Announcement # 2024-028 TFW Archaeologist III Fisheries Resource Management (FRM) Department of Natural Resources Hourly Wage: $32.75/Regular/Full-Time Location: Toppenish Advocate for the protection of cultural and archaeological resources important to the Yakama Nation on private and state forestlands in the Treaty Reserved and Traditional Use Areas. Develop and coordinate the identification, evaluation, preservation, and conservation of cultural resources on forestlands as related to archaeological and historical properties important to the Yakama Nation. Review and provide technical recommendations on State Forest Practices Applications (FPA), SEPA documents, and other permitting associated with forest practices to ensure cultural and archaeological resources are protected. Review the adequacy of surveys and reports completed by other archaeologists, technicians, and archaeological consultants for forest landowners. Work with forest landowners and agencies to identify and protect archaeological and cultural resources. Educate landowners and agencies on the importance of archaeological and cultural resources. Evaluate and improve predictive models to better identify where sites may be located. Attend meetings to discuss and advocate for cultural and archaeological protection as it relates to the Forest Practices Act, other state and federal regulations, individual timber sales and other forest practices. Field work area includes the Columbia Basin from the Cowlitz River to the Okanogan River.
Examples of Work Performed: Review State Forest Practices Applications (FPA), SEPA documents, and other permitting associated with forest practices for their ability to protect cultural and archaeological resources. Field review applications and permits that have a likelihood to contain cultural or archaeological resources.
Conduct field surveys of FPAs and other forestry projects. Professionally document and record sites discovered.
Provide technical comments and recommendations to protect archaeological and cultural resources on timber sales and other forest practices. Work with landowners to develop and agree on cultural resource protection plans.
Conduct periodic field reviews of ongoing or completed forest practices to evaluate how well projects have complied with rules and recommendations to protect archaeological and cultural resources. Generate data regarding effectiveness of the TFW process to protect Yakama Nation cultural resources on forested lands.
Advocate for forest practices and regulations to meet the cultural and archaeological goals of the 1987 Timber, Fish and Wildlife Agreement.
Participate in meetings, committees, and conferences to advocate for cultural and archaeological resource identification and protection. Review and comment on reports and recommendations made by various TFW Subcommittees as it pertains to cultural resources. Work with the TFW Coordinator to formulate positions on cultural resource issues regarding timber harvest and other forest practices.
Advocate for changes to regulations, laws and policies that inadequately protect cultural and archaeological resources important to the Yakama Nation.
Educate landowners, other agencies, and general public about the importance of cultural and archaeological resources.
Evaluate, test, and improve archaeological and cultural resource predictive models.
Use contemporary archaeological methods and theory to ensure the comprehensive protection of cultural places important to the Yakama Nation.
Assist in the preparation and completion of quarterly and annual reports.
Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of the Washington State Forest Practices Act as it relates to cultural resources.
Knowledge of other tribal, state, and federal laws and policies that pertain to cultural and archaeology resources.
Knowledge of archaeological field research methods and scientific reporting.
Knowledge and ability to conduct archaeological surveys, record sites and complete reports that meet professional standards.
Knowledge of the geography of the Yakama Nation, ceded lands, traditional lands, and the Columbia
River Basin.
Knowledge of the past and present distribution of cultural resources important to the Yakama Nation.
Knowledge of lithic technology as it applies to stone tool manufacture and a familiarity with the working key classification of Columbia Basin prehistoric stone tools.
Demonstrated ability to survey, describe and map sites using GPS, compass, map interpretation, aerial imagery, other remote sensing, photography, and other methods.
Demonstrated skills with computers and software to record data and sites, write reports, provide written recommendations and letters, evaluate predictive models, utilize WIZARD and other archaeological databases, utilize GIS and other mapping systems. Should have proficiency in WORD, Excel, PowerPoint, GIS, and remote sensing interpretation tools such as aerial imagery and LIDAR.
Demonstrated excellent writing and organizational skills to accomplish work tasks.
Ability to clearly communicate and work with landowners, and other state and federal agencies on the importance and protection of archaeological and cultural resources important to the Yakama Nation.
Minimum Requirements: Mininum of a Master of Arts or Science Degree in Anthropology, Archaeology, or related field, with an emphasis in archaeology and cultural resources, and three years' experience performing archaeological studies and investigations.
Must be physically fit and have the ability to work under adverse weather conditions in all types of terrain, especially forested lands.
Required to pass a pre-employment background check.
Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.
Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving Permit.
Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
