Cultural Interpreter

Come join the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community as a Cultural Interpreter! In this opportunity you will conduct tours, on-site and outreach programs, camps and workshops; utilize STEAM based educational programs for schools and youth organizations. If you have excellent customer service and public speaking skills - we are looking for you! Enjoy weekly pay, career growth opportunities, and great employee perks. Whatever your career goals may be, let SMSC help get you there!

Job Overview: Responsible for facilitating interpretive programs and tours that promote the value of Dakota culture and historic preservation; with high standards of excellence that create a dynamic and enriching visitor experience; to educate and engage diverse audiences. Provide and facilitate programing connecting visitors to Dakota Language and Lifeways, collaborate with the SMSC departments on culturally relevant projects.

Maximize Your Impact: The Responsibilities You’ll Own:

• Develops, creates and conducts tours, on-site and outreach programs, camps and workshops; utilize STEAM based educational programs for schools and youth organizations.
• Leads collaborative opportunities with schools, museums, supports educational initiatives and other partners to secure long-term relationships to broaden the Hookata Ti’s education and outreach programming under the guidance of his supervisor.

Job Requirements:

Reflects MINIMUMEDUCATION, TRAINING, CERTIFICATION and EXPERIENCE required in order to meet the expectations of this job:

• Associates’ degree preferred in American Indian Studies, American Indian History, education or equivalent experience in Dakota language or Dakota cultural heritage interpretation.
• 1 years’ experience in education at a multidisciplinary museum or cultural organization.
• Knowledge of Dakota Indian history and culture obtained through coursework or on the job or other experience. 
• Excellent public speaking skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Valid Class D driver’s license required with good driving record.
• Has the physical abilities to perform the required job duties with or without accommodations, including on feet 50% of time.
• Capacity to handle and lift up to 40lbs. as needed.

Outstanding Benefits & Awesome Perks: At the SMSC, we are invested in our Team Members, as demonstrated by the competitive benefits we offer. Team Members may be eligible for benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, and a generous PTO package, which includes outreach hours for volunteer work through our #SMSCgives outreach program. Plus, take advantage of perks like discounts on childcare, fuel, bus passes and fitness membership, free uniforms and free uniform cleaning, and tuition reimbursement.

Who We Are: The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community contributes both time and financial resources across the region, state, and country. The SMSC has donated more than $400 million to organizations and causes, provided $500 million in economic development loans to other tribes, and contributed millions more to support regional governments and infrastructure. The SMSC's Native Green initiative annually diverts hundreds of tons of waste from landfills, has implemented compostable containers throughout our properties, and restored hundreds of acres of prairie land. Team members are eligible to participate in SMSC Gives, a community outreach initiative that organizes various opportunities in the local community. To empower its team members to take part in the Dakota tradition of giving, the SMSC provides paid hours to team members to volunteer at events. Learn more at shakopeedakota.org.