Character Animator (Nisqually Tribal Member Only)

Character Animator (Nisqually Tribal Member Only)

Closes 24-Jun-2026 (PST)

Nisqually Indian Tribe, She-Nah-Num Drive Southeast, Olympia, WA, United States

34.33 per hour

Hourly

Full Time

Excellent health care coverage (for employee) including dental and vision; 401k contribution from the tribe, even if you don't contribute; 15+ paid holidays a year; Life insurance for employee, spouse, and children provided by the tribe (employees have the option to purchase more); EAP and more!

This position has regular contact with or control over Indian Children and Vulnerable Adults. In compliance with Federal Law, this position will not be filled by an applicant with any felonious offense or any of two or more misdemeanor offenses under Federal, State, or Tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact, or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children.

General Summary

The Character Animator is responsible for collaborating with the Language Team to create engaging and visually appealing animations for Nisqually language video productions.

This position ensures the confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, customer, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required and outstanding customer service to fellow employees, customers, vendors, etc. is expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines and a neat well-groomed professional appearance is essential at all times.

Primary Responsibilities

• Create computer-generated graphics and animations for the Nisqually Language Program.
• Develop artistic design concepts that meet project needs, with an emphasis on cultural preservation.
• Collaborate closely with the project team, Language Team, and editors.
• Participate in community events and workshops to share knowledge of animation and cultural perspectives.
• Present graphics and animation concepts to the Nisqually Language Production Team.
• Develop detailed and/or technical illustrations and animation assets.
• Create and refine character designs and animation elements for motion-based storytelling.
• Prepare production storyboards and visual sequences.
• Provide creative input and feedback to enhance content and storytelling.
• Convert and manage files across multiple digital and/or analog formats.
• Adhere to project timelines and maintain a high level of professionalism.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of one (1) to two (2) years of experience as an animator or a strong portfolio demonstrating animation work.
• Experience applying and adapting creative concepts to meet audience needs.
• Experience designing unique, creative, and trending characters.
• Experience and knowledge of character-based art processes and animation production.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Animation, Graphic Design, Fine Arts, or a related field.
• Experience working with remote teams and collaborating across multiple disciplines.

• Experience leading, pitching, and collaborating on creative projects.
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Character Animator) or related applications.
• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.

Supervision

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities. This position reports to the Language Resource Center Manager.

Competencies

Knowledge of:

· Animation principles, motion graphics, and visual storytelling techniques.

· Character design, storyboarding, and animation production processes.

· Digital animation tools and software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, Character Animator, or similar applications).

· File management and conversion across multiple digital and/or analog formats.

· Culturally appropriate representation, particularly in relation to Indigenous/Nisqually language and cultural materials.

Skill in:

· Creating computer-generated graphics and animations that effectively communicate story, tone, and cultural context.

· Developing artistic concepts and translating them into animation assets and visual sequences.

· Designing and refining character elements for motion-based storytelling.

· Preparing storyboards and visual layouts for production.

· Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including the Language Team, editors, and production team.

· Presenting creative concepts and incorporating feedback into revisions.

· Managing and organizing digital files and production assets.

· Presenting and sharing artistic knowledge in community or workshop settings.

· Time management and organizing multiple projects to meet deadlines.

Ability to:

· Translate written or conceptual ideas into engaging and culturally appropriate animations.

· Maintain consistency in animation style and quality across projects.

· Work independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.

· Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

· Manage multiple assignments, adapt to changing priorities, and meet established timelines.

· Provide constructive feedback and contribute to creative problem-solving.

· Maintain a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, and positive working relationships.

· Engage respectfully with community members and represent cultural perspectives appropriately.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

• Background Check : I authorize Nisqually Indian Tribe or its designated third-party agency to conduct a background investigation, which may include verification of past employment, education, criminal history, and other relevant records.

• Drug Screening : I understand that I will be required to undergo a drug screening test as a condition of employment (or engagement). A positive result, refusal to test, or tampering with the test may result in disqualification or termination of employment.