Workforce Development Program Participant

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Pledge for Success: 

We are dedicated to hiring outstanding individuals who share in our commitment and passion in serving our guests.  Ambition, dedication, attention to detail, and a warm smile are all winning characteristics that lead to the spirit of who we are.

Position Summary:

The Workforce Development program is a customized career exploration opportunity for enrolled Cowlitz Tribal Members based on background and interest, including a comprehensive 18-month Management Rotation Program option for qualified applicants. The Management Rotation Program is designed to prepare qualified applicants for future management and leadership opportunities within ilani. Participants may complete structured rotations across operational and administrative departments, gaining broad exposure to casino operations, hospitality, organizational leadership, regulatory requirements, and Tribal culture and governance. The participant works closely with department leaders, executive sponsors, mentors, and program administrators to develop management skills, complete assigned projects, and demonstrate readiness for increased leadership responsibility.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Promotes superior guest service.
• Maintains, and perpetuates a positive organizational culture according to the principles of the Spirit of Tâlícn and the Core Values of ilani.
• Successfully complete an 18-month schedule of departmental rotations.
• Learn the core functions, responsibilities, performance measures, and operational challenges of each assigned department.
• Participate in rotations that may include casino operations, hotel operations, food and beverage, finance, marketing, security, compliance, people and culture, facilities, information technology, and other business areas.
• Perform meaningful work assignments and contribute to departmental operations during each rotation.
• Develop an understanding of Tribal history, culture, sovereignty, governance, and the economic importance of Tribal gaming.
• Learn and apply applicable gaming regulations, internal controls, employment requirements, safety standards, and organizational policies.
• Build effective working relationships with leaders, team members, Tribal representatives, regulatory partners, and other stakeholders.
• Observe and participate in management activities, including staffing, scheduling, budgeting, performance management, guest service, conflict resolution, and operational planning.
• Lead or support projects intended to improve service, efficiency, communication, team member engagement, or business performance.
• Analyze operational issues and present practical recommendations to department and executive leadership.
• Attend leadership development courses, mentoring sessions, operational meetings, and program check-ins.
• Establish and maintain an individual development plan with measurable learning objectives.
• Prepare written summaries, presentations, and evaluations at the conclusion of each rotation (if applicable).
• Demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, adaptability, and respect throughout the program.
• Maintain regular attendance and flexibility to work varying schedules based on departmental need.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Other duties as assigned.

Program Expectations

Participants are expected to:

• Complete all assigned rotations, projects, training, and evaluations.
• Meet established performance, conduct, and attendance standards.
• Remain open to coaching, feedback, and assignments outside their prior experience.
• Demonstrate continued growth in leadership, communication, decision-making, and business knowledge.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding team members, guests, business operations, and Tribal matters.
• Comply with all licensing, regulatory, safety, and organizational requirements.
• Deliver a final capstone project or presentation demonstrating knowledge gained during the program.

Minimum Qualifications:

(REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS MY VARY BASED ON EXPERIENCE AND INTEREST)

• Must be an enrolled Cowlitz Tribal Member.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, hospitality management, organizational leadership, finance, human resources, gaming management, or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory or management experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the position may be considered.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to foster a supportive and enabling team environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading employees, managing projects, resolving workplace or operational issues, and achieving measurable results.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to analyze information, exercise sound judgment, and make effective recommendations.
• Ability to work successfully in a culturally diverse, highly regulated, and guest-focused environment.
• Proficiency with standard business software and the ability to learn department-specific systems.
• Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for up to an 8-hour shift.
• Must be able to lift and carry 40 lbs.

• Must be willing to work in a smoking environment.

• Must be willing to adhere to company health and safety measures.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in gaming, hospitality, entertainment, Tribal government, or another regulated industry.
• Experience working within a Tribal organization or with Tribal communities.
• Knowledge of casino resort operations, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and performance management.
• Demonstrated commitment to continued professional and leadership development.

Work Shift:

Knock, knock. Hear that sound? That's opportunity!