Assistant Planner/ Grant Specialist

Prepared on October 24, 2025

Department	Planning
Reports To	Planning Director
Type of Employment	Full-Time
Work Hours	40 hrs. per week Monday- Friday
FLSA Status	Non-Exempt
Salary	$30-$32 hour

Summary

Under the direction of the Planning Director, the Assistant Planner/Grant Specialist supports the Planning Department in a variety of community development, land use, and economic development projects. This position assists with research, planning permitting, reporting, and coordination of planning activities, while also identifying and pursuing funding opportunities to advance tribal priorities and infrastructure needs. The role requires attention to detail, clear communication, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments and with outside partners.

Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Include the following, other duties may be assigned.

Coordinate and prepare materials for meetings, workshops, and community events.
Conduct research on planning, housing, infrastructure, and community development topics.
Write and edit reports, briefing materials, and departmental correspondence.
Maintain documentation and filing systems related to projects, planning permits, and grants.
Conduct surveys and collect data to support planning studies or funding applications.
Assist in coordinating permitting processes with local, state, and federal agencies.
Assist the Planning Department with administrative and technical tasks as assigned.
Research grant opportunities and prepare applications, proposals, and budgets.
Track grant requirements, reporting deadlines, and deliverables.
Attend meetings and workshops related to funding opportunities, community development, and intergovernmental coordination.
Prepare summary reports and updates for departmental leadership and Tribal Council as requested.
Some travel may be required (approximately 15%).

Supervisory Requirements

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed 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.

Experience and Eduction

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); Some college experience is preferred. Strong writing, editing, and organizational skills required. Experience in grant research, proposal writing, and reporting preferred. Knowledge of land use planning, community development, and tribal governance is an advantage. Ability to handle multiple projects with competing deadlines. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a collaborative, team-oriented approach. Experience working with/for a Native American Tribe is highly desired.

Skills

COMPUTER SKILLS: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications required. GIS or grant management software experience a plus.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and government 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 work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical solutions.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations

Valid, current, and unrestricted Washington State Driver’s License.

Essential Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Analytical – Synthesizes complex or diverse information. Collects and researches data. Uses intuition and experience to complement data.
Design – Generates creative solutions. Uses feedback to modify designs. Applies design principles. Demonstrates attention to detail.
Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner. Gathers and analyzes information skillfully. Develops alternative solutions. Works well in group problem solving situations. Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Project Management – Assists in the development of project plans. Coordinates projects. Communicates changes and progress. Completes projects on time and budget.
Customer Service (Internal and External) – Manages difficult or emotional customer situations. Responds promptly to customer needs. Solicits customer feedback to improve service. Responds to requests for service and assistance. Meets commitments.
Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations. Listens and gets clarification. Responds well to questions. Demonstrates group presentation skills. Participates in meetings.
Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively. Edits work for spelling and grammar. Varies writing style to meet needs. Present numerical data effectively. Able to read and comprehend written information.
Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities. Exhibits objectivity and openness to others views. Gives and welcomes feedback. Contributes to building a positive team spirit. Puts success of team above own interests. Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives. Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.
Quality Management – Looks for ways to improve and promote quality. Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
Cost Consciousness – Works within approved budget. Develops and implements cost savings measures. Contributes to profit and revenue. Conserves organizational resources.
Ethics – Treats people with respect. Keeps commitments. Inspires the trust of others. Works with integrity and ethically. Upholds organizational values.
Strategic Thinking – Assists in the development of strategies to achieve organizational goals. Understands organizations strengths and weaknesses. Analyzes market and competition. Identifies external threats and opportunities. Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
Judgment – Displays willingness to make decisions. Exhibits sound and accurate judgment. Supports and explains reasons for decisions.
Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities. Uses time efficiently. Plans for additional resources. Sets goals and objectives. Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks. Develops realistic action plans.
Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner. Reacts well under pressure. Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position. Accepts responsibility for own actions. Follows through on commitments.
Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction. Takes responsibility for own actions. Keeps commitments. Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals. Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and also walk. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

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.

At-Will Employment

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. The employment relationship with Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe is voluntary. Accordingly, either the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe or the employee may terminate the employment relationship at will, with or without cause, at any time, so long as there is no violation of applicable federal or state law. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise.

INDIAN PREFERENCE

Indian preference will be exercised in the hiring of this position in accordance with Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe’s policy 181 within the Tribes Employee Handbook.

Benefits

After 60 days of employment

Medical
Vision
Dental
Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage
Short term disability
Long term disability
Disability resources

After 90 days of employment

Annual Leave accrual
Sick Leave accrual
Bereavement Leave
Military Leave
Jury Duty Leave
Paid Holidays

After 1 year of employment

401K contribution

Work Location	Work on Location Premises 2373 Tokeland Rd Tokeland, WA 98590
Job Posting Valid Through	Valid until filled
Position Start Date	Immediately