Salish Kootenai College Jobs & Careers

🎓 Overview of Salish Kootenai College

Salish Kootenai College (SKC), located in Pablo, Montana, on the Flathead Indian Reservation, is a tribally controlled community college founded in 1977 by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Serving primarily Native American students, SKC offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields like liberal arts, business administration, criminal justice, nursing, and natural resources management. With a mission to provide quality higher education rooted in tribal culture, SKC emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement. Jobs at Salish Kootenai College attract educators and professionals passionate about indigenous knowledge systems and regional development.

The college employs around 200 staff and faculty, fostering a close-knit environment where roles contribute directly to tribal sovereignty and student success. Whether you're seeking faculty jobs or administrative positions, SKC stands out for its cultural immersion and commitment to equity.

History of Salish Kootenai College

Established to address the educational needs of the Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d'Oreille tribes, SKC began as the White Buffalo Calf Woman College before adopting its current name. Over the decades, it has grown from a two-year institution to offering advanced degrees, including Montana's first tribal college master's in Native American Studies. Key milestones include accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities in 1994 and expansion of programs in environmental science, reflecting the reservation's forestry and wildlife heritage. This evolution shapes jobs at Salish Kootenai College, prioritizing candidates who understand tribal history and self-determination.

Types of Jobs at Salish Kootenai College

SKC offers diverse roles across academia and support services. Faculty positions include instructors in nursing, computer science, and indigenous leadership. Administrative jobs cover HR, student services, and IT. Support roles like library staff and maintenance ensure campus operations. For more on university job types, explore lecturer jobs, professor jobs, and higher ed admin jobs. Current openings often focus on STEM and health sciences, aligning with tribal needs.

• Full-time faculty: Teach and develop curriculum.
• Adjunct instructors: Part-time teaching.
• Administrative staff: Manage programs and student affairs.
• Research roles: Focus on tribal ecology and health.

Required Academic Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies

Faculty jobs at Salish Kootenai College typically require a master's degree minimum, with PhD preferred for tenure-track roles. For example, nursing faculty need RN licensure and BSN/MSN. Research focus or expertise needed includes tribal governance, environmental stewardship, and cultural competency. Preferred experience encompasses publications in peer-reviewed journals, grant writing (e.g., from the National Science Foundation), and teaching diverse learners.

Key skills: Strong communication, cultural sensitivity, and technology integration. Competencies like grant management and community outreach are essential for roles in natural resources.

• PhD in relevant field (e.g., biology for wildlife programs).
• 3+ years teaching experience.
• Knowledge of Salish-Kootenai culture.
• Publications and conference presentations.

Research Focus and Expertise Needed

SKC's research centers on sustainable land management, tribal health disparities, and cultural preservation. Expertise in forestry, fisheries biology, and Native language revitalization is highly valued. Faculty collaborate on projects like the SKC Tribal College Climate Challenge, funded by federal grants. Roles often involve applied research benefiting the Flathead Reservation's ecosystem.

Application Process and Tips

To apply for jobs at Salish Kootenai College, visit the college's career page or higher ed jobs listings. Submit a letter of interest, resume, transcripts, three references, and a statement on tribal education philosophy. Applications are reviewed year-round, with priority for tribal members.

Actionable tips:

• Highlight cultural experience in your cover letter.
• Use free resume template tailored for academia.
• Network at tribal education conferences.
• Prepare for interviews focusing on community impact.
• Follow up politely after submission.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives at SKC

SKC champions diversity through its tribal charter, prioritizing Salish and Kootenai hires and supporting Land-Grant status for Native programs. Initiatives include the Grizzly Scholarship for tribal students and cultural competency training for staff. The college partners with the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, promoting inclusive hiring. Women and veterans receive preference, with 70% Native faculty representation.

Work-Life Balance and Campus Life

SKC promotes balance with flexible schedules, generous leave (20+ PTO days), and wellness programs like fitness centers and counseling. Campus life features powwows, language immersion, and access to Flathead Lake for recreation. The rural Pablo setting offers low cost of living ($2,500/month average) and community events, ideal for families valuing nature and culture. Employee perks include tuition waivers and tribal health services.

Summary

Jobs at Salish Kootenai College offer meaningful careers in tribal higher education. Explore more higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com.