The state agency, by or on whose behalf public works are to be constructed on state lands, may undertake such surveys, excavations, or other operations on the state lands as it determines to be necessary to preserve or record any archaeological, paleontological, or historical features, including rock art, which may be located on the lands, after receiving the recommendations of the department, or the state agency may contract with the department to undertake those operations. The department may carry out the operations.