Senior Archaeologist

COWLITZ INDIAN TRIBE • Ridgefield, WA

3d • $94,536 - $113,360 • Hybrid

About The Position

Serves as a Principal Investigator and senior leader, providing strategic direction and oversight for cultural stewardship and archaeological research projects. Leads the planning, management, and execution of Cultural Stewardship Program contracts, ensuring projects are completed in accordance with professional standards, regulatory requirements, and Tribal priorities. Supervises and mentors staff, oversees projects of varying scope and complexity, and provides technical expertise in cultural resource management and archaeological investigations. Supports the Cultural Stewardship Program Manager in advancing departmental goals through client engagement, proposal preparation, relationship management, and budget development. Contributes to the long-term success and sustainability of the Cultural Resources Department while honoring and promoting the mission, vision, values of Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the Cultural Resources Department.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, History, or related field required.
• Must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation in 36 CFR Part 61.
• Ten (10) years of professional experience in the field of cultural resources management, archaeological fieldwork, and experience working in the Pacific Northwest.
• Valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation.
• Knowledge of federal, state, local and tribal laws and regulations that govern historic preservation and environmental requirements.
• Knowledge of tribal governments, Cowlitz Tribal history, and Cowlitz ethnographic landscape.
• Knowledge of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, NEPA, NAGPRA, ARPA, and other applicable cultural resource laws, regulations, and consultation processes.
• Knowledge of proposal preparation, scope development, project budgeting, and contract administration for cultural resource projects.
• Knowledge of archaeological survey, testing, monitoring, excavation, and documentation methodologies, including pedestrian survey and shovel testing techniques.
• Ability to plan, manage, and oversee multiple cultural resource projects, including budgets, schedules, staff assignments, client communication, regulatory compliance, and project deliverables.
• Ability to lead, train, mentor, and provide technical direction to cultural resources staff, field crews, and research personnel.
• Ability to operate various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs in a Windows environment.
• Ability to conduct research and produce publishable maps with ArcGIS geospatial mapping software.
• Ability to operate standard field equipment including GPS units, digital camera, and compass.
• Ability to review, edit, and approve archaeological reports, site records, technical memoranda, maps, forms, and other project deliverables for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to read a topographic map, GPS data collection, create site records, and carry out other field mapping and data collection.
• Ability to prepare, review, and edit cultural resource investigation reports, site records, technical memoranda, and regulatory documentation.
• Ability to interpret, analyze, and enforce historic preservation regulations.
• Ability to adhere to strict standards of professional responsibility and conduct.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of sensitivity to community issues and concerns.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with the individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to demonstrate moral character, honesty, tact, fairness, lack of prejudice, and desire to help when dealing with people.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, Tribal representatives, regulatory agencies, contractors, consultants, public officials, and community members.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, cultural sensitivity, confidentiality, and respect when working with Tribal cultural resources, ancestral places, historic documentation, and community concerns.

Nice To Haves

• American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran preference in hiring.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the Principal Investigator for assigned projects.
• Leads projects of varying size and complexity, ensuring completion within budget, on schedule, and in accordance with contract scope.
• Conducts research independently and in accordance with professional standards, requiring minimal supervision.
• Leads project personnel, field and research crews, and assigned staff members.
• Analyzes research data and prepare professional-quality reports.
• Manages responsibilities across multiple concurrent projects.
• Prepares proposals and budgets and assists staff with their development.
• Travels as needed to support project execution.
• Serves as lead author in the preparation and editing of research reports.
• Compiles, enters, manages, and utilizes research data within database systems.
• Provides training and supervision to personnel on research methodologies and reporting procedures as needed.
• Performs documentary and field research.
• Designs and conducts archaeological field investigations, including survey, testing, and monitoring.
• Participates in the assessment and determination of sites for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.
• Provides technical guidance to junior authors on associated technical reports with standard forms, photos, and maps created using GISpro software.
• Prepares artifacts for curation and assists with cultural research as needed.
• Attends meetings on behalf of the department.
• Maintains all records according to department standards, policies, and procedures.
• Maintains the confidentiality of program files, historic documentation, and archival material.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers, tribal members and administrators, state and federal governments, contractors, public officials, and the general public.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions.
• All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal