Workforce Development Program (WFD)

The intent and mission of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians’ Workforce Development Program (WFD) is to provide the membership an avenue to pursue opportunities in securing meaningful employment and assisting in the development of positive self-determination. Our staff will strive to seek gainful employment prospects for our tribal members within the numerous tribal programs, departments, entities, and non-tribal partners. Workforce Development staff will coordinate with tribal members in identifying potential employers and assist tribal members in all aspects of meeting qualifications for any future full-time job opportunities and aid in overcoming employment barriers.

Must be a Puyallup Tribal Member 18+ years of age. Upon deciding to participate in the program please arrange an appointment with one of our staff members and come prepared with your tribal identification, as this is a requirement to complete the application process. It will be mandatory for you to fill out our department application, which is also offered online on the Puyallup Tribe’s website, along with a Data Packet and a Background Release Packet provided by Human Resources. If for any reason you have questions pertaining to the new client process please feel free to reach out to one of our staff members.

Download department application, data packet and background release packet

• 240 Hour Program: This program provides 240 hours of full-time/part-time employment to Puyallup tribal members with placements within departments in need of additional staff.  During this time, members will be developing job skills, receive on-site training, and increase employment history to help improve their eligibility for permanent full-time jobs within the tribe, tribal entities, or the general workforce. Once the program hours have been exhausted they are eligible for an additional 240-extended hours, performed concurrently if the client has shown during this time an aptitude for the work being performed.  Once hours have been expended they may re-apply for further job placement on or after our October 1^st, the new fiscal year.
• Clean Our Rez Program: Clean Our Rez (COR) is an affiliate program that offers 240 hours of work via WFD, which also affords the possibility of a one year employment admission that provides full-time employment to adult tribal members who are willing to work outdoors cleaning up the Puyallup Tribe’s reservation.  This job is vitally important to keeping the appearance of our reservation clean, safe of any potentially dangerous or hazardous waste, and affords a multitude of opportunities in developing outdoor maintenance skills that are applicable to a wide variety of permanent full-time jobs offered at the tribe, other tribal entities, or out in the general workforce.
• Cemetery Maintenance: The Cemetery Maintenance Department is an affiliate program that offers 240 hours of work via WFD, which also affords the possibility of a one year employment admission that provides full-time employment to tribal members who are willing to continue their job duties in maintenancing the cemetery, assisting with funeral burial preparations and continued learning of the heavy equipment which is beneficial in skill development that could be deemed essential for future employment. (Pre-employment drug testing required)
• Elders Trash Pick-up.
• Employment Tools: Applying for a job can be an overwhelming experience and if a tribal member wishes to practice interviewing, needs help with developing a resume, support in advancing computer skills, or requires assistance in acquiring certifications, the Workforce Development staff is available to make sure you are completely prepared to enter the workforce confident and well-informed.