Salary: $60,156.00 – $80,952.00 Annually
Location: Thurston County – Olympia, WA
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent
Department: Archaeology & Historic Preservation
Job Number: 2023-DAHP-002
Closing: Continuous
This posting is open continuous.  The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time.  It will be your best interest to apply as soon as possible.
Schedule:  While the DAHP allows telework in some cases, this position requires in person work within the agency at its office in Olympia, Washington.

Who We Are
The Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) is the principal Washington State agency charged with the identification, protection, and regulation of cultural resources, historic properties, and archaeological sites under state and federal laws.
 
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are values central to DAHP’s productivity.  We strive to be a collaborative workplace that honors and respects authenticity and unique perspectives while advancing our goals of protecting and preserving historical and cultural resources for future generations. We support taking time for self-care and work-life balance to promote personal and professional growth. DAHP recognizes this is a journey and we are constantly learning and taking steps to enhance our commitment to a vision where each one of us is seen, heard and valued.

What you will be doing:
The Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation is seeking a highly motivated Assistant State Physical Anthropologist.  You will work under the direction of the State Physical Anthropologist on the identification, removal, and re-interment of non-forensic human skeletal remains finds throughout the state of Washington.  

You may also determine whether additional remains or archaeological deposits may be in a project area once an initial set of remains is identified, coordinate findings with the cemetery database manager, and fill out archaeological site forms.  You will assist the State Physical Anthropologist with the completion of case reports, data entry, site form completion, and official letter notifications.
 
In addition, you will assist with the administration of the grant program reimbursing property owners for the cost of the removal of human remains when the State Physical Anthropologist is unable to conduct removal activities themselves.

Who we are looking for
You must be energetic and passionate about bioarchaeology and working with descendant communities.  You are a motivated person that is able to provide your support and specialized expertise to educate your peers, stakeholders, tribes, public agencies, etc. when requested.  You are a good communicator, excel at working with a wide variety of stakeholders and are comfortable dealing with complex problems and mediating disputes between parties.  You are interested in growing and looking for new and better ways to accomplish tasks and goals.  You apply a progressive and adaptable attitude to your work.

Duties
The assistant will report directly to the State Physical Anthropologist but will be required to work positively with the archaeological staff and the Cemeteries Database and GIS cartographer.  The assistant will also be expected to work and interact positively with Tribal governments, state agencies, and local governments including law enforcement and county coroners/medical examiners.

Some of what you will enjoy doing includes:

  • Utilizing the Human Remains Database, records information relevant to current human remains cases and uses the program to generate notification letters to affected tribes
  • Utilizing standard archaeological excavation and recording techniques excavates non-forensic human skeletal remains (screening soils and recording observations on standardized forms and photo documentation
  • Researching cemetery data and histories, gathering resources, and writing historical narratives to be entered into the State’s Cemetery and Burial Site database
  • Using clear and concise writing skills prepares draft summary reports of human skeletal remains cases under the supervision of the State Physical Anthropologist
  • Assists the State Physical Anthropologist in conducting training and public outreach activities, as well as presenting research at professional conferences

Qualifications
REQUIRED:
Master’s degree in either biological anthropology or bioarchaeology
AND 
One year experience in human osteology or forensic anthropology or other relevant aspects of biological anthropology.
AND

  • Must have a valid driver’s license and will be expected to travel statewide on short notice.
  • Must meet minimum qualifications for a professional archaeologist as defined in RCW 27.53.030.
  •  Must have experience in preparing professional reports summarizing the analysis and documentation of human skeletal remains, and education and experience in the identification and treatment of human remains.
  • Expertise in archaeological field methods and theory.
  • Advanced knowledge of Section 106, RCW 27.53, RCW 27.44, RCW 68.60, SEPA, NAGPRA and all federal and state laws and regulations as they apply to archaeological properties, cemeteries, and human remains.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Competencies
Incumbents to this position must possess and demonstrate the following competencies: 

  • Able to learn and understand the language and concepts of our DAHP DEI culture and commit to being a part of creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable, respectful and inclusive workplace.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness when provided training and opportunities to participate in improving our work environment.
  • Participate and behave in a manner that creates trust and builds working relationships, promoting teamwork and collaboration in the work environment.
  • Demonstrate the understanding that all people are valued; contribute to an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment when working with members of the group, team, organization or community.
  • Commit to being an active participant in continually evaluating and improving strategies that promote equity and inclusion in our organization.

PREFERRED:
Doctoral degree in either biological anthropology or bioarchaeology
AND
Two years’ experience in human osteology or forensic anthropology or other aspects of biological anthropology
AND
Experience working with Tribes and/or in Northwest Coast archaeology.

Who May Apply
The recruitment is open to anyone who meets the minimum qualifications for the Assistant State Physical Anthropologist.  The State of Washington is an equal opportunity employer.
Please provide the following documents to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

  •  A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting; 
  • A current resume or vita, detailing experience, and education; 
  • A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3977283/assistant-state-physical-anthropologist-forensic-scientist-2

NOTE:  By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. 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 application.  Please do not refer to resume for detail, or your application may be disqualified.

Transcripts
Education verification is part of the selection process. If selected as a top candidate, all applicant specified education must be verified. Please do not send these transcripts at the time of application.
**If you are selected as a top candidate, you will be contacted and asked to provide transcripts at the appropriate time.

Conditions of employment:

  • COVID Vaccination Requirement: Governor Inslee’s Directive 22-13.1, state employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Providing proof of being fully vaccinated is a condition of employment and your vaccine status will be verified prior to starting work. Being fully vaccinated means two weeks after you have received the second dose in a two-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use, licensed or otherwise authorized or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or listed for emergency use or otherwise approved by the World Health Organization. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status, having an approved medical accommodation, or having an approved religious accommodation. No start date will be approved until you have either verified your vaccine status or have an approved accommodation. 

Please do not attach your vaccination verification to your application as it will be removed. Details on how to proceed with verification or accommodation will be provided once a conditional offer has been made.

Contact Information
Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or email jobs@des.wa.gov.

If you have questions regarding this announcement, please contact Dr. Guy Tasa at (360) 790-1633 or guy.tasa@dahp.wa.gov. 

For more information and to apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3977283/assistant-state-physical-anthropologist-forensic-scientist-2

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