Natural Resource Scientist 3, Federal Lands Archaeologist

Natural Resource Scientist 3, Federal Lands Archaeologist

Recruitment #2023-9-A209-12170

Full-time, Permanent, Represented position

Location: Natural Resources Building- Olympia, WA

Salary: $5,479.00 - $7,368.00

Join something GREAT and make a difference!

Would you like to contribute to critical work that supports land management decisions on federal forests, rangelands, and watersheds? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for qualified candidates for the Federal Lands Archaeologist position within the Federal Lands Environmental Planning Program. This position works statewide across National Forest System Lands and Bureau of Land Management Lands to develop and execute short and long-term environmental planning projects under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), including Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Assessments, and Categorical Exclusions.

In this role you will work alongside an interdisciplinary team of scientists and a robust Operations Program to plan, coordinate and prepare archaeological surveys and reports. Your expert advice will contribute to final NEPA decisions and recommend the best management practices for activities lending themselves to large-scale landscape restoration undertakings.

The federal government manages roughly 44 percent of Washington's 22.4 million acres of forested land, and through our Federal Lands Section, we aim to bring state capacity and resources to achieve our shared goals for maintaining and restoring the health of forest ecosystems on national forest lands today and into the future.Responsibilities:

• Serve as the expert Archaeology consultant and project manager for federal partner NEPA related planning efforts, primarily with the use of the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA).
• Perform cultural resource surveys, site protection plans and report writing in support of projects to meet current NEPA standards. This requires intensive field reconnaissance and sound background research.
• Utilize contracting resources to expand the capacity of the program through public state advertisement and bidding systems and processes.
• Coordinate closely with federal partner planning managers, Tribal counterparts and specialists in planning activities conducted by the Federal Lands Environmental Planning Program through regular engagement at the field, virtual, or in-person meetings to ensure projects meet or exceed expectations and requirements.
• Communicate orally and in writing to provide formal and informal briefings to technical experts, management officials, environmental interest groups and members of the general public.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in archaeology, anthropology, cultural resource management or a closely related field

AND Four years of professional experience applying theory, policy, principles and practices of archaeology to include development of site protection/ management plans for cultural resource sites.

• Two years of professional experience in natural resource, land use, urban environmental planning and/or management.
• Knowledge of federal and state cultural resources laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of state and federal archaeological and historic inventory information to include the DAHP database.
• Ability to communicate and work closely with tribal governments and other tribal entities.
• Ability to identify archaeological and cultural resources in the field and help design land management activities to minimize or avoid impacts.
• Ability to develop site protection/ management plans for cultural resource sites.
• History of positive, responsive, cooperative, collaborative interaction with the public and other professionals (both inter-organizational and interdisciplinary).
• Knowledge of planning principles associated with forest land management planning, planning and stewardship techniques, associated environmental laws, policies and programs at the state and federal level.
• Knowledge of methods and objectives of natural resource planning.
• DNR Core Competencies:
• Personal Accountability
• Value Others
• Compassionate Communication
• Inspire Others
• Commitment to Excellence

Working Conditions:

• Must meet US Secretary of Interior standards for professional archaeologists and the definition of a professional archaeologist under Washington Administrative Code 25-48-020. As outlined in the DOI's Professional Qualifications Standards webpage: https://www.nps.gov/articles/sec-standards-prof-quals.htm , the minimum professional qualifications in archaeology are a graduate degree plus:
  
• At least 1 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 archeology;
  
• Demonstrated ability to carry research to completion. In addition to these minimum qualifications, a professional in pre-contact archaeology shall have at least one year of full-time professional experience at a supervisory level in the study of archaeological resources of the pre-contact period. A professional in historic archaeology shall have at least one year of full-time professional experience at a supervisory level in the study of archeological resources of the historic period.
  
• Work is performed in an office setting or other meeting locations and field environments. Field work may require walking over steep and rugged terrain and in inclement weather.
  
• Requires travel for meetings, field work and visits estimated up to 40% of the time. This requires travel to regions, national forests, and other locations statewide. Interstate travel may be required at times.
  
• A valid driver's license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
  

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of principles of training, contracting, negotiating, and planning.
• Knowledge of GIS systems and ability to read/ create/ display spatial information in ARCGIS.
• Experience using cultural resources predictive models.
• Knowledge of archaeological field research methods and scientific report writing, preferably in the Northwestern United States required to conduct resource management on federal, state, and/or private lands.
• Knowledge of federal policies and procedures implemented under the USFS and other federal agencies, including the National Environmental Planning Act (NEPA), the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 U.S. Farm Bill), and other federal policies typically associated with implementation and planning of federal projects;
• Professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development.
• 2 Years of experience with interstate and interagency coordination and consultation on natural resource related policy and environmental planning.
• Ability to:
• Accept responsibility for assigned tasks and activities;
• Develop long-range work plans, think conceptually, observe and interpret trends, analyze data, identify key relationships, and draw logical conclusions
• Maintain effective working relationships with governmental officials;
• Provide a consistent message and a positive attitude about the program's development and program projects;
• Interpret federal policy and procedures;
• Frequently communicate with federal employees through their agency policies and procedures;
• Address large groups and write effectively;
• Work independently or as part of a team on assigned tasks

Application Requirements:

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired and special requirements.
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references - you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
• Attach a copy of your college degree certificate or an unofficial copy of your transcripts.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates that move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email from info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington's lands and communities through diversity, equity and inclusion. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.

Our Vision - Our actions ensure a future where Washington's lands, waters, and communities thrive.

Our Mission - Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being -Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service -We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving - We solve our state's most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork -We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women's Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Additional Information:

This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran's preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22 or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching. We thank you and are grateful for your service!

The Department of Natural Resources 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, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call though the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Check us out on:DNR's website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress

Questions? Please contact John Perry at john.perry@dnr.wa.gov, 360-480-7702 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.