Muckleshoot job posted

[CountyGuy]

Saw that Muckleshoot posted a job, in case you guys are interested, its for a 'fisheries enforcement officer', requires the academy. Looks a lot like a WA wildlife position, looks interesting especially if you like to be out and about in the open.

https://careers-muckleshootgov.icims.com/jobs/1510/job

I know working for Indian governments, the employment laws are different.
Anyone worked for one?

[wildlife97]

I know working for Indian governments, the employment laws are different.
Anyone worked for one?

I have worked for a tribe and know a lot about the position.

As far as tribal employment regs go. Basically tribes have the authority to pick tribal members (of any tribe) over non-tribal members simply because they are a tribal member. I applied for a Muckleshoot enforcement position years ago that required a high school diploma or GED, I was the only applicant with a 4-year degree, I was also the only non-tribal member interviewed. There were about 8 people interviewed, the tribe only hired tribal members. Obviously I had the most education but also had related experience to the job with a federal agency, whereas others had no related experience, and I didn't get the job.

The job I applied for was with the fisheries enforcement division. The Chief flat-out told me that it would be VERY difficult for a non-tribal member to work well in the position. Tribal members do not like getting told what to do from a non-tribal member, especially regarding hunting or fishing. And in these positions you don't want to be too aggressive or you might find yourself without a job.

[CountyGuy]

It does mention on their HR site that they will select any native American over a non-native. I know of that kind of hiring from other tribal employers, although I have seen non-natives working for Muckleshoot.

I'd love an outside job like that, I'm sure others do too.

[Ryandus]

I have worked for a tribe and know a lot about the position.

The job I applied for was with the fisheries enforcement division......Tribal members do not like getting told what to do from a non-tribal member, especially regarding hunting or fishing. And in these positions you don't want to be too aggressive or you might find yourself without a job.

It's their jurisdiction, and their land. This is the exact reason they practice discrimination. While Muckleshoot will hire non-natives for a variety of positions, I think the Chief you spoke with had a good point here when considering someone for a law enforcement position. It's not the fact you may "find yourself out of a job" because of your actions, but your authority and respect as a non-native will be in question almost at all times by tribal members.

The Chief likely realized this, and while you have a 4 year degree, there are many more factors he/she must consider while filling a law enforcement division. The first that comes to mind is the "buy-in" of the officer towards the needs of the tribe- respect & honor (in the traditions of the tribe), and commitment from a tribal member is likely stronger around the tribe's outlook, employment, and rules than another applicant that isn't a tribal member.

Like vet. preference, native preference is a legal form of discrimination- it's their land, their rules.

I worked for a tribe (in a casino, as a non-native) for a while, and while they do have tribal preference, it really wasn't too bad. I have personal reasons why I wouldn't want to work on tribal land as a law enforcement officer (worker's compensation issues for example), but that's just my opinion.

That being said, I don't think the above reasons are enough of a reason to NOT apply, but just know there are more factors in consideration than just qualifications on paper alone.

[Ryandus]

I know working for Indian governments, the employment laws are different.
Anyone worked for one?

I had good experiences in them, they tend to really take care of their employees while they are working.

If you get injured on the job, be really careful. They are not subject to WA L&I rules.

**Edit- Be really careful NOT to get injured on the job, because they are not subject to L&I laws, regulations, and standards. They do have their own system, but I won't comment on that.

[wildlife97]

That being said, I don't think the above reasons are enough of a reason to NOT apply, but just know there are more factors in consideration than just qualifications on paper alone.

Exactly. In these tough times any job is better then no job.

[wildlife97]

If you get injured on the job, be really careful. They are not subject to WA L&I rules.

Very true. I've had several friends get injured while working for a tribal casino and the tribal workers comp program (I believe it's called Tribal First or something like that) will do WHATEVER they can to not accept your claim.

[CountyGuy]

Would time spent at this job make you eligible to transfer to other agencies? Do they recognize the training and work experience?

I personally think the Muckleshoot tribe does good work as far as fish habitat and restoration, way more than the state and other local governments. They are forcing the improvements of thousands of culverts in the state. I do not know about their enforcement of fishermen/hunters, that would interesting to learn about. I have heard stories of tribal hunters getting away with shooting elk in locations (illegal to the tribe and anyone else) where a non-native would have jail time.

[TPD Recruiter]

Most tribal police departments do not require CJTC BLEA certification and do not send their officers to the CJTC academy. In order for it to "count" in the sense of being able to lateral, you would have to attend the CJTC BLEA while being employed with them, or any tribal agency. Some of the Tribal departments allow their officers to attend CJTC BLEA on a voluntary basis, some don't.

[CountyGuy]

This Muckleshoot job requires either 'Washington State Criminal Justice Commission Basic Law Enforcement academy or the Bureau of Indian Affairs Police Academy'.

I thought a few years ago that there was a cross-jurisdiction agreement signed into law in WA, so that the non-tribal and tribal police forces recognize each other and can have equal powers of arrest in each others territories for serious crimes.
38 of the 39 sheriffs didn't want this, maybe because of the different levels of training like you point out TPD-R.

[wildlife97]

I thought a few years ago that there was a cross-jurisdiction agreement signed into law in WA, so that the non-tribal and tribal police forces recognize each other and can have equal powers of arrest in each others territories for serious crimes. 38 of the 39 sheriffs didn't want this, maybe because of the different levels of training like you point out TPD-R.

Well your somewhat correct. Basically the law you are talking about allows the county SO and the tribe to enter into an agreement which basically deputizes/comissions the tribal officers so they can cite and arrest non-tribal members, doesn't really have anything to do with it being a serious offense or not. It really has to do with these big rez's and non-tribal members driving on a road, getting stopped by a tribal cop and the tribal cop not having the authority to cite them. So it is up to the county sheriff if they want to enter into this agreement with the tribe, they are not required to do so. I know Colville tribal officers are comissioned Okanogan and Ferry County deputies, Tulalip Tribal officers are Snohomish County deputies. I know for a fact that King County has a policy against comissioning ANY outside agency no matter if they are state, federal or tribal officers. The Muckleshoot Police Dept is actually a contract dept from the King County SO. The Snoqualmie Tribe has tried to start their own PD but they are being hampered by the KCSO policy against comissioning outside agencies, so for the time being they contract with KCSO on a per-call basis.

But anyways, this job is solely fisheries enforcement and you will only be enforcing tribal fishing laws.

[CountyGuy]

Good info wildlife97, again!

[CPD2K24]

I'm applying for a Police officer position with the Coville tribe, they send their guys to BLEA. I know they get the comissions from those two counties, they back up the local departments, but they stay pretty busy themselves.