Tribal Historic Preservation Officer

Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Tribal Historic Preservation Office Department of Natural Resources Hourly Wage: $46.10/Regular/Full-Time/Supervisory

Performs and oversees administrative and management functions essential for program operations. Promotes, protects, preserves, and manages all matters relating to cultural and archaeological resources, specifically those of the Yakama Nation (YN). Provides consultation and guidance on investigations involving cultural, historical, archaeological, and land matters within Yakama Reservation boundaries and in coordination with neighboring tribes, federal, state, and local governments. Reviews surveys and reports prepared by archaeologists, technicians, and consultants for accuracy and completeness, and approves final submissions.

Represents the Yakama Nation in meetings to advocate for cultural and archaeological resource protection in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and other applicable regulations. Implements the Yakama Nation Tribal Historic Preservation Plan and reviews federal undertakings under Section 106 of the NHPA to ensure resource protection. Maintains a thorough understanding of the unique tribal-federal relationship and applies this knowledge in all aspects of program management.

• Oversees and directs all stages of program planning, development, and execution.
• Develops and manages the annual program budget, monitors expenditures, and ensures full compliance with grant funding requirements, policies, and regulations.
• Initiates research to identify and secure alternative funding sources for cultural resource management activities.
• Represents Yakama Nation interests in meetings with neighboring tribes, as well as state, federal, and local officials. Maintains communication with the YN Tribal Council on matters of concern.
• Prepares, updates, and implements the Yakama Nation Tribal Historic Preservation Plan.
• Provides public information, education, training, and technical assistance in historic preservation.
• Monitors and evaluates all development, maintenance, and related activities initiated by the Yakama Tribal Government to assess and mitigate potential impacts on cultural and historic properties within Tribal lands.
• Builds and sustains collaborative relationships with other tribes, Native American preservation and repatriation organizations, and relevant agencies to advance cultural resource protection and historic preservation goals.
• Develops and maintains a collaborative partnership with the Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to advance shared preservation objectives.
• Maintains a strong collaborative partnership with the National Park Service to effectively fulfill Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) responsibilities.
• Reviews, comments, consults, and lobbies for the development of and amendments to relevant cultural laws.
• Cooperates with the Secretary of the Interior, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and federal, state, and local agencies, as well as tribal governments and other stakeholders, to fulfill historic preservation responsibilities.
• Demonstrates sound judgment and professionalism while managing diverse, rapidly changing projects and providing clear direction to staff. Excels in multitasking within a fast-paced environment and adapts quickly to shifting priorities.
• Reviews and approves professional reports to ensure compliance with current archaeological standards and resource protection guidelines. Prepares and submits monthly reports to the Yakama Nation Cultural Committee and an annual report to the General Council.
• Collaborates with tribal programs, state and federal agencies, and other stakeholders to gather information and develop recommendations that strengthen cultural and archaeological protection efforts. Builds and sustains working relationships to ensure ongoing engagement and effective coordination on related projects.
• Establishes and maintains connections to develop and update a directory of tribal elders and cultural specialists.
• Assesses tribal cultural properties for eligibility for inclusion in the National…