Cultural Resources and Historic Preservation Manager

Pima County•Tucson, AZ

12d•Onsite

About The Position

Pima County is seeking a Cultural Resources & Historic Preservation Manager to help lead a nationally recognized public-sector preservation program in Southern Arizona. This is more than a traditional compliance role. The successful candidate will help guide how archaeology, historic preservation, tribal engagement, environmental planning, design, infrastructure delivery, and public stewardship come together early in the project-development process. As part of Pima County’s Conservation Lands and Resources Department, you will join an interdisciplinary team working across a conservation-land network of more than 250,000 acres. While the position’s primary focus is cultural resources compliance, the work connects preservation, conservation, planning, and public infrastructure to protect archaeological sites, historic places, cultural landscapes, and the broader resources that define Southern Arizona. Working with the Pima County Historic Preservation Officer, this manager will oversee countywide regulatory review, mentor professional staff, guide complex public and private-sector projects, and work directly with tribal governments, agencies, planners, architects, engineers, developers, and the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission. This is an opportunity to lead meaningful work, shape policy and practice, and help advance a program that goes beyond minimum compliance. Come build a lasting legacy in one of the country’s most culturally rich and dynamic regions. This is a classification in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Merit System Rules.

Requirements

Graduate degree (M.A. or Ph.D.) from an accredited college or university in history, archaeology, anthropology, historic preservation, or a closely related field as defined by the department head at the time of recruitment
Three years’ experience in cultural resources management, historic preservation or a related field as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment
Two years of supervisory and/or managerial experience
Meets Secretary of the Interior Professional Qualifications Standards for archaeology or architectural history or historic architecture
Valid driver license is required at time of application
Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment
The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures
Work requires visual and auditory acuity; clear verbal communication; and manual dexterity for computer use and document handling
Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods, walk over uneven terrain, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds

Nice To Haves

Advanced cultural resources regulatory compliance leadership: demonstrated experience with complex, multi-jurisdictional cultural resources compliance programs involving NHPA Section 106 and Arizona Antiquities Act implementation, including responsibility for eligibility determinations and effects findings
Supervisory & program oversight experience: direct supervision of professional staff, including performance evaluation, mentoring, and workload management within a cultural resources or historic preservation context
Tribal & intergovernmental coordination: experience with regular coordination with tribal governments and state and/or federal regulatory agencies in a cultural resources compliance context
Public sector preservation policy experience: employment with a public agency and experience implementing cultural resources preservation policies, ordinances, or board/council directives
Compliance systems, database, or GIS management: experience managing or administering cultural resources compliance tracking systems, databases, GIS platforms, or similar regulatory information systems
Arizona Antiquities Act Professional Qualifications: qualified as a Project Director or Principal Investigator under the rules implementing the Arizona Antiquities Act (A.R.S. 41-841, et seq., 41-865)

Responsibilities

Supervises and mentors compliance program staff by assigning tasks, tracking progress, providing professional development, and conducting performance evaluations to ensure effective regulatory compliance
Oversees County-wide compliance with federal, state, and local preservation laws including the National Historic Preservation Act and the Arizona Antiquities Act for both County projects and private sector activities
Assists in implementing Pima County Board of Supervisors Policy C3.17 requiring cultural resource protection, ensuring documentation and reporting accuracy
Manages compliance databases and GIS mapping systems, maintaining accurate and secure records
Assists the Historic Preservation Officer by serving as a point of contact between Pima County and local, state, and federal agencies, tribal governments, and the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission
Presents County projects for regulatory review and oversees Historic Zone and Landmark Zone designation applications
Advises developers, planners, and architects on integrating historic preservation into their projects
Supports educational initiatives and partnerships to enhance public awareness of cultural resource compliance and preservation