COMPLIANCE OFFICER (TERO)

Compliance Officer

Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance/Office (TERO)

Non- Exempt A-27

General Summary

The TERO Compliance Officer is responsible for monitoring and enforcing employer and contractor compliance with Nisqually Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (Title 42). This position conducts job site inspections, audits, and investigations; verifies hiring and contracting practices; documents violations; and prepares findings for enforcement action. The Compliance Officer works closely with the TERO Officer on data, reporting, and compliance tracking, and reports unresolved or serious violations to the TERO Director for formal enforcement pursuant to Title 42. The Compliance Officer supports investigations and monitoring activities carried out under the oversight authority of the Tribal Employment Rights Commission.

This role requires maintaining confidentiality, ensuring the accuracy and security of records, and fostering positive relationships with employees, customers, and community members. Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with exceptional customer service, are essential. Regular attendance is required, and occasional evening or weekend hours may be necessary to meet project deadlines. A professional, well-groomed appearance is expected at all times.

Primary Responsibilities

The following duties are representative of the responsibilities assigned to this position. Additional duties may be assigned as necessary.

• Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement Support· Conduct on-site inspections, audits, and compliance reviews of employers, contractors, and subcontractors working on Tribal land.
• Exercise inspection authority consistent with Title 42, including on-site entry during business hours (42.09.2).
• Document, assess, and report violations of Title 42, Commission regulations, or employer compliance plans.
• Prepare draft findings and recommend enforcement actions to the TERO Director.
• Assist with issuing formal notices of non-compliance under the direction of the Director and in accordance with Title 42 timelines.
• Verify that contractors are meeting Native preference requirements in hiring, promotion, training, and subcontracting.
• Investigations
• Conduct impartial investigations into complaints or suspected violations filed by individuals, groups, employers, or unions in accordance with Title 42 (42.08 & 42.09).
• Interview workers, supervisors, and witnesses; gather evidence; and prepare investigative summaries.
• Review employer-submitted reports, rosters, payrolls, and documentation to verify accuracy.
• Maintain secure and organized case files, evidence, correspondence, and investigation notes for Commission or Tribal Court proceedings.
• Refer violations requiring formal enforcement to the TERO Director in accordance with Title 42.
• Contractor Technical Assistance
• Provide employers and contractors with guidance on resolving compliance issues and meeting Title 42 obligations.
• Support the development and implementation of corrective action plans.
• Assist employers in understanding hiring goals, job referral procedures, and Native preference requirements.
• Hearing & Court Support
• Prepare investigative reports, evidence packets, and documentation for grievance hearings, compliance hearings, and Tribal Court proceedings.
• Participate in hearings or Tribal Court actions as a subject-matter resource or investigator, as directed by the Director.
• Collaboration & Data Management
• Collaborate with the TERO Officer to track certifications, compliance plans, workforce data, and contractor records.
• Assist in maintaining accurate compliance databases and reporting systems.
• Provide summaries and analysis of compliance trends for Director review.
• Other Duties
• Engage in professional development related to investigations, auditing, contracting compliance, or Tribal regulatory enforcement.
• Perform other duties as assigned to achieve the purposes of the TERO program and Title 42.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration, HR, Tribal Governance, or related field OR equivalent combination of education and 4 years' experience in compliance, investigations, contracting, or project monitoring.
• Experience conducting investigations, audits, or compliance monitoring.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Tribal TERO, HR, contracting, investigations or regulatory enforcement.
• Experience preparing investigative reports, notices or findings for formal proceedings.
• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.
• Training or experience in contract compliance or project oversight.
  
  

SUPERVISION

This position does not supervise. This person reports to the TERO Director.

COMPETENCIES

Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.

Knowledge Of

• Nisqually Title 42, including investigation, inspection, and enforcement procedures.
• Tribal, federal, and state employment/contracting compliance.
• Experience in contractor compliance
• Investigative methods and evidence documentation.
• Skill in:
• Proficient report writing, auditing, and documentation capabilities.
• Strong investigative, analytical, and interviewing skills.
• Proficiency with office software, spreadsheets, and compliance databases.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills for working with contractors, employers, and Tribal members.
• Ability to:
• Conduct impartial investigations and job-site inspections consistent with Title 42 authority.
• Interpret and apply complex legal, regulatory, and policy requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and cultural competency in all interactions.
• Work independently while making defensible, fact-based recommendations.
• Maintain professionalism and composure in stressful, confrontational, or adversarial situations.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.

• Background Check: I authorize Nisqually Indian Tribe or its designated third-party agency to conduct a background investigation, which may include verification of past employment, education, criminal history, and other relevant records.
• Drug Screening: I understand that I will be required to undergo a drug screening test as a condition of employment (or engagement). A positive result, refusal to test, or tampering with the test may result in disqualification or termination of employment.
  
  

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