Salary: $6,705.00 - $9,021.00 Monthly
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-RCO-001
Department: Recreation and Conservation Office
Opening Date: 03/06/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
DescriptionCultural Resource Unit Manager(Environmental Planner 5)
Monday - Friday | 8AM - 5PM | FLEXIBLE/HYBRID
NOTE: This position offers the opportunity to work remotely and is available to applicants residing anywhere in Washington State, as well as those living near the Oregon/Washington border and the Idaho/Washington border. The position will need to travel within Washington State for agency and partner meetings, to meet with staff or to visit grant funded sites. Travel is expected to be one to three days per month. The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time after the required posting period, and during the recruitment process. The first review of applicants will begin on
3/18/25. It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible.
The (RCO) is a small state agency located in Olympia, Washington that plans for and provides funding to: create and maintain opportunities for recreation; protect the best of the state's wild lands, farms, and forests; and recover salmon.
RCO strives to maintain a workplace that is respectful, inclusive and family-friendly where all team members feel safe to bring their true selves to work. We believe in a culture where everyone continually improves and has the opportunity to lead.
At RCO We Envision:A state that has abundant outdoor recreation spaces, healthy habitats, and working farms and forests that support people, fish, and wildlife.
About the Opportunity:As the Cultural Resources Unit Manager, under the administrative direction of the Grant Services Section Manager, you will play a pivotal role as the agency's foremost expert in cultural resource consultation and coordination. Leading a dedicated cultural resource unit, you will supervise staff and ensure compliance with State and Federal cultural resources regulations. Your responsibilities include overseeing the cultural resource consultation for agency-funded projects, managing the statewide Cultural Resources Unit, and providing support and guidance to staff, grantees, and consultants to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws governing archaeological resources. In addition to conducting site visits and offsite meetings, you will develop and facilitate cultural resource training for agency staff and external stakeholders.
Duties Some of What You'll Enjoy Doing Includes:- Supervise a team of 1-4 Cultural Resource Unit members to meet agency goals.
- Establish team and individual performance expectations, providing necessary tools and skills.
- Foster a collaborative team environment, encouraging open and constructive problem-solving.
- Collaborate with agency leadership and the tribal affairs director to establish and maintain respectful working relationships with tribal historic preservation officers and tribal cultural resources staff.
- Develop and implement cultural resource policies for Recreation and Conservation Funding Board (RCFB), Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB), and Office grant programs.
- Provide technical expertise to agency staff on cultural resource management for funded projects.
- Ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines, including Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, the Governor's Executive Order 21-02, and agency policy.
- Develop and implement cultural resource policies for RCO staff and grantees to meet state and federal regulations.
- Consult with state and federal agencies, contributing to the development of interagency agreements and treatment plans.
- Develop and provide training classes for agency staff to increase awareness of cultural resource management.
- Develop and provide training for RCO clients, aiding their understanding of cultural resource regulations, budgeting, and contract deliverables.
- Other duties as needed.
Qualifications Required Qualifications:To qualify for this position, a candidate must possess one (1) of the following options:
(OPTION 1)- Master's degree or above with major emphasis in cultural resource management, archaeology, anthropology, planning, landscape architecture, geography, environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or a closely related field; AND
- Five (5) years of professional experience in cultural resource management or related field, land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development.
(OPTION 2)- Bachelor's degree or above with major emphasis in cultural resource management, archaeology, anthropology, land use planning, landscape architecture, geography, environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or a closely related field; AND
- Seven (7) years of professional experience in land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, and/or program development.
***NOTE: Additional qualifying professional experience in cultural resource management, archaeology, anthropology, land use, urban, regional, environmental, or natural resource planning, landscape architecture, geography, land use or environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis may be substituted, year-for-year, for the required education.
AND- Must have a valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:- Met the US Secretary of Interior Professional Qualifications Standards for archaeology, history, or architectural history (36 CFR Part 61).
- Knowledge of state and federal grants that support environmental restoration, outdoor recreation, and salmon recovery, including statutes, rules, and policy guidance.
- Working knowledge of environmental permitting, regulatory processes, and including statutes, rules, and policy guidance.
- Knowledge of principles of training; contract preparation and administration; principles of negotiation; principles and techniques of planning.
- Experience or knowledge in creating and utilizing cultural resource predictive models.
- Experience working with GIS.
- Two (2) or more years of supervisory experience.
Things To Consider Before Applying:*This position is located at the Natural Resources Building in Olympia WA and is eligible for telework or a flexible schedule, with the expectation that the incumbent will come to the office as needed. RCO may hire only those who are legally authorized to work in the United States.
Supplemental Information How to Apply:Interested? We would love to hear from you! Click "Apply" at the top of this page to start your application. You can save the application and come back to it, if needed. Be sure to complete the application fully to include a full work history and responses to the supplemental questions.
In addition to completing the online application, please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:- A letter of interest (no more than 2 pages in length) explaining how your past experiences make you an ideal candidate for this position and what exceptional skills you would bring to RCO;
- A current resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV), detailing experience, and education; and
- A list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information
Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
Please Note: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify the information provided. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the "duties summary" section of the online application. Please do not refer to the resume for details, or your application may be disqualified.
Opportunity for All:The Recreation and Conservation Office celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.
Contact Us:If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Leslie Frank at
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Aggie Swanson by email at TTY users should first call 711 to access the Washington Relay Service.
More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance BenefitsEmployees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan ForgivenessIf you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for
exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military LeaveWashington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional LeaveLeave Sharing
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 12-31-2022
01
Are you currently employed by the Recreation and Conservation Office?
02
What is your level of education?
- High school diploma or GED
- Some or no college
- 1 year of college (30 semester or 45 quarter credits) with major emphasis in cultural resource management, archaeology, anthropology, land use planning, landscape architecture, geography, environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or a closely related field
- 1 year of college (30 semester or 45 quarter credits) in an unrelated field
- Associate's degree OR 2 years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits) with major emphasis in cultural resource management, archaeology, anthropology, land use planning, landscape architecture, geography, environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or a closely related field
- Associate's degree OR 2 years of college (60 semester or 90 quarter credits) in an unrelated field
- 3 years of college (90 semester or 135 quarter credits) with major emphasis in cultural resource management, archaeology, anthropology, land use planning, landscape architecture, geography, environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or a closely related field
- 3 years of college (90 semester or 135 quarter credits) in an unrelated field
- Bachelor's degree with major emphasis in cultural resource management, archaeology, anthropology, land use planning, landscape architecture, geography, environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or a closely related field
- Bachelor's degree in an unrelated field
- Master's degree (or higher) with major emphasis in cultural resource management, archaeology, anthropology, land use planning, landscape architecture, geography, environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or a closely related field
- Master's degree (or higher) in an unrelated field
- None of these apply
03
What was the major or focus of your degree? If this does not apply to you, please indicate "N/A."
04
How many years of professional experience do you have in cultural resource management, archaeology, anthropology, land use planning, landscape architecture, geography, environmental law, public administration with an environmental emphasis, or a closely related field?
- Less than 1 year
- 1 or more years
- 2 or more years
- 3 or more years
- 4 or more years
- 5 or more years
- 6 or more years
- 7 or more years
- 8 or more years
- 9 or more years
- 10 or more years
- 11 or more years
- I don't have this experience.
05
If you indicated having professional experience in the previous question, please describe where and how you gained this experience, including names of employers, dates of employment, and duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate "N/A."
06
To demonstrate your skills and experience, please select all that apply to you:
- Met the US Secretary of Interior Professional Qualifications Standards for archaeology, history, or architectural history (36 CFR Part 61).
- Knowledge of state and federal grants that support environmental restoration, outdoor recreation, and salmon recovery, including statutes, rules, and policy guidance.
- Working knowledge of environmental permitting, regulatory processes, and including statutes, rules, and policy guidance.
- Knowledge of principles of training; contract preparation and administration; principles of negotiation; principles and techniques of planning.
- Experience or knowledge in creating and utilizing cultural resource predictive models.
- Experience working with GIS.
- Two (2) or more years of supervisory experience.
- None of these apply.
07
Do you have a valid driver's license free from serious traffic violations?
08
How did you hear about this job posting?
- Careers.wa.gov
- Friend
- Indeed
- LinkedIn
- Job Fair
- Job Board
- Other
09
We would like to know where you heard about this position. If you selected College Job Board, Job Fair, Job Board, or Other, please let us know the specific name of the college, job board, or place you heard about this position. If you selected a specifically named job board or webpage (listed above), please enter "N/A".
Required Question
