JOB NUMBER: CHPO-13-001
JOB TITLE: Cultural Specialist
Supervisor: Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO)
Status: Non- Exempt
Salary: Grade 7
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO), the Cultural Specialist
exercises oversight of Potawatomi language teaching and the rich culture of the Nottawaseppi
Huron Band of the Potawatomi to Tribal members, team members and others. The incumbent
establishes working relationships with Tribal elders, Tribal youth and others, providing
opportunities for community outreach for those who have an interest in traditional Bodéwadmi
culture and language.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The two main functions of this job are related to 1.) Language and Culture and 2.) acting as the
NAGPRA Alternate. The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi reserves the right to
change, amend, add, delete and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities, and position
titles as it deems necessary to meet the needs of the government.
Language and Culture
1. Plans, organizes and directs cultural and language teaching and activities.
2. Provides weekly language classes for the Tribal Youth Program, adult learners, and
families.
3. Provides basic, moderate, and advanced language class access.
4. Provides language resources/materials to Tribal members upon request.
5. Combines cultural activities within each language class, as appropriate, for Tribal youth
and adult language classes.
6. Increases language awareness and interest within the NHBP Tribal community, NHBP
Tribal workforce and also with non-Tribal relations.
7. Offers language and cultural knowledge to other Tribal departments.
8. Works collaboratively with other program team members on various projects, including
Youth Learn Work program, summer camp and others.
9. Introduces new NHBP employees to the Tribe’s cultural and spiritual beliefs during new
employee orientations.
10. Assists the THPO in maintaining and preserving all language resource collections.
11. Work towards creation and establishment of Tribe’s on-line language classes.
Job Description – Cultural Specialist
Approved By Tribal Council without Objection on 09/19/13
Page 1
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
Post former language classes on-line, allowing access to all Tribal members
Provides information concerning access to the on-line language classes.
Advises on recommendations regarding course selections for Tribal members.
Completes periodic performance evaluations of programs.
Makes recommendations regarding current or new activities.
Seeks and prepares grant applications in collaboration with the THPO.
Submits monthly and other reports, as required.
Participates in meetings and conferences as required.
Provide monthly Tribal newsletter articles including language materials for continued
partnership and communication with all Tribal nations.
21. Provide monthly Shishibé events throughout all areas of the NHBP Tribal Service Area
– i.e., Pine Creek, Northern/Grand Rapids and lakeshore areas.
22. May mentor, train, and work closely with an intern or apprentice regarding traditional
Potawatomi language, traditions, and lifestyles.
23. Performs other duties as assigned.
NAGPRA Alternate
Another important aspect of this job is to provide cultural and spiritual assistance to the THPO
(who is the primary NHBP NAGPRA representative) in the recovery and reinterment of the
bones of our ancestors and associated grave goods. The NHBP NAGPRA Reburial Code must
be adhered to. However, the Cultural Specialist may work with the THPO to revise the Code if it
is deemed necessary. The following duties are some of the requirements of this particular job.
1. Offer prayers and conduct the appropriate cleansing ceremonies during consultations with
museums and universities regarding ancestral remains, or during instances in which
ancestral remains or sacred objects are inadvertently discovered during construction
projects.
2. Conduct the appropriate ceremonies when ancestral remains, sacred objects, or funerary
objects are transported to the Pine Creek Reservation.
3. Conduct the reinterment/reburial ceremony for these ancestral remains and/or objects.
4. Work with the THPO to revitalize other aspects of traditional burial customs, such as the
incorporation of original clan roles in the burial process, etc.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
May directly supervise an apprentice/intern in the future. Would carry out supervisory
responsibilities in accordance with the NHBP's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities
would include mentoring employees; and planning, assigning, and directing work.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being
performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list
of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Job Description – Cultural Specialist
Approved By Tribal Council without Objection on 09/19/13
Page 2
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Required Qualifications: An individual must be able to demonstrate the ability to perform each
essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the
knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. To perform this job successfully, an individual must
meet the minimum qualifications.
1. High School Diploma or GED Certificate.
2. Possesses an advanced working knowledge and practice of traditional Bodéwadmi
language, culture, customs, and lifeways.
3. Possesses a demonstrated ability and an ample amount of experience working with and
mentoring others within the Tribal community regarding traditional Bodéwadmi culture
and language.
4. Has an understanding of the social, educational, training and cultural needs of the Native
community.
5. If not a fluent speaker, must be willing to achieve language fluency and continue
education in Bodéwadmi language.
6. Must be able to travel.
7. Must be able to adjust schedule as needed or required.
8. A willingness to initiate contacts with new people.
9. Ability to understand, gain knowledge and appreciate the differences between various
Native American cultures and customs.
10. Must maintain a valid driver’s license with good driving record; GSA certifiable.
11. Must possess or be able to obtain a Chauffeurs License endorsement for operating NHBP
special vehicles or passenger transports.
12. Must be able to successfully pass a background check and drug test; must not have been found
guilty of, or pled guilty or no contest to, any felony or misdemeanor offense under federal, state
or tribal law involving crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, prostitution, or other
crimes against persons, or offenses committed against children; must be able to successfully pass
a drug screening.
13. Ability to become CPR/First Aid certified.
14. Ability to work well independently and with team members and other staff in a teamoriented environment.
15. Ability to comprehend and abide by Tribal, federal and other relevant environmental
regulations/codes.
16. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
17. Ability to organize and maintain electronic and physical files.
18. Ability to read and interpret documents.
19. Sufficient verbal and written communication skills.
20. Capable of multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment with capacity to change priorities
quickly.
21. Demonstrated computer literacy in Microsoft office products and internet research and
communications.
22. Professional demeanor and appearance.
Job Description – Cultural Specialist
Approved By Tribal Council without Objection on 09/19/13
Page 3
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS
1. Bachelors Degree, preferably in Anthropology, Linguistics, or related fields.
2. Is a “spiritual leader” (i.e., possesses the proper working knowledge and experience to
perform certain vital ceremonies when the need arises) in his/her community (e.g., pipe
carrier, etc.).
3. Is a competent Bodéwadmi language speaker.
4. Contains a tremendous amount of teaching/training experience in traditional culture and
language.
5. Possesses knowledge of and familiarity with community resources and facilities
throughout the seven county service area.
6. Demonstrates enthusiasm, good work ethics, and an ability to relate and motivate youth.
PREFERENCE
"Indian Preference will be applied in accordance with the NHBP Indian Preference in
Employment Code." Indian sovereignty support and Indian Preference initiatives are mandatory.
SECURITY SENSITIVE
This position may contain information that is security sensitive and thereby subject to additional
provisions.
QUALIFICATIONS
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.
Language Skills
Is currently practicing and moving towards fluency in the Potawatomi language.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations
where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished
in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Job Description – Cultural Specialist
Approved By Tribal Council without Objection on 09/19/13
Page 4
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.
The incumbent in this position will work in a variety of physical surroundings, including general
office environment, and in other physical locations, including outdoors and at various off-site
facilities. The position requires the ability to remain calm in difficult circumstances and to be
physically active for short periods of time.
Flexible hours and weekend work when necessary or as directed.
COMPETENCIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
Analytical - Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data;
Designs work flows and procedures.
Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes
information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving
situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes
and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development
opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality;
Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others'
ideas and tries new things.
Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations;
listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation
skills; Participates in meetings.
Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and
grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read
and interpret written information.
Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to
others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts
success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and
objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
Job Description – Cultural Specialist
Approved By Tribal Council without Objection on 09/19/13
Page 5
Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes
effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected
by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
Delegation - Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives
authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides
recognition for results.
Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to
profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic
goals.
Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving
measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves the NHBP’s resources.
Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural
differences; educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment;
Builds a diverse workforce.
Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with
integrity and ethically; Upholds the NHBP’s values.
Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Supports the NHBP's goals and
values; Benefits the NHBP through outside activities.
Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment;
Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making
process; Makes timely decisions.
Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes
obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish
goals.
Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for
additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their
tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats
others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility
for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands;
Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays,
or unexpected events.
Job Description – Cultural Specialist
Approved By Tribal Council without Objection on 09/19/13
Page 6
Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are
covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
Dependability - Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long
hours of work when necessary to reach goals. Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate
person with an alternate plan.
###
CERTIFICATION
Job Description History
Effective Date
Policy Owner
Next Review Date
Job Description – Cultural Specialist
Approved By Tribal Council without Objection on 09/19/13
Revision Dates
Page 7