Tribal Historic Preservation Officer

Native Preference in hiring is given to qualified enrolled members of Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians and Native Americans in accordance with the Band’s Preference Policy, Chapter 1-715 of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians Tribal Policies). Applicants claiming Indian Preference must submit verification of Indian certified by tribe of affiliation or other acceptable documentation of Indian heritage.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) will promote, protect, preserve, and manage all matters relating to preservation, protection, and curation. for the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians. Oversight delegated to the THPO includes by way of illustration and not limitation:  Archaeological sites, and Properties/Traditional areas of Cultural significance. The THPO is responsible for the management of cultural resources (as it relates to governmental contracting), personnel, and fiscal resources. The THPO develops and administers programs education, training, and technical assistance as it relates to governmental contracting. The THPO exercises limited delegated authority when representing or acting on behalf of the Tribal Council at local, state, and national levels, including issuing notices or signing legal letters or documents.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts all aspects of cultural resource consultation (NHPA section 106, SEPA, NEPA, NAGPRA, and others) for the Tribe with local, state, and federal agencies, including attending meetings, correspondence, and research as guided by the Burial Protocol as adopted by the Tribe.
• Ensures the protection and preservation of Cultural Resources during pre-construction and/or pre-development activities, including plans for ground disturbance activities during emergencies within the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians reservation or ancestral territory.
• Ensures Native American remains and associated grave items are treated with appropriate dignity according to Burial Protocol adopted by the Tribe.
• Assists in evaluating Initial Studies, Environmental Impact Reports, and Cultural Resources (as it relates to governmental contracting).
• Creates reports for proposed development projects within the aboriginal and ancestral lands of the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians.
• Maintains and updates archaeological collections catalog, as well as periodically revising exhibits of archaeological and cultural materials
• Facilitates with the Tribal Council the accession and deaccession of archaeological and cultural materials if needed, as well as monitors and maintains or improves the conditions of the collections.
• Attends and periodically presents at professional conferences and meetings.
• Responsible for preparing quarterly and annual department progress reports.
• Responsible for preparing and monitoring the department budget.
• Attends meetings as requested or directed by the Executive Team or Tribal Council.
• Coordinates comprehensive surveys of historic properties and maintains the inventory of such properties in cooperation with Tribal Governments, Federal and State agencies, local governments, and private organizations and individuals.
• Assists in evaluating permit applications for construction activities that could include the discovery, disturbance, excavation, or removal of cultural/archaeological resources.
• Establishes and maintains good relationships and agreements with museums and federal agencies regarding the repatriation of tribally affiliated human remains, sacred objects, and artifacts.
• Identifies and nominates eligible properties to the National Register and otherwise administers applications for listing historic properties on the National Register.
• Assists in the maintenance of historical and cultural properties inventory on Tribal Lands.
• Assists in the education of staff and contractors working within Ancestral Lands with an awareness of cultural resources and observance of undiscovered cultural resources.
• Keeps detailed notes and records information in the appropriate format for Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indian’s file records and site protection records, including electronic records and GIS records. 
• Prepares THPO comments on the National Historic Preservation Act (36 CFR 63) per Section 106 (36 CFR 800) and makes Nominations to the National Register of the National Historic Preservation Act per Section 101(D) (2).
• Prepares proposals and seeks out additional funding to support the objectives of the Tribal Government.
• Manages the Cultural Monitors employed by the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians.
• Oversees the Cultural Monitoring program and instructs annual training.
• Responsible for proposal development for funding opportunities with state and federal agencies.
• Represents the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians Heritage Preservation Office to the National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or the equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years as a Tribal Historic Preservation Officer.
• Demonstrated knowledge of archaeological excavation and investigation procedures.
• Prior work history of identifying cultural landscapes, such as villages, hunting and camping sites, gathering areas, and/or burial sites.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws enacted to protect Native American cultural resources, cultural properties, cultural sites, burial sites, and cemeteries.
• Knowledge of topographical maps and use of ESRI or similar GIS software.
• Must be sensitive to tribal culture and cultural differences. 
• Recent experience with grant writing and grant administration required.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to create sketch maps for site identification. 
• Produce daily and weekly reports on monitoring activities.
• Travel to construction and/or project sites as needed.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Work within established deadlines.
• Must be able to listen, communicate and maintain a professional manner. 
• Ability to work well with the Tribal Council and Tribal Members. 
• Ability to communicate clearly with Tribal Government, federal, state, or local governmental agencies, and archeological consultants. 
• Ability to learn new computer software programs or mobile apps, as needed.
• Physically able to conduct surveys, site visits, and monitoring of projects.
• Must possess a valid CA Driver’s License and be insurable under the Tribe’s existing automobile insurance.
• The individual must have the ability to work with people from diverse cultures, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds and possess a basic knowledge of Native American communities and always maintain cultural sensitivity.

BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIREMENTS

Pre-employment Drug Testing and a Department of Justice Fingerprinting clearance through Federal, State and Child Abuse Index is a contingency for an offer of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires physical agility to access potential project sites in diverse terrain. The monitor is physically exposed to various weather temperatures while surveying the sites. While performing the duties of this job, the position is regularly required to sit and stand, use fingers and hands to handle and/or feel work-related items.

Requires the ability to perform heavy manual labor, occasionally in extreme weather conditions. Position requires the ability to stand, walk and manipulate (i.e., lift, carry, and move) light to medium weights of 10-50 pounds on a regular basis and over 50 pounds on an occasional basis. Must have sufficient hand-eye coordination, hand, and finger dexterity, including the ability to grasp items as needed. Visual acuity to operate equipment, and to read technical and safety information is a must.

The THPO is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or maybe crawl. The THPO is required to stand and walk for long periods of time. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally required to work near a moderate noise level. The employee may be required to work in an environment subjected to cigarette smoke. This position requires the ability to work non-conventional work hours.

Employment with Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians is voluntarily entered. All PBNI personnel are employed on an at-will basis. At-will employment may be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice at any time by the employee or by PBNI. No manager, supervisor, or employee of the organization has any authority to enter into an agreement for employment for any specified period or to make an agreement for employment other than at-will terms. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians and employee and is subject to change by the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians.