Fresh Listing

Posted: March 26, 2026 (1 day ago)

This job was posted recently. Fresh listings typically have less competition.

Cultural Resources Specialist (TPS3)

State of Washington

Dept. of Transportation

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$75,045 - $100,951

per year

Type

Closes

April 13, 2026

SES Pay Grade

Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900

Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves monitoring construction sites for historical and archaeological sites, conducting field surveys, and ensuring transportation projects follow laws protecting cultural resources.

You'll work on big state projects like bridge replacements and highway expansions, both in offices and outdoors on active sites.

It's a great fit for someone with hands-on experience in archaeology who enjoys teamwork in a fast-moving environment and understands rules about preserving history.

Key Requirements

  • Knowledge of archaeological principles and practices, especially in the Pacific Northwest
  • Experience in field surveys, monitoring construction activities, and responding to discoveries
  • Familiarity with federal, state, and agency regulations on cultural resources compliance
  • Proficiency in GIS for maintaining databases and mapping cultural sites
  • Ability to prepare reports, research historical records, and evaluate resources
  • Strong coordination skills with project teams, construction crews, and federal partners
  • Comfort working in outdoor construction and undeveloped field environments with potential hazards

Full Job Description



About WSDOT

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence.

Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state.

In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!


The Opportunity

WSDOT is currently seeking a transportation planning specialist to serve as a Cultural Resources Specialist to support the delivery of some of the state’s largest and most complex transportation investments, including the, SR 520 Bridge Replacement, I-405 Corridor, and SR 509 and SR 167 Gateway Programs.

In this role, you will provide archaeological monitoring and field support for active projects, serve as a technical specialist on cultural resources compliance, and assist the Megaprograms Cultural Resources Supervisor in fulfilling responsibilities delegated by the Federal Highway Administration in accordance with federal, state, and agency regulations.

The successful candidate will also support Washington State Ferries and coordinate with federal partners such as the Federal Transit Administration and Department of Homeland Security to ensure compliance and continuity across programs.

Strong candidates will demonstrate expertise in cultural resources regulations, field archaeology practices, technical analysis, and the ability to support complex project delivery in a fast-paced environment.


What to Expect

This position is required to perform work that is primarily outside on active construction sites as well as indoors in office environments.

Exposure to hazards includes those commonly found in office environments, but also includes hazards commonly found on highway construction sites as well as undeveloped field sites.


Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Cultural Resources Specialist will:

  • Conduct archaeological monitoring of construction activities in compliance with project commitments and plans.
  • Conduct cultural resources field surveys in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  • Respond to unanticipated discoveries of archaeological resources during work activities.
  • Coordinate with construction teams to track project schedules and to determine adequate and timely field support.
  • Maintain GIS databases of monitoring data.
  • Prepare reports summarizing monitoring and field work activities
  • Research site records and surveys at Dept. of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (DAHP).
  • Record and evaluate cultural resources; identify potential innovations associated with cultural resources.
  • Work with project teams, Megaprograms, and ESO to implement solutions.
  • Support cultural resources identification efforts including cataloging of analyzed artifacts and authoring archaeological site forms, or other recordation tasks.
  • Assist in determining Areas of Potential Effect and the need for in-depth archaeological and/or historical studies.
  • Assist supervisor with reviewing cultural resources consultant work products.


Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:

  • Archaeological Knowledge: Knowledge of Pacific Northwest archaeology, cultural history, and ethnography to ensure compliance during both environmental reviews and project construction. Demonstrated experience conducting archaeological monitoring.
  • Regulatory & Regional Familiarity: Working knowledge of federal, state, and local cultural resources laws and regulations (National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106, Executive Order 21-02. etc.).
  • Research & Analytical Skills/Abilities: Experience researching, evaluating, and drawing conclusions from data to assess impacts to cultural resources; support recommendations with facts and analysis; interpret and apply rules, laws, policies, and procedures.
  • Project Planning & Technical Writing: Experience with procedures to conduct archaeological fieldwork, including survey, testing, and recording. Experience reviewing and producing technical reports.

    Ability to conduct archival research and to generate information to be compiled into reports and/or plans from sources such as field reviews.

    Data Stewardship & Analysis: Ability to accurately collect, maintain, organize, and clearly report on environmental, transportation, and planning-related data using appropriate tools, systems, and standards.

    Ability to calculate basic mathematic functions, such as areas, percentage, add, subtract, multiply, and divide.

    Organizational & Professional Skills: Ability to perform job functions working in demanding and high stress situations, follow instructions, work independently with minimal supervision, and apply analytical skills to identify issues and propose solutions.

    Experience scheduling, tracking, and delivering multiple work assignments simultaneously.

    Determining, establishing, and maintaining effective work methods and schedules, keeping within budget, personnel, and equipment constraints.

    Collaboration & Relationship Building: Skills to build strong working relationships across internal teams, consultants, contractors, and partner agencies to coordinate work activities and schedules.

    Proven ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams; guide and influence people without direct line authority, while also working independently as needed.

  • Communication Skills: Advanced skills in professional communication, specifically in communicating technical information effectively and professionally to a diverse audience, including those with non-technical backgrounds, virtually, by phone, and in person.
  • Technology Proficiency: Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) to support documentation, reporting, and communication needs.
  • Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
  • Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.


The following qualifications are also required:

  • A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate state-owned vehicles.
  • Ability and willingness to travel to field visits, construction sites, offsite meetings and various project locations with uneven terrain as required.
  • Maintain 40-hour HAZWOPER certification (current with refresher) or the ability to obtain within 6 months.


It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:

Archaeological Proficiency*: Demonstrates proficiency in archaeological field methods, research design, and cultural resource analysis through formal training and applied experience in archaeological investigation.

Demonstrates the ability to contribute to cultural resource technical reports and regulatory compliance documentation.

  • Technical Software Proficiency: Skills in ArcGis including basic functions such as the ability to manage simple data sets and generate maps, maintain, and update database systems. Working familiarity with image processing software such as Photoshop.

  • *To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the Contact Us section of this posting.


    Important Notes

    • *Archaeological Proficiency is evidenced by the ability to conduct systematic pedestrian survey, shovel testing, and excavation; document stratigraphy, features, and artifacts using accepted professional standards; accurately record field data through notes, mapping, photography, and site forms; process, catalog, and analyze artifacts in a laboratory setting; and apply regional typologies and cultural chronologies to interpret findings.
    • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
    • This position offers flexible/hybrid remote work options.
    • The salary listed includes the legislative approved 5% salary premium for positions in King County.
    • Travel is an expectation of the position. Incumbent may be required on a regular, sporadic, or as needed basis to participate in meetings, conduct field visits, or attend trainings.
    • In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position.

      For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.

      Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.

    • WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit, please visit www.uscis.gov


    Why WSDOT

    • Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle. As such, there are a number of flexible schedule options available, including telework options for eligible positions.
    • Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
    • Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
    • Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.


    Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?


    How to Apply

    Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

    In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

    • An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
    • An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
    • Contact details for a minimum of three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. NOTE: This information may be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.


    Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.


    WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency.

    Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.

    All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply.

    Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.


    Contact Us

    For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Robyn.Lovely@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-HQ-04673 in the subject line.

    Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

    Browse Similar Jobs

    Posted on NEOGOV: 3/26/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/27/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5287203