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.

Examples of Work Performed:

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 Register of Historic Places and aids in efforts to advance successful nominations. Engages in ongoing consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office, lead agencies, and the National Park Service to address challenges, ensure compliance, and advocate for recognition of Yakama cultural heritage.

Oversees and manages the evaluation of Traditional Cultural Properties to ensure accurate documentation and protection. Maintains a comprehensive Tribal Registry of archaeological and historically significant properties to support preservation efforts.

Collaborates with the Yakama Nation Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)

working group to oversee the repatriation of human remains, funerary objects (associated and unassociated),

and items of sacred or cultural significance.

Partners with legal and policy teams to support litigation and advocacy efforts aimed at securing the repatriation of ancestral remains and sacred items.

Participates in workshops, trainings, conferences, and other professional development activities to enhance knowledge and maintain expertise in historic preservation practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of the Treaty of 1855 and the body of case law and common law that has evolved since its signing.

Knowledge of the complex geography of the Yakama Reservation.

Knowledge of the historical context and the relationship between the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Yakama Nation, as well as the organizational structure of both entities.

Knowledge of the Code of Federal Regulations relative to Indian Tribes and Natural Resources.

Knowledge and understanding of the program's mission, goals, and objectives, and of the Yakama Nation's intent for historic preservation and cultural resource management.

Knowledge of federal and state historic preservation laws, i.e., National Historic Preservation Act, as amended, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, Historic Sites Act of 1935, Antiquities Act of 1906, WA State Indian GravesRecords (RCW 27.44), WA State Archaeological Sites and Resources Act (RCW 27.53).

Knowledge of Yakama culture, beliefs, traditions, and customs.

Knowledge and experience in conducting CRM tasks, i.e., inventory, evaluation, development of treatment plans, and mitigation of activities when needed.

Knowledge and skill in the use of a computer and assorted software.

Ability to communicate and distribute information to tribal policymakers and staff and provide guidance on interpreting and implementing applicable regulations.

Ability to draft, negotiate, and execute contracts and work agreements for consultants and specialized service providers.

Ability to advocate for the protection of cultural resources and represent the Yakama Nation's cultural interests when collaborating with professionals and research specialists.

Ability to uphold and comply with strict confidentiality standards.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to read and interpret documents and clearly communicate feedback both orally and in writing.

Ability to collaborate with museums on NAGPRA-related matters, ensuring compliance with policy and facilitating a successful repatriation process.

Ability to work flexible, non-traditional hours and willingness to travel as needed.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Ability to organize and maintain both electronic and physical filing systems.

Minimum Requirements:

Master's Degree in Anthropology or related field.

Five years of professional work experience in a comparable position.

Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.

Preferred Requirements:

Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.