General Information

Job Title: Language Apprentice (Haida)

Contact: Human Resources, 907-228-4900

Date Posted: 03/29/2024

Location: Education & Training

Compensation and Hours

Minimum Salary: DOE/Hour

Maximum Salary: DOE/Hour

Type of Job: Seasonal Part Time

Hours per Week: P/T

Benefits: None

Anticipated Job Duration: None Selected

Apply Online

Job Description

KETCHIKAN INDIAN COMMUNITY JOB DESCRIPTION

Position:

Language Apprentice I

Reviewed by:

Department:

Education & Training

Supervisor

October 2009

Reports to:

Education & Training Director

HR Director

Status:

Exempt

x Non-exempt

Approved by:

Part-Time, Temporary

General Manager

Indian Preference: In accordance with the Indian Preference Act of 1934, application for the position must include verification of Indian blood.

Purpose

Ketchikan Indian Community (KIC) job descriptions are a management tool to help organize duties and provide employees with the employer’s expectations with regard to a specific job classification. The duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is a reasonable assignment for the position. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Job Summary

KIC’s language program aims to revitalize our heritage languages by developing the fluency of younger speakers. All language apprentices must demonstrate commitment to language learning and teaching in his/her personal and professional lives. The Language Apprentice I is responsible for assisting in preserving the Tribe’s heritage languages through participation in a mentored apprenticeship. The incumbent will also develop existing speaking and writing abilities through conversational practice and assigned language translation and transcription duties. The incumbent is also expected to apply his/her language skills throughout the community, especially at tribal and cultural events, and may be called on to demonstrate his/her progress by sharing in a variety of public settings, such as (but not limited to) Tribal Council meetings, Annual Meeting, Elder’s Dinners, and community potlatches. Duties are carried out to fulfill the Language Program’s strategic plan and within established guidelines and policies under the general supervision of the Education & Training Director.

Essential Language Apprentice I Job Duties

PARTICIPATES IN MENTOR APPRENTICESHIP BY

• Attending daily mentor-apprenticeship sessions unless other arrangements are pre-approved by the language Facilitator;

• Committing to immersion style learning at all times when attending mentor-apprenticeship sessions;

• Maintaining the primary responsibility of documenting mentor-apprenticeship sessions through the use of digital voice, photo, and/or video recordings.

DEVELOPS SPEAKING ABILITIES BY

• Utilizing language throughout the workday and in all other possible situations;

• Practicing conversation exclusively in heritage language with Apprentice II or III;

• Addressing other language learners and teachers in the heritage language at cultural events and in the community.

DEVELOPS WRITING ABILITIES BY

• Working with Apprentice II or III to keep a written record of highlights from daily mentor-apprenticeship sessions, as specified by the language Facilitator;

• Assisting in the republishing of KIC language material;

• Keeping a language journal to document increased literacy in heritage language.

EVALUATES PROGRESS BY

• Regularly participating in and reporting on self-evaluation in intervals no less than every three months;

• Soliciting feedback from Language Mentor and other language speakers;

• Participating in formal pre- and post-evaluation and testing when directed by the Education and Training Director;

ASSISTS LANGUAGE TEAM BY

• Developing, creating, and producing language learning and instructional material, as specified;

• Maintaining organized databases and catalogs of language material, including original documentation.

MAINTAINS WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH LANGUAGE TEAM BY

• Demonstrating sensitivity and patience when working with language mentors, apprentices, and other language learners and teachers;

• Participating and contributing to weekly language staff meetings;

• Planning and working collaboratively with Apprentice II or III to identify work priorities.

Additional Duties

• Assists the department in fulfilling other strategic or programmatic goals and grant obligations, as specific by the Education and Training Director.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of heritage language, including orthography, and possesses strong pronunciation or beginner speaking abilities;

• Ability to learn heritage language in immersion settings;

• Skilled at digital voice, photo, and video recordings;

• Ability to quickly transcribe live and previously recorded language speaking sessions by hand and electronically;

• Ability to develop professional-grade products for use in language learning and instruction;

• Ability to collect data, keep accurate and organized records, and ensure timely preparation of reports;

• Ability to communicate professionally over the telephone and in person in a positive and clear manner;

• Ability to be flexible to perform at the highest level as a team player;

• Ability to utilize maximum degree of professionalism and diplomacy with those who may be experiencing a high degree of stress both mentally and/or physically;

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and able to prioritize assignments;

• Ability to keep tribal and school district operations confidential.

Physical Activities Include

Must be able to hear. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch; and taste or smell. Each listed activity also requires standing, sitting, walking, bending, stooping, climbing on stools and ladders, and occasionally lifting and carrying items and boxes up to forty (40) pounds.

License(s)

Possess a current valid State of Alaska driver's license with a record acceptable to KIC’s Insurance carrier.

Education

High school diploma or GED required. Pursuing a bachelor's in education or teaching certification is preferred.

Experience

At least two (2) years of experience learning and/or teaching heritage language;

If the candidate possesses the demonstrated ability, any combination of related education and/or related experience will be considered.

Special Requirements

Individuals must possess or have the ability to possess:

• Current background investigation report with acceptable history outlined in the State of Alaska, Department of Education, and Indian Child Protection Act;

• Immunization documentation;

• Letter of Recommendation from previous language teacher that attests to learning/teaching experience in heritage language.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without prior notice.

Required Job Qualifications

Are you 18 years or older

1 Can you pass a drug test?

Back to List Apply Online