Employment Opportunities
Our Vision
Rooted in Dakota values, Prairie Island Indian Community will be a forward-thinking, sovereign nation focused on achieving unity, prosperity, and security for our Tiwahe (family).
Our Mission
Prairie Island Indian Community will achieve our Tribal vision by embracing innovation to ensure well-being of our Tribal Members, to honor those who came before us, and to prepare for the next seven generations.
Current Employment Opportunities
If you have questions, please contact: HumanResources@piic.org
Request for Bids
Request for Candidate Submissions
Additional Cannabis Company Job Postings
Additional employment opportunities for Island Pezi, the Community-owned cannabis dispensary next to Dakota Station, are open at the link below!
These can be viewed here: Island Pezi Careers Page
Request for Proposals
Associate Tribal Court Judge
The Prairie Island Indian Community is a federally-recognized Indian tribe (the “Tribe”), located in southeastern Minnesota along the banks of the Mississippi River, approximately 30 miles from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Tribe is seeking proposals from qualified professionals to serve as an Associate Judge for the Prairie Island Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Court (“Tribal Court”).
SCOPE OF WORK:
The Associate Judge shall carry out the duties and obligations of the office in accordance with the Tribe’s Constitution and Courts Ordinance (both available at http://stage.prairieisland.org/government/ ). The Courts Ordinance outlines the role of the Court and the duties of the Judges.
The Tribal Court system includes a trial and appellate level and hears a wide variety of civil cases that include, but are not limited to, child welfare, guardianships and conservatorships, custody and divorce proceedings, land disputes, election challenges, and contractual or other civil disputes. The Associate Judge is expected to be available year-round and be able to preside over virtual hearings, as well as at the Tribal Court located on the Prairie Island Indian Reservation. The Associate Judge will preside over cases where the Chief Judge has a conflict, or as otherwise assigned by the Chief Judge. The Associate Judge must prepare and issue written orders and judgments. The Associate Judge must keep accurate records of cases and court hearings. The Associate Judge will be expected to conduct research and recommend updates to the Judicial Code, and to assist in the development of Tribal Court policies and procedures.
The terms and compensation for this position will be set forth in the negotiated agreement between the Associate Judge and the Tribe.
EVALUATION CRITERIA:
Candidates must submit: (1) a cover letter, (2) resume or biographical information, (3) two writing samples, and (4) three references. Candidates’ submissions must demonstrate that they have the ability to execute the duties and obligations outlined in the Tribe’s Judicial Code and the Constitution.
Specific consideration will be given to a candidates’:
- Experience as a judge/justice in tribal, state or federal systems;
- Experience as a legal practitioner in tribal, state or federal systems;
- Experience with child welfare, guardianships and conservatorship cases;
- Knowledge of Indian and Federal law; and
- Written and oral communication skills.
Educational requirements are not proscribed by the Constitution or Judicial Code, but a four-year degree, and relevant schooling including a juris doctorate degree, are preferred. Prairie Island tribal member and Native American preference applies.
PIIC HANDLING OF PROPOSALS:
Proposals will be reviewed by a proposal evaluation team. The proposal evaluation team shall evaluate the proposals in accordance with the “Evaluation Criteria” section of this Request for Proposals. Based on this evaluation, candidates will be contacted for in-person interviews. Final issuance of this contract will be subject to the negotiation of mutually-agreeable terms.
IMPORTANT CONTRACT INFORMATION:
Submissions and inquiries regarding the Associate Judge position may be directed to:
Bailey Fox, Human Resources Generalist
Prairie Island Indian Community
5636 Sturgeon Lake Road
Welch, MN 55089
Office: 651-385-4121
E-mail: Bailey.Fox@piic.org
Community-Wide Infrastructure, Engineering, Environmental, and Strategic Planning Services
RFP Issue Date: June 24th, 2026
Proposal Due Date: July 26th, 2026
Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC) is soliciting proposals from qualified multidisciplinary professional service firms to provide engineering, environmental, planning, surveying, GIS, asset management, and strategic infrastructure consulting services.
The Community seeks a long-term professional partner capable of supporting Community infrastructure, housing, environmental stewardship, utility systems, transportation assets, facility improvements, and future development initiatives.
The firm selected will work under the direction of the Director of Public Works, Infrastructure and Housing and Designated Community leadership.
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
Prairie Island Indian Community is a Federally Recognized Indian Tribe located in southeastern Minnesota.
The Community owns, operates, and maintains public infrastructure and facilities serving Community members, residents, governmental operations, enterprises, and future development initiatives.
The Community continues to make significant investments in infrastructure, housing, utilities, environmental protection, and economic development to support current needs and to benefit future generations.
PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES
The Community anticipates a wide variety of projects and initiatives during the term of this agreement, including but not limited to:
Water System Planning and Improvements
• Water treatment evaluation and upgrades
• Water distribution system improvements
• Water storage evaluations
• Source water protection
• Hydraulic modeling
• Water quality compliance
• Well development and rehabilitation
• System expansion planning
Environmental Programs
• Groundwater assessment
• Treatment evaluations
• Regulatory coordination
• Long-term management planning
• Environmental compliance
• Environmental review and permitting
• Sustainability initiatives
Wastewater Infrastructure
• Wastewater treatment facility improvements
• Process optimization
• Collection system improvements
• Lift station upgrades
• Biosolids management
• Nutrient reduction planning
• Capacity evaluations
• NPDES compliance
• Utility resiliency planning
Housing and Community Development
• Housing expansion
• Residential / Commercial subdivision development
• Utility extensions
• Community growth planning
• Land development feasibility studies
• Site development support
• Land Use Planning
Transportation and Infrastructure
• Roadway improvements
• Trail development
• Access management
• Traffic studies
• Stormwater management
• Transportation / Transit planning
Land Services and Surveying
• Boundary surveys
• Topographic surveys
• Plats
• Easement preparation
• Utility easements
• Fee-to-trust planning support
• Drone services
• Mapping support
DESIRED FIRM QUALIFICATIONS
The Community seeks a firm capable of providing multiple disciplines through a coordinated team approach.
Preferred capabilities include:
• Civil Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Water and Wastewater Engineering
• Transportation Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Surveying
• GIS Services
• Environmental Sciences
• Planning
Joint ventures and subconsultant teams are acceptable. However, preference may be given to firms capable of managing multidisciplinary services through a single point of contact.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE SUPPORT
The selected firm may be requested to assist during emergency situations involving:
• Water system failures
• Wastewater system failures
• Utility outages
• Environmental incidents
• Flooding
• Storm damage
• Facility failures
Proposals shall identify emergency response capabilities, available personnel, and expected response times.
COMMUNITY EXPECTATIONS
The Community expects professional partners to:
• Identify issues before they become emergencies
• Develop practical solutions
• Recommend preferred alternatives
• Support implementation
• Pursue funding opportunities
• Maintain communication
• Meet schedules
• Provide accurate cost opinions
• Support informed decision making
The Community values responsiveness, accountability, technical competence, collaboration, and execution.
The Community seeks partners capable of moving projects from concept through implementation.
DELIVERABLES OWNERSHIP
All work products, models, reports, specifications, GIS data, CAD files, Civil 3D files, surveys, cost estimates, and technical documents produced under this contract shall become property of Prairie Island Indian Community.
TRIBAL PREFERENCE
All contractors are required to comply with the Community’s Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO). The Community encourages participation by Native-owned firms and Tribal enterprises. Preference may be given to such Tribal Enterprises, and the Community reserves the right to award contracts to Tribal Enterprises even if they are not the lowest price.
a. All Covered Employers awarding Contracts or subcontracts for supplies, services, labor, and/or materials in an amount of $5,000.00 or more must give first preference in contracting and subcontracting to Native American Contractors, then in the preference order set forth in the Community TERO Section 7(a) (Native American Preference in Employment Actions).
b. The Native American Preference requirements contained in the TERO are binding on all Contractors and Subcontractors of Covered Employers and will be deemed to be part of and incorporated into any Contract or subcontract covered by the Ordinance. The Covered Employer has the initial and primary responsibility for ensuring that all Contractors and Subcontractors comply with these requirements.
c. The above Native American Preference requirements apply in all cases except where specific percent of ownership or preference requirements are established by Community law or policy pursuant to the TERO Section 5 (Satisfaction of Requirements by Prairie Island Indian Community) for particular types of employment or contracting.
JURISDICTION
The contract for services shall be deemed fully executed and performed on the Prairie Island Indian Community reservation and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws thereof. Any dispute between the parties shall first be attempted to be resolved amicably or through mediation if both parties consent. The Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction. Any legal proceeding shall only be brought before the Prairie Island Mdewakanton Dakota Community Tribal Court (Tribal Court). Both parties agree that no action shall be brought in any other state or federal jurisdiction. If an action is brought in another jurisdiction, then the defending party can use this provision to dismiss any such action and obtain any costs, disbursements and attorneys’ fees from the party bringing the action. Both parties agree to execute any documents necessary to dismiss such action. Notwithstanding the above-stated provisions, a party may enforce an order, judgment or verdict of the Tribal Court in a state, federal, or other tribal court.
SOVERIEGNTY
Nothing in the Agreement shall be construed or interpreted to affect a waiver of the Prairie Island Indian Community’s sovereign immunity. No wavier of the Prairie Island Indian Community’s sovereign immunity from suit may be implied from any action or document.
FINAL STATEMENT
Prairie Island Indian Community is seeking a professional partner capable of helping the Community plan, protect, improve, and sustain its infrastructure for future generations.
The Community seeks firms that bring solutions, provide leadership, communicate effectively, and help deliver successful projects.
SUBMIT PROPOSALS TO:
Travis Dunn
Director of Public Works, Infrastructure, and Housing
Prairie Island Indian Community
5636 Sturgeon Lake Road
Welch, MN 55089
651-764-2945
Cultural Garden Consultant
Prairie Island Indian Community (“PIIC”) is requesting proposals for a cultural garden consultant to:
- Provide cultural teaching for cultural garden tours and harvesting events
- Guide and support general upkeep and maintenance for the garden space including but not limited to planting, transplanting, mowing, weeding, trail clearing, and harvesting
- Develop plan for Turtle Mound plantings and long-term goals
- Assess Eagle Mound and create a plan to revitalize the head and tail sections
- Direct garden close at the end of the year which may include plans to mow, burn, or other large-scale action
- All other duties necessary to maintain the cultural garden at a standard that meets the approval of the Prairie Island Indian Community
Proposals will be considered based on cost, compliance with public policy, record of past performance, financial and technical resources, and the best overall value to PIIC. PIIC reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals. This request for proposal (RFP) should not be construed as an offer, contract, or commitment of any kind; nor is it a commitment to pay any costs in preparation of a proposal. Additionally, this RFP and the contract for services will be governed, as applicable, by the laws of PIIC, including the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO).
Nuclear Reactor License Renewal Consultant
The Prairie Island Indian Community (“PIIC” or the “Community”) is a Federally Recognized Indian Tribe in Minnesota. PIIC seeks a proficient and reliable technical consultant to offer advice, assistance, and consultation to the Community with regards to the subsequent relicensing of Xcel Energy Company' s Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant ("PINGP"). The subsequent renewal term is for twenty years, extending the operating life of the PINGP until 2054.
The timeline of the license renewal process is as follows:
It is expected that Xcel Energy will submit the subsequent license renewal application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) by the end of 2026. Prior to submission, the PIIC and Xcel will work collaboratively on drafts of the application. By September 2026, Xcel Energy will provide to the PIIC a draft of its Safety Analysis Report (SAR). The SAR is a core licensing document that analyzes and evaluates a nuclear facility's design and performance to assess risks to public health and safety, as well as establishing design bases, safety margins, and accident mitigation strategies for normal operation and potential accidents
This RFP and the contract for services will be governed, as applicable, by the laws of the Prairie Island Indian Community, including the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance.
Scope of Consultant Activities:
The selected consultant will engage in a range of pivotal activities:
• Review, analyze, and provide guidance on:
o Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”) regulations and guidance pertaining to reactor license renewals;
o The Xcel license renewal application for the PINGP overall, with specific focus on the aging management plan (“AMP”) and safety analysis report (“SAR”) contained in the Xcel license renewal application for the PINGP;
• Identify potential deficiencies in the application, AMP, and SAR;
• Provide suggestions as to how those deficiencies could be corrected and/or mitigated;
• Participate in negotiating sessions with Xcel personnel to correct deficiencies;
• If necessary, and subject to the terms of the Prairie Island Settlement Agreement, formulation of proposed filings in the adjudicatory hearing on the PINGP license renewal application;
• Potential support, if needed, of expert testimony for purposes of the adjudicatory proceedings; and
• Work collaboratively with the Community’s staff and other outside consultants.
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants for the consultant role should possess the following qualifications:
• BS or higher in mechanical engineering or similar and applicable field, or equivalent technical training/work experience.
• 10+ years’ experience working at or in the field of operating nuclear power plant(s)
• Significant experience and familiarity with NRC regulations, and experience with/knowledge of Aging Management Plans.
• Exceptional communication skills, including technical writing skills, capable of fostering effective collaboration and adaptability in dynamic environments.
• Ability to meet the Scope of Consultant Services listed above and provide the Community with exceptional guidance and work product.
Submission Requirements:
Proposals should respond to the scope and qualifications, as well as the following:
• Submit resume highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.
• Submit fee structure, encompassing the rates for the proposed consulting services.
Submit proposals by June 1, 2026, to General Counsel Jessie Stomski, via email at jessie.stomski@piic.org.
Employee Benefits
We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefit package for all regular, full-time employees. Benefits include the following:
• Free, on-site medical clinic for employees enrolled in our medical plan
• Variety of free prescription medications
• Paid time off – vacation, sick and holiday pay
• 15 paid holidays
• Retirement – 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Health & wellness coverage – medical, dental and vision coverage
• Flexible spending accounts – healthcare and dependent care reimbursement accounts
• Life insurance – employer paid basic life insurance
• Supplemental life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Supplemental coverage – short-term, long-term disability, and accident
• Generous paid bereavement leave
• Identity theft protection
• Education reimbursement opportunities – for pre-approved specific, job-related education
• Employee assistance program (EAP) – face-to-face counseling, legal assistance, financial assistance, ID recovery, tobacco cessation, dependent care and daily living resources, and crisis consultation
• Health club reimbursement
• Free access to onsite fitness center
• Employee fuel discount
With the exception of Indian preference, it is the policy of the Prairie Island Indian Community to grant equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, sex, or national origin. This policy is based upon the philosophy of the Equal Employment Act of 1996. Indian preference applies for all employment vacancies pursuant to Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO), approved by Tribal Council Resolution 22-11-02-202.
Prairie Island Indian Community is a drug-free work environment.
Core Values
Bdewakantuŋwaŋ - Those born of the water
Woksape - Wisdom
Wowaȟbada - Peace or Calm
Waciŋic’iya - Self dependence
Akhidečheča - Equality
Wowacaŋtohnake - Generosity
Oahe - Foundation