Cultural Monitor (37354)

AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS•Palm Springs, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cultural Monitor I is a staff representative of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI) Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) and serves as a liaison between construction projects and the THPO. The role protects and preserves Tribal Cultural Resources, working with the THPO to support avoidance measures and prevent unnecessary impacts to resources and cultural sites. Monitors are assigned to construction projects to observe archaeological excavations and construction in culturally sensitive areas or locations with potential cultural deposits. They work with archaeologists, other Tribes, specialists, land developers, and lead agencies, and document field activities daily in coordination with the Cultural Resources Supervisor. The position is on call and based in Palm Springs, California. It involves outdoor work year-round, potentially in extreme weather and remote locations, with early mornings and possible weekend and night work. The work may include hikes with packs or equipment and requires physical fitness and the ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must provide their own 4WD vehicle and have a valid state driver’s license and current vehicle insurance. Evidence of Tribal enrollment is required if offered the position.

Requirements

Minimum high school diploma or GED.
Certified by a Cultural Resource Monitor Training Program.
CPR and basic First Aid certification, or ability to obtain certification within the first six months of employment.
Valid state driver’s license.
Proof of current vehicle insurance.
Must provide own 4WD vehicle.
Evidence of Tribal enrollment required if offered the position.
Ability to recognize artifacts, features, midden deposits, and other cultural resources.
Ability to read and interpret maps.
Ability to work independently while following established protocols, procedures, and timelines.
Sound judgment and problem-solving skills; ability to work under pressure while maintaining professionalism.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive information.
Analytical, organizational, communication, and documentation skills, including thoroughness and accuracy in monitoring work.
Basic understanding of cultural awareness and sensitivity, and ability to work effectively with THPO, Tribal membership, and Tribal government.
Familiarity with ACBCI values, customs, and traditions; basic understanding of techniques for identifying cultural resources and materials in the Coachella Valley.
Awareness of state and federal laws protecting ACBCI cultural sites on and off the Reservation, and of cultural, historical, and ceremonial places important to ACBCI.
Ability to work long hours outdoors year-round in high heat, high humidity, cold, gusty winds, and blowing sand; work may be in remote locations.
Physically fit to perform monitoring work, including hikes of varying durations with packs or equipment, and able to lift or move up to 50 pounds.
Availability for early-morning hours and possible weekend and night work.

Nice To Haves

Previous cultural monitoring experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Monitor assigned ground-disturbing activity.
Perform field inspections of project areas to assess the likelihood or presence of cultural resources.
Document findings in accordance with THPO policies.
Help ensure Tribal Cultural Resources and Tribal Ancestors are treated with dignity and respect.
Complete narrative sections of monitoring forms thoroughly and accurately, documenting project activity, and communicate information verbally and in writing to the Cultural Resources Supervisor.
Communicate field information effectively to ACBCI cultural monitors, archaeologists, and supervisory construction personnel.
Work professionally with others and follow safety protocols, including wearing required personal protective equipment.
Participate in job-related training and staff meetings as assigned by the THPO.
Support other duties assigned in accordance with THPO procedures.