Tribal Historic Preservation Officer

POSITION TITLE:    Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO)
DEPARTMENT:    Cultural Resources 
LOCATION:    Ridgefield, WA
REPORTS TO:    Cultural Resources Director
STATUS:        Salary, fulltime
SALARY RANGE:    $82,264.00 - $98,592.00 per year

Closing date: Open until filled 

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary: 

Protects, exercises, and enhances the sovereignty of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe (Tribe) using cultural resources management laws and regulations.  Collaborates with other Cowlitz tribal departments, other tribes, the US Government, and state and local governments as they implement cultural resources laws, regulations, and ordinances.  Aligns with Tribal teachings, emphasizing the responsibility of the Tribe to manage resources in a spirit of kinship with those resources.  Maintains professionalism in all interactions with internal and external customers. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of Tribe and the Cultural Resources Department (CRD).

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Performs the duties of the THPO as described in the 2021 THPO Assumption Agreement between the Tribe and the National Park Service.
• Responds to the annual Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) THPO funding and works with the Tribe’s Grants program to submit an application for the funding by the required deadline; participates in the preparation of periodic reports as required by the HPF grant, which may be separate from the annual report required under the THPO Agreement.
• Oversees and manages the Project Review Program within the Cultural Resources Department, including the creation, maintenance, and enhancement of the project tracking and filing system, including coordination with CRD staff, Advisory Review Board, consultants, and public officials on activities related to the National Historic Preservation Act, National Environmental Protection Act, Washington State’s Environmental Policy Act, Archaeological Resources Protection Act, Washington State Executive Order 21-02, and other state and local cultural resources laws, regulations, and ordinances relevant to Cowlitz Territory as defined in Resolution 26-29.
• Represents the interests of the Tribe in the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (NATHPO) and interacts with other professional organizations that address cultural resources management issues.
• Conducts cultural resources management fieldwork, archival investigations, documentation, and report preparation on an as-needed basis which may include fieldwork to support the identification and evaluation of sites, districts, buildings, structures, and objects, and across all kind of cultural resources (archaeological resources, traditional cultural places, and elements of the built environment).
• Acts as the Tribe’s point of contact for emergencies that may affect properties of religious and cultural importance to the Tribe.
• Coordinates with other agencies in the review of projects that have the potential to result in effects to historic properties of religious and cultural significance to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.
• Participates in interviewing and hiring of staff.
• Writes and publishes professional articles regarding historical preservation and ancestral lands on an as-needed basis.
• Maintains knowledge of all federal, state, and tribal regulations relevant to historic preservation and cultural resource management.

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers, tribal members and administrators, state and federal governments, contractors, public officials, and the general public.
• Maintains the confidentiality of program files, historic documentation, and archival material.

• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Cowlitz Tribal, federal, state, local and other tribal laws and regulations that govern historic preservation and environmental requirements.
• Knowledge of Cowlitz Tribal traditions, history, prehistory, and ethnographic research. 
• Knowledge of archaeological field and laboratory research methods, reporting, and curatorial practices.
• Knowledge of standard archival preservation techniques.
• Knowledge of grant applications and preparation.

• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.

• Ability to operate various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs in a Windows environment and the Apple iPhone OS.
• Ability to operate field equipment including iPhones, GPS units, digital camera, compass, clinometers, and rangefinder.
• Ability to prepare cultural resource survey reports and site records.
• Ability to prepare accurate, complete, and legible reports and present detailed, accurate, and objective oral presentations and responses to questions.
• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of sensitivity to community issues and concerns.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to represent organization in a professional manner, building respect and confidence in the community.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Native American Studies, or closely related field preferred.
• Five (5) years’ experience in cultural resources management, historic preservation, or related experience with demonstrated experience in independent report writing.
• Valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Fluency in the Cowlitz Salish language preferred.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions.

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Personal reference check and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to talk and hear, walk and stand. The employee may be required to sit for extended periods of time.  The employee regularly is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and to reach with arms and hands. The employee may be required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. Normal visual acuity is required by this job. The position may require occasional lifting and/or carrying of up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a typical interior/office and outdoor environment. Exposure to dust, fumes, allergens, extreme weather, and steep terrain will occur. Noise level is moderate to excessive.  Standing and walking may be on uneven surfaces or unstable ground. Work is frequently performed near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery and the use protective clothing, equipment, devices, materials is necessary. Overnight travel, evening and/or weekend work is occasionally required.