Historic Preservation Officer

Salary: $95,992.34 - $128,601.98 Annually

Location : Metro Regional Center, OR

Job Type: Full Time

Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number: 2025-0357-CAM

Department: Capital Asset Management

Opening Date: 11/13/2025

Closing Date: 1/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Position Summary

Hello, we're Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow.

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 archeological 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 archeological needs.

Build and maintain a detailed internal inventory of archeological, 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 collaborates with Metro staff on due diligence efforts to steward cultural, archeological 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 reflects 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 archeological and cultural resource stewardship relevant state and federal laws and policies regarding archeological 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 archeological 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 archeological 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 archeological, 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 ensuring legal compliance.

Self-motivated and capable of working independently and leading agency-wide initiatives.

Practical experience in conducting archeological 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 resources 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-use plans and policies. DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro's goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum qualifications

Five years' experience in project management as related to this role, and

Master's degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, Historic Preservation, or similar closely related field, or

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 ) Working Conditions

This position occasionally requires travel to Metro-owned sites for fieldwork in outdoor conditions and may involve evening, weekend, or on-call work to respond to urgent cultural resource discoveries. Flexibility and responsiveness are key to supporting the respectful stewardship of sensitive historic and cultural resources.

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Hybrid Telework

You will have the option to work away from the office, but it is expected that the position will be onsite at Metro facilities to meet with project managers and facility staff on regular basis. Additionally, this position will need to meet onsite with tribal staff and community partners. Employees must reside in Oregon or Washington to work at Metro.

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 archeology 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 archeological 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. SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

A complete resume that includes the following details for each employer

Name of employer,

Working title,

Dates of employment; including if the work was full-time or part-time,

Number of employees supervised

Summary of your responsibilities

Responses to supplemental questions The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

Initial review of minimum qualifications

In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates

Consideration of top candidates/interviews

Testing/assessments (if applicable)

Reference check

Background, driving records check for finalist candidate (if applicable) COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The full-salary range for this position is step 1: $95,992.34 to step 7: $128,601.98 annually. However, unless a candidate's qualifications justify, based on the requirementsand Metro's internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1: $95,992.34 to the equity range step 5: $116,664.33 annually.

This position is not eligible for overtime and is represented by AFSCME union. It is classified as a Principal Regional Planner.

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.

Questions?

Recruiter: Megan Warneke

Email:

Additional Information

Equal employment opportunity

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans' preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Hybrid Telework

Positions designated as "hybrid telework," meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.

Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do.Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro's page.

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Metro

Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area's garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home.

As part of the Metro family, you play a vital role in serving the people of the greater Portland region.

Family members, including eligible spouses, domestic partners, and children, are covered under most of our benefits programs. Benefits vary depending on position and full-time, part-time, and variable hour status.

This is a budgeted, regular status position with a full-time schedule. The position is eligible for these benefits:

Medical, dental and vision health insurance

Paid sick leave

Paid vacation, holiday, and other leave

Paid parental leave

Full contribution to Oregon PERS retirement

No-cost TriMet Hop Pass

Employee Assistance Program

Training opportunities

Flexible schedules depending on position and department

Hybrid/Telework living in Oregon /Washington depending on position and department

Metro also offers a variety of perks for all employees, including free admission to the Oregon Zoo (including ZooLights!), Oxbow and Blue Lake Regional Parks, membership discount at Lloyd Athletic Club, credit union eligibility and more. Employees also receive access to financial wellness and legal consultation services, as well as first-time home buying and ownership counseling.

Some positions are represented by a union and have additional benefits.

01

What is your highest level of education?

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Doctorate degree

02

What was the major or field of study for your highest degree? If you do not have a degree, enter N/A.

03

Select your cumulative years of experience working in developing and implementation of historic preservation and protection programs. Please make sure your response is also reflected in your resume.

No experience

1 year or less of related experience

1 year but no more than 2 years of related experience

2 years but no more than 3 years of related experience

3 years but no more than 4 years of related experience

4 years but no more than 5 years of related experience

5 years but no more than 6 years of related experience

6 years but no more than 7 years of related experience

7 years but no more than 8 years of related experience

8 years but no more than 9 years of related experience

9 years but no more than 10 years of related experience

10 or more years of related experience

04

Are you considered a state of Oregon