Language Specialist/Linguist - The Cowlitz Indian Tribe

Title: Language Specialist/Linguist
Schedule: Monday -Friday
Location: Ridgefield, WA
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Opening Date: April 9, 2024
Salary Range: $76,804.73 to $92,165.66 DOQ
Closing Date: Open until filled, first review April 23, 2024.

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered for hiring, please note this on your cover letter and/or resume***

Position Summary:
Under the guidance and supervision of the Cultural Resources Director, conducts research, creates resources, and reviews materials pertaining to the traditional languages of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. Promotes the Tribe’s diverse linguistic heritage through language instruction, technical assistance, and coordination with other Tribal departments, partner organizations, and the Cowlitz community. Maintains professionalism in all interactions with internal and external customers. Honors and represents the mission, vision, values of CIT and the Cultural Resources department.

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered for hiring, please note this on your cover letter and/or resume***

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Designs and implements the Cowlitz language(s) curriculum; prepares reference and instructional resources in a variety of formats (e.g., print, audio, video).
• Engages with elders, knowledge-bearers, and consultants to learn and revitalize Cowlitz traditional languages.
• Conducts research into the linguistic heritage of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe; presents collected information in a way that is accessible and usable to interested members of the Cowlitz community.
• Develops and leads language learning sessions at cultural events and camps.
• Assists Tribal departments in using and integrating Cowlitz traditional language(s) in their programs and activities; collaborates with regional governments and institutions to design and produce public-facing materials (e.g., signage) in Cowlitz traditional language(s); serves as the primary contact for internal and external language requests.
• Hosts regular Language Working Group meetings to ensure communication regarding program-related activities.
• Creates and maintains an internal system for review and oversight of all traditional language created for Tribal use or disseminated by Tribal representatives for outside partners.
• Secures additional funding and grant monies for continuation and expansion of language activities.
• Maintains current working knowledge of trends in language programs and curricula.
• Keeps the Cultural Resources Director and other departments informed of the status of language activities by attending meetings and submitting reports.
• Ensures all records and participant logs are maintained according to established policies and procedures.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers, Cowlitz Tribal members and community, state and federal governments, other Tribes, contractors, public officials, regional academic and cultural institutions, and the general public.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs administrative and other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and Tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of Tribal policy, procedures, and programs.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, local, and Tribal laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Knowledge of Indigenous languages of the Pacific Northwest, especially Cowlitz traditional languages.
• Knowledge of curriculum development and preparation procedures.
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to Tribal customs and beliefs.
• Skill in conducting primary source research.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs in a Windows environment.
• Skill in using audio and video recording and editing software programs.
• Ability to prepare accurate, complete, and legible reports and present detailed, accurate, and objective oral presentations and responses to questions.
• Ability to design, develop, implement, and evaluate training plans, curricula, and methodology.
• Ability to use good judgment, analyze, and solve problems.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment.
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of sensitivity to community issues and concerns.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics or related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Three years’ experience in a classroom or instructional setting.
• Valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Experience with Indigenous languages of the Pacific Northwest required; specific experience with Cowlitz traditional languages, and with Cowlitz Salish in particular, strongly preferred.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions.

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Personal reference check and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or Tribal criminal history and sanction checks.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 20lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance.

Work Environment:
Work is generally performed in a typical interior/office and occasionally in an outdoor environment. Exposure to dust, fumes, or allergens may occur. Noise level is typically moderate. Overnight travel, evening and/or weekend work is occasionally required.

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered for hiring, please note this on your cover letter and/or resume***

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and a Drug & Alcohol-Free workplace.
Except as provided by Title 25 CFR, Section 472 which allows for Indian preference in hiring, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, physical handicap, marital status, politics, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization.