Preservation Assistant Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is committed to protecting and exercising the inherent inalienable sovereign rights of the Tribe and Individuals in the interest of the Medicine Creek Treat Territories, as stewards to ensure preservation of our cultural and environmental integrity for common good and prosperity for all.
Open: July 10. 2026
Close: September 16, 2026
Job Title: Archivist I
Department: Historic Preservation
Reports To: Director
Hours: 40 Hrs/Wk - Full Time
Salary: Based on Salary Matrix+Benefits
Requisition: 924
*Salaries are market competitive. For accurate salary information, call (253)573-7863 or email jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians provides a generous benefits package that includes employer paid medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a retirement/401(k) plan with profit sharing, paid holidays, and paid time off including birthday leave.
Position Summary:
Under the direction of the Director/THPO conducts research into Tribal History. Helps Assistant Director/Collections Manager with acquiring, preserving, and making accessible to the Puyallup Tribe, its membership, and others, records of on-going value in any format which reflect the cultural, social, economic, and political history of the Puyallup Tribe. Works with outside archives, libraries, and museums to retrieve and study historical documents and cultural resources. Assists with archiving files and data into searchable computer database for Tribal members, Tribal employees, and other researchers to access. Must be an enrolled Puyallup Tribal Member.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assists in the collection of both audio and visual material to enhance department collections including oral history of tribal members.
2. Collects, researches, compiles, organizes, scans, sets-up files, and records data into computer database.
3. Performs extensive research of the Tribe's history, timelines, important dates, events and members.
4. Assists in preservation and security of items of historical importance to the Tribe.
5. Travels to schools, businesses, and other organizations to share Tribal history.
6. Actively participates in presentations and accurately answers in-depth questions from an audience concerning the Tribe's history.
7. Through extensive knowledge of audio programs, transfers audio material to various digital data storage devices.
8. Works with Director/THPO and Assistant Director/Collections Manager to evaluate and prepare recommendations regarding designation of permanent records or disposition of inactive records.
9. Assists the Genealogist with Tribal member family history requests.
10. Assists Director/THPO and Assistant Director/Collections Manager with museum displays, content for displays and maintenance of museum display artifacts.
11. Scans Tribal photo collections to various digital storage devices, digitally restores old photographs. Under the guidance of the Tribal Historian and Archivist, becomes familiar with cultural, social, economic and political history of the Puyallup Tribe in order to advise and supply available materials and information to Tribes, government agencies, scholars, journalists and other conducting research for the Puyallup Tribe.
12. Creates multiple databases to log important files and information. Collects, researches, compiles, organizes and records data into computer database.
13. Requests pertinent materials available in libraries, private hands, and other archival organizations. Attends community/Tribal events and records events using photography and/or video.
14. Assists Director/THPO and Assistant Director/Collections Manager with the digitization of the Archives
15. Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications and Requirements
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.
Education and/or Experience
Must be an enrolled Puyallup Tribal Member with at least Associates degree (A.A.) in a related field that demonstrates the ability to perform extensive research or an equivalent combination of HS Diploma/GED and two years related work experience and demonstrated ability to perform extensive research. Required to demonstrate intermediate knowledge in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Adobe.
Knowledge and working experience with museum software (PastPerfect,) and be able to implement them into our extensive archival preservation needs preferred. Experience with professional citation methods preferred.
Must have demonstrated ability to set up and operate a computer and printers, audio equipment, visual equipment and sound reinforcement equipment, recording equipment, microfilm equipment, microfilm viewer/printer, digital still frame and video cameras and copy machine preferred.
Preferred experience using the following computer hardware and software:

• Windows 200/XP and Apple OS X or newer
• Paint Shop Pro and Adobe Photoshop
• iMac Photo Editing and Movie Programs
• Scanners/Printers/Copying Machines
• Microphones, Digital Cameras and Video Recorders

Language Skills
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Licenses or Certificates/Other
Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted Washington State driver's license. Driver's license must not contain any restrictions that would prevent the employee from driving a GSA vehicle.
Strong interpersonal skills are required to work with the general public who inquire into the Tribe's history.
Strong organizational skills are required.
Ability to work independently. Must be self-motivated.
Physical Demands
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.

• Requires the ability to operate a typewriter, personal computer, multi-line telephone, calculator, facsimile and photocopier.
• Requires the ability to read, write, communicate, and interpret information accurately in English.
• Requires the ability to concentrate and consistently produce accurate work.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• The employee occasionally is required to stand and walk.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The noise level is low to moderate.
• The physical exertion is low to moderate.
• Work is performed in an office setting.
• There are frequent contacts and interruptions during the day.
• Requires stamina to work in a team environment in shared workplace.
• Requires local travel to meet with other organizations.

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
Indian Preference Employer as Required by Law
Online Application Tips:
1. If you are using a PC, use Chrome. If you are using a MAC, use Safari.
2. Upload additional documents (resume, cover letter, letters of recommendation, proof of Indian blood, etc.) to the resume tab as one (1) PDF file or email documents to jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov and we can add them to your online application. Please send in copies of any degrees or certificates that you have been awarded.
3. Indian Hiring Preference - send in the appropriate documentation for the category you select. If you have any questions about the hiring preference policy or what document to send in, email us at jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov or call (253) 573-7863.
4. Provide 3+ references (we cannot obtain references from direct family members - mother, father, grandparents, sisters, brothers, or children and this includes in laws). One reference must be your most recent supervisor. We prefer the rest of your references to include co-workers, subordinates, or other supervisors, but we can accept a personal reference from someone who is familiar with your work ethic, habits, and attendance. You can send in letters of recommendation to jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov
5. To add more employment, education, references, etc., click on the small + sign at the top right corner of the page.
6. When entering salaries, only use numbers. Do not use any other characters (such as , . or $)
7. After you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation. If you do not receive an email, please call the office to confirm submission.
*Please do not wear perfumes, colognes, or strong scents to your interview. Some employees are allergic.
If you have any questions about the positions or the online application, please call (253) 573-7863
or email jobs@puyalluptribe-nsn.gov.
3001 Puyalupabsh St. Tacoma, WA 98404
Native American preference applies and job placements are given on a competitive basis, using job related factors. Because of the large number of applications received and limited job positions, your application will not guarantee employment.