
- Clear and concise writing skills
- Strong ability to work cordially and professionally with DAHP staff, constituents and stakeholders and represent the agency in a positive, professional manner; strong public presentation abilities
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Advanced training and knowledge of archaeological properties and theories
- Specific expertise in Northwest United States archaeology
- General knowledge of:
- Field techniques, theory
- Expertise with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and implementing regulations 36CFR 800
- General knowledge of and familiarity with National Historic Preservation Act programs and related standards and guidelines with advanced experience and understanding of guidelines and procedures for nominating and listing properties in the National Register of Historic Places
- General ability in using applicable computer programs as well as photographic equipment and graphic techniques, background in implementation of RCW 27.53, RCW 27.44 and applicable rules.
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: 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. A resume will not substitute for completing the "duties summary" section or supplemental questions of the application. Please do not "refer to resume" for detail, or your application may be disqualified.
Union Inclusion:
This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
Opportunity for All: The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.
Contact Information: For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or email jobs@des.wa.gov.
Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Do you have a valid driver's license, free from serious traffic violations?
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have a Graduate degree in archaeology, anthropology, or closely related field (with 4 months lab and field experience, demonstrated ability to carry research to completion)?
- Yes
- No
03
Do you have at least 3 years of experience in managing complex archaeological projects or experience completing project reviews for a state or federal agency?
- Yes
- No
04
From the question above, state what job(s) this will be found on your application.
05
Do you have at least 3 years of experience in applying criteria for listing archaeological properties in the National Register of Historic Places, exceptions to the National Register, and considering integrity issues when applying the National Register criteria?
- Yes
- No
06
From the question above, state what job(s) this will be found on your application.
07
Select ALL you have experience with:
- Expert knowledge of Washington state prehistory and history
- Expertise in archaeological field methods and theory
- Advanced training and knowledge of archaeological properties and theories
- Specific expertise in Northwest United States archaeology
- General knowledge of and familiarity with National Historic Preservation Act programs and related standards and guidelines with advanced experience and understanding of guidelines and procedures for nominating and listing properties in the National Register of Historic Places
- General ability in using applicable computer programs as well as photographic equipment and graphic techniques, background in implementation of RCW 27.53, RCW 27.44 and applicable rules.
- None of these apply
08
How did you hear about this job posting?
- Careers.wa.gov / Governmentjobs.com
- Friend
- Indeed
- Job Board
- Other
09
We would like to know where you heard about this position.If you selected College Job Board, Job Fair, Job Board, or Other, please let us know the specific name of the college, job board, or place you heard about this position.If you selected a specifically named job board or webpage (listed above), please enter "n/a".
Required Question