Cultural Resources Technician

COWLITZ INDIAN TRIBE•Ridgefield, WA

1d•$34 - $41•Onsite

About The Position

The Cultural Resources Technician assists with research, monitoring, reporting, and other work related to identifying, protecting, and preserving cultural resources. Under the supervision of the Cultural Resources Director, the technician works with internal and external customers while representing the mission, vision, and values of CIT and the Cultural Resources department. The assignment is temporary and full-time for 3–12 months, based in Ridgefield, Washington. The role includes reviewing proposed ground-disturbing projects for potential cultural-resource impacts; contributing to ethnographic, archival, and genealogical research; researching Tribal history and prehistory in southwest Washington and northern Oregon; and helping edit documents for cultural context, respectful protocol, and protection of cultural resources. The technician may also support Natural Resources Department projects, archaeological monitoring, and site visits, and maintains records and working relationships with Tribal members, government agencies, contractors, and the public. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in History, Anthropology, Museum Studies, or a related field. One year of experience in Tribal consultation, history, cultural preservation, or a related field is preferred; an equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience may be considered. A valid driver’s license is required when driving for work purposes. Applicants must pass the required background screening, including a pre-employment drug screen, reference checks, education and employment verification, and federal, state, and/or Tribal criminal history and sanction checks, including fingerprint verification. Tribal preference applies under Cowlitz Indian Tribe policies. Employees must adhere to CIT safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in History, Anthropology, Museum Studies, or a related field; a combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
Valid driver’s license when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
Ability to use word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database software.
Knowledge of records management and ability to prepare administrative paperwork.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment, analyze issues, and solve problems.
Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials, and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines, work independently with minimal supervision, and exercise initiative and independent judgment.
Ability to establish professional relationships with people of varying social and cultural backgrounds and coworkers at all levels.
Sensitivity to community issues and concerns and ability to represent the organization professionally.
Must pass background investigation requirements, including a pre-employment drug screen; reference checks; education and employment verification; and federal, state, and/or Tribal criminal history and sanction checks, including fingerprint verification.
Must adhere to CIT safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in Tribal consultation, history, cultural preservation, or a related field is preferred.
Knowledge of traditional forms of government and Tribal customs and traditions.
Knowledge of Tribal policy, procedures, and programs.
Knowledge of Tribal governments, Cowlitz Tribal history, and the Cowlitz ethnographic landscape.
Knowledge of and sensitivity to Tribal customs and beliefs.

Responsibilities

Conduct initial background research on potential ground-disturbing projects and analyze information from sources such as environmental checklists, maps, surveys, geotechnical reports, wetland reports, and fish reports.
Provide input on potential project impacts to cultural resources.
Contribute to ethnographic research, archival and genealogical studies, and information requests from Tribal members.
Research Tribal history and prehistory of southwest Washington and northern Oregon, and compose and analyze findings.
Assist with editing outgoing documents for cultural context, appropriate and respectful protocol, and protection of cultural resources.
Assist with Natural Resources Department projects as needed.
Assist with archaeological monitoring and site visits as needed.
Create and maintain an effective filing and retrieval system for permit applications and other documentation.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, Tribal members and administrators, government agencies, contractors, public officials, and the public.
Maintain confidentiality and a positive, professional demeanor and image.
Contribute to team efforts, accomplish related results, and perform other duties as assigned.