Cultural Resources Compliance Manager - Conservation Lands & Resources

Pima County • Tucson, AZ

22h

About The Position

Pima County is seeking an experienced cultural resources professional to lead its Cultural Resources Compliance and Regulatory Programs. Reporting to the Pima County Historic Preservation Officer, this position oversees County-wide compliance with federal, state, and local preservation laws and supervises staff responsible for regulatory review, documentation, and coordination across departments and projects. This role ensures that cultural resources are appropriately identified, evaluated, and protected in alignment with the National Historic Preservation Act, the Arizona Antiquities Act, and Board of Supervisors policy. The successful candidate will bring strong regulatory expertise, supervisory experience, and a commitment to public service and stewardship. Manages Pima County’s Cultural Resources Compliance and Regulatory Programs, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local preservation laws, regulations, and policies across all county departments and projects. This role is responsible for enforcing compliance standards, supervising cultural resources compliance program staff, and managing the regulatory review process for all departments and units of Pima County. Reporting to the Pima County Historic Preservation Officer (PCHPO), the Cultural Resources Compliance Manager ensures the county’s adherence to the National Historic Preservation Act, Arizona State Historic Preservation laws, and local ordinances/policies to protect and manage cultural resources in both public and private sector developments. This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules.

Requirements

• Graduate degree (M.A. or Ph.D.) from an accredited college or university in history, archaeology, anthropology, historic preservation, or a closely related field as defined by the department head at the time of recruitment and three years’ experience in cultural resources management, historic preservation or a related field as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment which includes two years of supervisory and/or managerial experience
• Meets professional qualifications for either a “Project Director” or “Principal Investigator” per rules implementing the Arizona Antiquities Act (A.R.S. 41-841, et seq., 41-865)
• Meets Secretary of the Interior Professional Qualifications Standards for archaeology or architectural history or historic architecture.
• Valid driver license is required at time of application.
• Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with complex, multi-jurisdictional cultural resources compliance programs involving NHPA Section 106 and Arizona Antiquities Act implementation, including responsibility for eligibility determinations and effects findings.
• Experience with direct supervision of professional staff, including performance evaluation, mentoring, and workload management within a cultural resources or historic preservation context.
• Experience with managing or administering cultural resources compliance tracking systems, databases, GIS platforms, or similar regulatory information systems.
• Experience with or employment in a public agency implementing cultural resources preservation policies, ordinances, or board/council directives.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and mentors compliance program staff by assigning tasks, tracking progress, providing professional development, and conducting performance evaluations to ensure effective regulatory compliance
• Oversees County-wide compliance with federal, state, and local preservation laws including the National Historic Preservation Act and the Arizona Antiquities Act for both County projects and private sector activities
• Assists in implementing Pima County Board of Supervisors Policy C3.17 requiring cultural resource protection, ensuring documentation and reporting accuracy
• Manages compliance databases and GIS mapping systems, maintaining accurate and secure records
• Assists the Historic Preservation Officer by serving as a point of contact between Pima County and local, state, and federal agencies, tribal governments, and the Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission
• Presents County projects for regulatory review and oversees Historic Zone and Landmark Zone designation applications
• Advises developers, planners, and architects on integrating historic preservation into their projects
• Supports educational initiatives and partnerships to enhance public awareness of cultural resource compliance and preservation.

Benefits

• Employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous health insurance coverage, and retirement plans that contribute to long-term financial security.
• Pima County recognizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible work schedules, a generous family leave policy and wellness programs that prioritize employee well-being.
• Employees benefit from opportunities for professional advancement through training programs, workshops, and educational reimbursement programs.
• In addition, a County-wide employee recognition program rewards employees who exemplify the County values of being accountable, respectful and ethical as well as providing great customer service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager