Consulting Cultural Resource Scientist

Puget Sound Energy•Bothell, WA

2d•$108,200 - $180,200

About The Position

Puget Sound Energy’s Environmental Services team is hiring a Consulting Cultural Resource Scientist to lead complex, high-profile cultural resource projects across the company’s utility operations. The position is a senior technical and project delivery leader supporting the cultural resources management program and hydro-license cultural resource commitments. It provides advanced expertise in cultural resources compliance, utility infrastructure project delivery, Section 106 consultation, consultant management, technical quality assurance, and program implementation. The role works under the direction of the Cultural Resources Supervisor and provides mentorship and guidance to cultural resources staff and consultants. Projects may involve transmission, substations, wildfire mitigation, undergrounding, hydroelectric facilities, renewable energy, generation, natural gas, and other utility infrastructure. The position coordinates with Tribes, regulatory agencies, project teams, consultants, and internal stakeholders to support project delivery and compliance. Work arrangements will be discussed during the interview process. The position pays $108,200–$180,200 and is eligible for annual goals-based incentive bonuses.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Hydrology, Engineering, Anthropology, Mathematics, or a similar field, with 10 years of field experience; two years of appropriate additional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.
Significant experience in the electric and/or gas supply industry or equivalent.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
Expert analytical skills.
Demonstrated leadership and team-building capability, including establishing long-term relationships with regulatory agency contacts.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, History, Historic Preservation, Cultural Resources Management, or a closely related field.
Meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for Archaeology and be qualified to obtain or maintain archaeological permits and WISAARD access in Washington State.
Ten or more years of progressively responsible professional experience in cultural resources management, archaeological compliance, historic preservation, or a related field.
Experience leading Section 106 consultation and developing Memoranda of Agreement, Programmatic Agreements, or other cultural resource compliance documents.
Experience supporting renewable energy, transmission, distribution, generation, natural gas, or other utility infrastructure projects.
Professional experience working with Tribes in the Pacific Northwest and coordinating government-to-government consultation processes.
Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and provide sound technical and regulatory recommendations.

Responsibilities

Work under the direction of the Cultural Resources Supervisor to support implementation of PSE’s cultural resources program.
Serve as a senior technical resource supporting the cultural resources management program and hydro-license cultural resource commitments.
Lead cultural resource compliance efforts for complex utility infrastructure and capital improvement projects.
Lead Section 106 compliance, including consultation, regulatory coordination, effects assessment, treatment planning, and agreement development.
Review cultural resource reports, permit applications, technical studies, compliance documents, agreement documents, treatment plans, and consultant deliverables for technical quality and accuracy.
Develop consultant scopes of work and manage consultant schedules, budgets, deliverables, and technical performance.
Coordinate with Tribes, regulatory agencies, project managers, engineers, planners, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
Lead implementation of cultural resource commitments for hydroelectric operations and FERC-licensed facilities, including studies, monitoring, site stewardship, museum and collections initiatives, and Cultural Resource Advisory Group commitments.
Maintain and prioritize project portfolios and develop tracking systems for reviews, consultant activities, commitments, schedules, permits, and regulatory obligations.
Develop and implement program tools, tracking systems, workflows, and best management practices to improve project delivery, compliance, and operational efficiency.
Represent the Cultural Resources Program in meetings, advisory groups, technical working groups, and professional forums as assigned.
Provide mentorship and guidance to cultural resources staff and consultants.
Perform other duties as assigned.