Intertribal Cultural Resource Specialist

This is a part-time, limited duration position with benefits. Work is scheduled for 32 hours per week. Position is funded through June 30, 2016 by the Parks and Natural Areas Levy Fund.

The Intertribal Cultural Resource Specialist will serve as a liaison with the urban Native American Community in Portland to increase opportunities for Native people to experience the region’s natural areas to help preserve unique tribal culture and identity. Metro supports efforts to expand opportunities for all people to enjoy Metro’s parks and natural areas.

The objectives of this limited position are as follows:

• To work with the urban Native American Community in Portland to identify, catalogue and assess cultural resources on a Metro managed property in a way that includes Native history and acknowledges contemporary use of natural areas
• To connect Native people to Metro managed land and seek ways to increase culturally relevant accessibility for the urban Native American community
• To restore cultural connections and promote traditional land management practices that promote spiritual, mental and physical wellness for urban Native people
• To identify ways that Metro can increase Native American utilization of Metro parks and natural areas as places of stewardship and community learning
• To provide an avenue where Metro staff and the public can learn from Native traditional practices of land management

Background
American Indian Tribes in the United States have a unique government-to-government relationship with the federal government that is set forth in the US Constitution. Currently there are 566 federally recognized tribes in the United States. Indian termination and urban relocation was the policy of the United States federal government from 1940 into the 1960s. Oregon tribal governments were impacted by the Western Oregon Indian Termination Act, or Public Law 588, that was passed by congress in 1954. During this time many tribal governments were abolished and their members were relocated to urban areas. Tribes that were impacted quickly mobilized to regain their recognition, but tribal government restoration efforts were lengthy and arduous leading many tribal members to relocate in urban areas.

These unique factors have made Portland the 9th largest urban Indian population in the United States, with over 40,000 tribal members representing 380 tribes. Therefore, in the absence of tribal governments to advocate for them, Native people are seeking new ways to interact with local governments to see culturally significant policy objectives achieved.

With over 17,000 acres of regional parks and natural areas, Metro is seeking ways to expand opportunities for all people to enjoy Metro’s parks and natural areas. As a part of this effort, Metro facilitated a conversation with members from the Native American Community to better understand how to increase opportunities for Native people to experience the region’s natural areas to help preserve unique tribal culture and identity. Metro sought input from members of Portland’s Native American community to develop this limited one-year position to complete a scope of work desired by the Native community.

At Metro, we strive to hire a workforce representative of the communities we serve, understanding that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We value diversity and support a positive and welcoming environment where all of our employees can thrive.

• Serve as liaison with local tribal elders, youth and community leaders; provide excellent customer service with the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships.
• Coordinate and convene regular meetings with the urban Native American community; provide project support, information, and referral services.
• Conduct cultural site visits to Metro managed properties with Metro staff and members of the Native American community.
• Conduct research using knowledge of culturally-responsive data collection methods, analysis and program evaluation techniques.
• Facilitate traditional and cultural education for tribal members and non-tribal members alike.
• Provide detailed project support that ensures timely and effective completion of program goals, data collection, stakeholder engagement and content development.
• As directed, prepare oral, written and visual reports and presentations for staff, elected officials, and members of the Native community.

In addition to the specific duties for the position, Metro organizes its positions into classifications. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions that are grouped within the classification. This position falls under the Program Assistant II classification (click to read the full classification).

Preferred
Similar experience working directly with cultural stakeholders and experience or understanding of local urban Native American communities strongly preferred.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Ability to adapt to competing demands and is able to deal with frequent changes.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to use necessary software programs.
• Ability to fulfill Metro’s employee values of public service, excellence, teamwork, respect, innovation and sustainability.

Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-797-1570.

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): New employees will pay the employee portion of the PERS contribution.

Representation/classification: This position is represented by AFSCME Local 3580 and falls under the Program Assistant II classification.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans’ preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans’ preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Criminal background check: In order to protect the well being of its employees, the public and agency assets, Metro may conduct criminal background checks on candidates selected for Metro positions. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude employment and will be considered on a case by case basis. A background check will only be conducted if you are selected as a finalist for a position. If selected as a finalist, you will be contacted by Human Resources prior to the initiation of a background check.

Equal employment opportunity: All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer