Culture - Coordinator

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is committed to protecting and exercising the inherent inalienable sovereign rights of the Tribe and Individuals in the interest of the Medicine Creek Treat Territories, as stewards to ensure preservation of our cultural and environmental integrity for common good and prosperity for all. Open: August 31, 2026 Close: September 17, 2026 Job Title: Coordinator Department: Culture Reports To: Director Hours: 40 Hrs./Wk. – Full Time Salary: Based on Salary Matrix+Benefits Requisition: 948 *Salaries are market competitive. For accurate salary information, call (253)573-7863 or email . The Puyallup Tribe of Indians provides a generous benefits package that includes employer paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement/401(k) plan with profit sharing, paid holidays, and paid time off including birthday leave. Position Summary: Coordinates cultural related activities for the Culture Department. Plans and teaches activities under the general direction of the Director. Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1. Assists the Director/Assistant Director with event planning for cultural events such as the First Fish Ceremony, blessing of buildings, canoe family, etc. 2. Assists the Assistant Director with scheduling and oversight of canoe events. 3. Provides instruction and traditional teaching for participation in annual canoe journeys. Insuring safety and health of all youth and adult participants. 4. Develops and plans new activities for culture classes and canoe events. 5. Assist with teaching drumming and singing of Puyallup/Coastal song and dance to youth in canoe family, culture class and afterschool programs at the Youth Center and Chief Leschi School. Assists with drug and alcohol prevention curriculum. 6. Represents Culture Department at community meetings and events. 7. Researches information such as: appropriate stories, traditional foods, gathering, preparation and preservation. 8. Develops library of instruction on cultural activities that are taught by the department to preserve the teachings and activities of the department. This is to include: supplies needed, instructions on how to make item, stories related to the activity and care instructions for item made. 9. Performs other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities This position has no supervisory duties. Qualifications and Requirements To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Associates Degree and four years of experience in planning, organizing and developing activities and events of a more complex nature; and ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of tribal culture and traditions to create and teach cultural training programs preferred; Or Satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience. Intermediate level of experience and knowledge of computer, word processing and database skills (i.e. Word, Excel and Access). Language Skills Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professions journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, Tribal members, and the general public. Mathematical Skills Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization may exist. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Other Requirements • Position requires ability to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends. • Must have and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of auto insurance; valid driver’s license must not contain any restrictions that would prohibit the employee’s use of a tribal vehicle. • Must pass a criminal background check prior to and periodically throughout employment. • Must demonstrate strong organizational skills, flexibility, a team player, motivation and a willing to grow and learn. • Must be friendly, courteous and tactful. • Must be dependable and have an ability to keep track of various tasks. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Requires the ability to operate a typewriter, personal computer, multi-line telephone, calculator, facsimile and photocopier. • Requires the ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English. • Requires the ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work. • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. • The employee occasionally is required to stand and walk. • The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. • The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10-25 pounds and occasionally life and/or move 25-50 pounds. • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • The noise level is moderate. • The physical exertion is moderate due to the need to lift and move boxes and supplies used in youth activities. • Work is performed in an office setting. • There are frequent contacts and interruptions during the day. • The work may involve confidential information. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Indian Preference Employer as Required by Law Online Application Tips: 1. If you are using a PC, use Chrome. If you are using a MAC, use Safari. 2. Upload additional documents (resume, cover letter, letters of recommendation, proof of Indian blood, etc.) to the resume tab as one (1) PDF file or email documents to and we can add them to your online application. Please send in copies of any degrees or certificates that you have been awarded. 3. Indian Hiring Preference – send in the appropriate documentation for the category you select. If you have any questions about the hiring preference policy or what document to send in, email us at or call (253) 573-7863. 4. Provide 3+ references (we cannot obtain references from direct family members – mother, father, grandparents, sisters, brothers, or children and this includes in laws). One reference must be your most recent supervisor. We prefer the rest of your references to include co-workers, subordinates, or other supervisors, but we can accept a personal reference from someone who is familiar with your work ethic, habits, and attendance. You can send in letters of recommendation to 5. To add more employment, education, references, etc., click on the small + sign at the top right corner of the page. 6. When entering salaries, only use numbers. Do not use any other characters (such as, or $) 7. After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive an email, please call the office to confirm submission. *Please do not wear perfumes, colognes, or strong scents to your interview. Some employees are allergic. If you have any questions about the positions or the online application, please call (253) 573-7863 or email . 3001 Puyalupabsh St. Tacoma, WA 98404 Native American preference applies and job placements are given on a competitive basis, using job related factors. Because of the large number of applications received and limited job positions, your application will not guarantee employment.