Job Description

Metro is hiring a Historic Preservation Officer to lead the creation of a new agency wide program that protects and honors the cultural, historic, and archaeological resources across our publicly owned lands and facilities. This is a rare opportunity to shape a preservation program from the ground up that reflects community priorities, supports legal and ethical stewardship, and strengthens relationships with tribal governments through meaningful consultation. Housed in the Capital Asset Management Department and working closely with Metro’s Tribal Affairs Program, this role will collaborate with staff across the agency to integrate preservation values and compliance activities into planning, capital projects, and land management. If you are passionate about cultural heritage and preservation, and ready to make a lasting impact in the region, we encourage you to apply. As the Historic Preservation Officer, you will: Lead the creation and implementation of Metro’s Historic and Cultural Resources Protection Program, shaping policies, procedures, and training that support long‑term stewardship and preservation of sensitive resources. Conduct and oversee contracted archaeological surveys, fieldwork, monitoring, research and reporting as a qualified archaeologist, while ensuring compliance with relevant federal, state and local laws and policies; serve as Metro’s technical liaison for other archaeological needs. Build and maintain a detailed internal inventory of archaeological, historic, and cultural resources across Metro‑owned lands and facilities, consistent with state policies protecting sensitive information. Serve as Metro’s lead for consultations with tribal governments, working directly with Metro’s Tribal Affairs Program and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers to support project planning, resource protection, and inadvertent discoveries. Manage project review and collaborate with Metro staff on due diligence efforts to steward cultural, archaeological and historic resources during capital improvements, maintenance, and operational projects. Collaborate with federal, state, local and tribal partners, including the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office, to manage permits, reporting, and compliance. Oversee cultural resource management consultants, ensuring contracts meet regulatory standards and reflect professional best practices. Contribute to the development of an agency‑wide Historic Preservation Plan including leading and providing guidance on nominations of resources or sites to the National Register of Historic Places. Provide training to internal staff on archaeological and cultural resource stewardship relevant to state and federal laws and policies regarding archaeological resources and, when appropriate, collaborate with Tribes to share tribal perspectives. Contribute to regional efforts to increase jurisdictional partners’ and the public’s awareness of the importance of archaeological resources stewardship, relevant state and federal laws and policies, and, when appropriate, collaborate with Tribes to share tribal perspectives. Respond to urgent or sensitive situations, such as inadvertent discoveries of cultural materials or human remains, with professionalism, care and cultural sensitivity. Function as a technical liaison for other archaeological needs. Attributes for success Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to effectively collaborate across cultures and municipalities. Deep commitment to the protection and preservation of archaeological, historic, and cultural resources. Proven skill in consulting with tribal governments and interpreting complex regulatory frameworks. Ability to think strategically and solve problems while building programs in dynamic, multidisciplinary environments. Strong attention to detail, with the ability to manage sensitive information and ensure legal compliance. Self‑motivated and capable of working independently and leading agency‑wide initiatives. Practical experience in conducting archaeological fieldwork, field research and methods, including surveys, monitoring, testing and excavations, as well as completing site documentation with a variety of programs and tools such as ArcGIS. Practical experience with timely development and review of professional technical reports and documentation. Knowledgeable about pertinent federal cultural resource laws such as Section 106, NEPA, and Oregon’s cultural resource laws and procedures. Ability to analyze and interpret legal and technical cultural resource issues. Values ethical stewardship and approaches community engagement with cultural awareness and respect. Proficient in managing consultants, contracts, and preservation‑related budgets with accountability and efficiency. Ability to integrate compliance and preservation priorities into strategic and long‑term plans and policies. Minimum qualifications Five years’ experience in project management as related to this role. Master’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, or a closely related field. Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities. Additional Requirements The employee must obtain Oregon “qualified archaeologist” (OQA) within 9 months of employment start date (defined in ORS 390.235 (Download PDF reader)). Like to have qualifications You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position. Experience developing or implementing cultural or historic resource protection programs within a government or public agency setting. Certification or qualifications that meet the Secretary of the Interior’s standards for archaeology or historic preservation. Experience preparing nominations for the National Register of Historic Places or supporting landmark designation processes. Familiarity with Oregon’s Statewide Planning Goals, especially Goal 5 (Natural Resources, Scenic and Historic Areas, and Open Spaces). Experience conducting archaeological fieldwork and technical reporting in Oregon or the Pacific Northwest; knowledge of Willamette Valley pre‑ and post‑contact history. Experience in strategic planning and policy development. Experience working with Tribes and familiarity with tribal priorities regarding cultural resources protection. #J-18808-Ljbffr Society for American Archaeology

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