Cultural Resources Policy & Consultation Specialist - Environmental Planner

Position: Cultural Resources Policy & Consultation Specialist - Environmental Planner 4 - Permanent-2026-05802
Title
- Cultural Resources Policy & Consultation Specialist

Classification
- Environmental Planner 4

Job Status
- Full-Time - Permanent

WDFW Program
- Capital Asset Management Program (CAMP)

Duty Station
- Olympia, Washington - Thurston County

Hybrid/Telework
- While this position may offer a hybrid work arrangement (subject to supervisor approval), the successful candidate must be available to report to the Olympia, WA headquarters as needed.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Photo Caption:
Olympic National Park - Photo Credit: WDFW

This position plays a key role in ensuring cultural resources are compliant and integrated into environmental planning and project implementation across the agency.

As WDFW's technical expert in cultural resource management, archaeology, tribal relations, and regulatory compliance, you will provide technical leadership and scientifically informed guidance.

Working collaboratively with tribal governments, public agencies, and other stakeholders you will support regulatory compliance, informed decision-making, and the long-term preservation of Washington's cultural resources.

What to Expect
- Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Cultural Resources Policy & Consultation Specialist will,

Provide cultural resource review, consultation, and compliance for the agency projects, grant-funded work, and work on agency-owned lands:

* Administer the cultural resource compliance process for projects subject to Executive Order 21-02 and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), or agency policy.

* Exercise delegated decision-making authority to determine appropriate cultural resources compliance pathways, consultation strategies, and mitigation approaches for complex or controversial projects.

* Develop and maintain a consistent state-wide approach to cultural resources management, including responses to new and existing policies, and significant initiatives.

* Provide regulatory guidance to agency staff and grant sponsors on cultural resource compliance for grant-funded projects.

* Coordinate with program staff and project managers to ensure intra-agency collaboration, consistent statewide processes and integration of cultural resource stewardship into project and land management planning.

Consult and facilitate consultation with Tribes, DAHP, and other interested government agencies to coordinate stewardship of cultural resources and productive, respectful relationships:

* Conduct and facilitate respectful consultation with Tribal Cultural Programs, modeling accountability and integrity to build trust, often in coordination with agency leadership and the Director of Tribal Affairs.

* Ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Governor's Executive Order 21-02, and agency policy.

* Collaborate with Tribal, state, federal, and local cultural and natural resource experts, planners, and regulatory staff.

Supervise and mentor a team that performs cultural resource review, consultation, and compliance work to address legal and stewardship requirements:

* Provide full supervisory oversight for staff performing cultural resource review and consultation work, including hiring, assigning work, evaluating performance, approving leave, and recommending corrective action.

* Lead team meetings, communicate the status of ongoing projects and/or job tasks, and coordinate work schedule with team members and agency staff.

Working Conditions:

Work setting, including hazards:

* Duties are performed mostly in an office setting.?

Work will also be performed at construction sites, fish hatcheries, wildlife areas, and newly acquired properties.

* This position may require walking in uneven terrain and steep slopes for extended periods in inclement weather conditions.

Schedule:

* Typically, Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M.

- 5:00 P.M. 40 hours per week.

* Workload may require additional hours and may be expected to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs.

* A flexible work schedule may be considered at the incumbent's request, subject to supervisory approval.

Travel Requirements:
Occasional statewide travel and overnight stays to meet with clients, consultants, consulting parties, conduct business, or attend or provide training.

Customer Interactions:
Daily interactions with the public, clients and project managers, including some who may be experiencing anger or frustration.

Qualifications:

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major study in cultural resource management, anthropology, archaeology, tribal relations, environmental studies, or a closely related field.

And

Seven (7) years or more of professional-level experience with the following (may be gained concurrently):

* Regulatory Cultural Resource Compliance:
Administering and reviewing complex cultural and historical resource…