Apache Language Apprentice

HR 8/2024

Position Title: Apprentice
Department: Mescalero Apache Language and Culture
Employment Status: Non-Exempt
Opening Date: March 17, 2025 Closing Date: March 28, 2025

Job Summary
The Apprentice role is an entry-level position that provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the Mescalero
Apache language and culture. Under the guidance of mentors, apprentices will gain hands-on experience in
language instruction, cultural education, and community outreach. This position is ideal for individuals seeking
to contribute to the revitalization of their cultural heritage and develop skills that support the continuity of the
Mescalero Apache traditions.

The Apprentice will work closely with experienced mentors to learn and support the revitalization of the
Mescalero Apache language and culture. This position is designed for individuals passionate about preserving
their heritage and eager to gain skills in language instruction, cultural education, and community engagement.

This position description may not include all of the listed duties, nor do all of the listed examples include all tasks which may be
found or assigned to this position.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Assist mentors in the development and delivery of language and cultural education programs. 

Participate in language learning sessions, workshops, and community events. 

Help create and organize educational materials, such as lesson plans, flashcards, and multimedia
resources. 

Support the documentation and preservation of oral histories, traditional stories, and other cultural assets. 

Engage with community members, including elders and youth, to foster language use and cultural pride. 

Monitor and report on personal progress and contribute to team efforts in language revitalization.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 
Knowledge of the Mescalero Apache Tribes’ history, traditions, and customs. 
Sensitivity to Native American culture, traditions, customs, and socioeconomic needs of our Tribal

Community. 
Ability to function effectively under pressure of time and/or demands of several tasks. 
Good public relations and interpersonal relationship skills.

Qualifications, experience, and education: 

Interest in learning and promoting the Mescalero Apache language and culture. 

Commitment to preserving tribal heritage and a willingness to learn from mentors and elders. 

Basic communication skills; proficiency in the Mescalero Apache language is a plus, but not required. 

Strong desire to work collaboratively with a team and engage with the community. 

Open to feedback and dedicated to personal growth in language and cultural knowledge. 

Understands or is willing to learn about the language-learning process. 

Is willing to spend 4 hours a day with a Mentor speaking only the MAL.

MESCALERO APACHE TRIBE
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

HR 8/2024 

Is willing to spend up to 3 hours a day studying independently with MAL, audio recordings, video recordings,
and other resources. 

Is willing to commit at least 1 year to this project. 

Is willing to overcome any fears, inhibitions, or negative feelings about speaking and sharing the MAL. 

Is willing to learn and to use different techniques to pass on the MAL. 

Is willing to commit to obtaining a Native Language and Culture Certificate from the State of New Mexico. 

Is willing to commit to working in an educational institution during and after completion of the program. 

Understands or is willing to learn about the language-learning process. 

Is willing to be audio and video recording. 

REQUIRED to possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Driver's License, (out of state applicants must receive

NMDL within 90 days of hire). 

REQUIRED to adhere to The Mescalero Apache Tribe’s Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace policy.

Indian Preference:

Indian and Tribal Preference will apply, as per policy. (Must submit tribal documentation with application to

qualify for Indian Preference).

Acknowledgment
This position description is intended to provide an overview of the requirements of the position. It is not
necessary inclusive, and the job may require other essential and/or nonessential functions, tasks, duties, or
responsibilities not listed herein. Management reserves the sole right to add, modify, or exclude any essential
or nonessential requirement at any time with or without notice. Nothing in this job description, or by the
completion of any requirement of the job by the employee, is intended to create a contract of employment of
any type.