Elders Center Cultural Traditions Specialist

Under supervision, the Elders Center Cultural Traditions Specialist will coordinate and lead programs and activities that teach and preserve Muckleshoot Cultural traditions with the senior center.

This list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position.

• Gathers cultural arts materials for use in instruction and cultural activities for the Senior Center.
• Provides reporting to management through updates of the action plans for culture training and educational activities. Understands and meets the responsibility of training in a culturally appropriate way to enhance and support the traditional growth of staff and the community. When working with other professionals must be able to work with a diverse group of cultural practitioners.
• Teaches various indigenous processes including collection processes, procedures and practices.
• Gathers and instructs staff on cultural arts, materials for use, and develops the means for instruction and cultural activities.
• In conjunction with experts and staff develops skills of staff and community in many cultural activities including but not limited to beadwork, weaving, traditional ecological knowledge and basic food sovereignty, song and dance specific to native culture.
• In conjunction with Senior Center Leadership, the apprentice and experts, plans and hosts required classes and meetings and other activities deemed necessary to promote the community in gathering, traditional ecological knowledge, and basic food sovereignty, song and dance specific to native culture.
• In conjunction with contracted experts, will instruct all assigned staff on how to identify and gather a variety of traditional plants, medicines, and foodstuff to complement the sustenance and health of the community.
• Because of the Tribe’s commitment to community service and the well-being of its members, each employee may be expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties from time to time. Such duties may or may not be related to their regular responsibilities.
  
  
  

Required Graduation from high school or GED equivalent. Three (3) years teaching or instruction of Native American art. A portfolio of work demonstrating strong artistic ability related to ancestral Salish based art forms. Working knowledge of Muckleshoot Tribal history, art, or culturally relevant activities. Must be enrolled Muckleshoot Tribal member at time of interview.

Skilled in Designing and implementing curriculum; teaching; using a computer and standard office equipment; communicating effectively verbally and in writing; listening effectively; problem-solving; conflict resolution; assigning and coordinating work of others; time-management; using relevant equipment and tools needed for cultural projects and activities.

Knowledge of Principles and methods for training; teaching and instruction for individuals and groups and measurement of training effects; human behavior and performance; learning and motivation; classroom management techniques; Muckleshoot history, culture, and arts; Native American culture and history.

Ability to Organize activities; read and write; follow verbal and written instructions; work with students in a positive and confident manner; observe safe work practices; establish and maintain cooperative work relationships; arrive to work in a timely manner; attend required training; maintain confidentiality; integrate curriculum in the design, preparation, and construction of cultural items utilizing indigenous processes and practices. Mentor students and colleagues in a constructive manner that encourages teamwork, positive and respectful behaviors and role model character development.

The working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this class. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to have manual and finger dexterity for operation of personal computer and routine paperwork; sit, talk, see, or hear; remain still in designing and implementing cultural activities. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, balance, bend at the waist, crouch, kneel, twist, use foot controls, and operate a motor vehicle; lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.