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Cultural Resources Program Supervisor - TPS5

Employer
State of Washington
Location
Tumwater, Washington
Closing date
Feb 22, 2024
View more categoriesView less categories
Position Type
Cultural Resource Management
Discipline
Cultural Anthropology
Hours
Full Time
Organization Type
Government
About WSDOT

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is the steward of an integrated, multimodal transportation system that helps to ensure people and goods move safely and efficiently throughout the state. In addition to building, maintaining, and operating the state highway system, WSDOT operates the largest ferry system in the nation, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and recently completed the world's widest tunneling project.

The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a planning specialist to fill the Cultural Resources Program Supervisor vacancy within the Environmental Services Office, located in Olympia, WA. In this critical role, you will lead, manage, and facilitate the statewide Cultural Resources Program. While serving as the agency's senior lead technical subject matter expert (SME) in cultural resources management and compliance, this role will have the daily task of supervising, guiding, coaching, and supporting technical staff of the cultural resource specialists and consultants. Communication and organizational skills are imperative, as our top candidate will coordinate regularly with external entities including tribes, the Federal Highway Administration, and the State Historic Preservation Officer; and develop, negotiate, and manage the scope of work agreements and funding instruments with public agencies and consultants to fund and operate the program to meet WSDOT's statewide business needs efficiently and effectively.

What to Expect

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Cultural Resources Program Supervisor will:
  • Function as the state cultural resources technical expert in archaeology and historic preservation as they relate to transportation projects.
  • Lead the agency in complying with the regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
  • Plan, lead, and continuously improve a statewide program focused on ensuring cultural resources management and compliance.
  • Develop and evaluate policies, procedures, tools, and workforce development to help regional and modal staff and consultant consistently implement WSDOT cultural resources policy.
  • Coordinate compliance with state and federal regulations for cultural resources with appropriate tribal, state and federal agencies, including negotiating agreements and contracts, developing innovative solutions for historic preservation, archaeological and historic investigations, and mitigation measures.
  • Propose, review, and communicate legislative/rule changes related to cultural resources management and compliance that are likely to affect WSDOT's asset management and project delivery business practices.
  • Perform personnel tasks including but not limited to writing position descriptions, essential job knowledge and skills statements, and training plans; hiring; evaluating and recognizing employees; adhering to travel policy and taking corrective actions when necessary.
  • Instruct staff on agency and office policies, procedures, and decisions; provide direction and guidance to cultural resources specialists who are located in region offices.
  • Oversee program-wide data collection and performance measurement, including the maintenance of the historic bridges database.
  • Utilize subject area knowledge to manage the ESO Cultural Resources Program and support the agency (regions, modes, and divisions).


Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
  • A graduate degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, or closely related field.
  • U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualifications Standards for Archaeology and Historic Preservation (found at https://www.doi.gov/pam/asset-management/historic-preservation/PQS).
  • Five (5) years of professional work experience working on transportation or other infrastructure projects with direct responsibilities in all of the following:
  • Collaborating and fostering positive professional work relationships with peers, customers, and key partners based on mutual trust, respect, competence, and mutual understanding.
  • Leading or producing deliverables to support cultural resources review, management, and compliance.
  • Managing projects and/or deliverables.
  • Possess advanced knowledge of the following:
  • Transportation agency policies and procedures, and environmental planning and review.
  • State and federal laws, regulations and executive orders pertaining to cultural resources and how they interact with applicable tribal, state, and federal agencies.
  • Best practices in archaeology, historic preservation, geophysics, and geomorphology; and how these areas are applied to cultural resource inventories and analysis for transportation projects.
  • Skills to interact and coordinate with a high degree of proficiency with external entities including but not limited to tribes, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the public, and the State Historic Preservation Officer.
  • Skill to effectively supervise, coach, guide, and support skilled professional staff one on one, in a team setting, and remotely.
  • Skills to effectively communicate in writing, verbally, and in presentations with a variety of audiences, including the public, regulatory agency managers and staff, WSDOT managers and staff, and project engineers.
  • A valid driver's license.


It is preferredthat qualified candidates also have:
  • Advanced knowledge of environmental laws, regulations, and FHWA and WSDOT policies pertaining to cultural resources review for WSDOT transportation projects.
  • Community engagement/public outreach experience (with regulatory agencies, tribes, or community groups) in conjunction with environmental regulatory review or transportation program delivery work.
  • Experience leading teams to achieve defined performance goals.
  • Supervisory experience.
  • To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.

Important Notes
  • In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
  • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
  • WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.wa.gov.

Why WSDOT
  • Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals' lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including occasional telework for eligible positions.
  • Paid Leave - In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
  • Tuition Assistance - Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
  • Plan For Your Future - WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.


Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply

Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the "Work Experience" portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
  • An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
  • An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
  • Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the "References" section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.


Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter via email.

Contact Us

For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter, at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 24DOT-HQ-01559 in the subject line.

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