GENERAL SUMMARY

The Licensing Certification Specialist (TGA) is responsible for processing and renewing Class II and Class III Gaming Licenses applications, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies. This includes licensing for applicants, employees, vendor technicians, and vendor entities. The Licensing Certification Specialist operates within the framework of the Tribal-State compact, National Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (NIGRA), and other applicable laws and agency policies.

This role encompasses licensing duties for both employees and vendors, including applicants, vendor technicians, and vendor entities. Depending on organizational needs, the specialist may primarily focus on employee licensing, vendor certification, or a combination of both. Flexibility and cross-functional collaboration are essential to meet regulatory and departmental requirements. Key responsibilities include conducting background investigations, maintaining accurate records, facilitating communication with licensing authorities, and providing informed recommendations to the Tribal Gaming Directors. Through careful attention to detail and professional communication, the Licensing Certification Specialist supports the integrity of gaming operations while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.

This position ensures confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, client, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills and outstanding client service to fellow employees, clients, vendors, etc. are 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

Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

Note: Depending on departmental needs, the Licensing Certification Specialist may focus primarily on employee licensing, vendor certification, or a combination of both. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conducts comprehensive background investigations and manages the licensing process for applicants, employees, vendor technicians, and vendor entities to ensure ongoing compliance with all regulatory, tribal, and internal requirements.
• Coordination with vendor representatives and internal departments for vendor-related licensing processes.
• Ensure compliance with Tribal-State Gaming Compact, Nisqually Tribal Internal Controls Standards, NIGC regulations, and Nisqually Tribal Gaming Agency policies and procedures.
• Assists with all aspects of employee and vendor licensing, collecting required documents, facilitating WSGC fingerprinting, coordinating payroll deductions, and using ID equipment to issue badges.
• Maintains the NTGA database for all licensees (employees, vendors, and technicians) to track renewals, license status, and other related documentation.
• Conduct follow-up investigations as directed by the Executive Director, Deputy Director, or Investigation Manger.
• Provides quarterly reports to vendor entities regarding technician expiration dates and compliance status.
• Communicate regularly with applicants and vendor representatives regarding application progress and compliance.
• Coordinates with Casino Human Resources and Payroll regarding onboarding, licensing, and payroll deductions.
• Reviews initial and renewal licensing applications for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Drafts investigation reports including Suitability Reports, Notice of Results (NOR), and Notice of License Denial (NOLD).
• Attends required training and meetings to maintain current knowledge of regulations and best practices.
• Tracks employees on Conditional Licenses and conducts monthly compliance follow-ups.
• Maintains adequate inventory of fingerprint cards, badge materials, and general office supplies.
• Issues and maintains identification badges for all licensees, including vendor technicians and commissioners.
• Drafts professional correspondence including memos, letters, reports, and compliance summaries.
• Schedules and coordinates licensing appointments.
• Maintains awareness of Class II and Class III gaming activities, including Sportsbook, to ensure regulatory alignment.
• Operate independently and collaboratively as a member of a high-compliance regulatory team.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in a gaming or a regulatory environment, OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Nisqually Tribal Gaming License.
• Experience and working knowledge of vendor compliance documentation, background investigation protocols, and the management of licensing and renewal cycles.
• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and analyze complex legal and technical documents, including laws, government regulations, contracts, and procedural manuals.
• Experience handling highly confidential and sensitive information with discretion and integrity.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively and diplomatically with diverse stakeholders, including the public, cross-functional teams, external agencies, law enforcement, and vendors.
• Proven ability to maintain composure and professionalism when interacting with individuals who may be distressed, upset, or confrontational.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in using standard office software (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite) and database systems.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes, State and Federal Agencies.
• Prior experience in Casino Operations, Law Enforcement, Gaming Enforcement, or Gaming Regulatory Enforcement.

SUPERVISION

This position does not supervise.

COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of:

· Strong understanding of Washington State and Nisqually Tribal Gaming Compact, and the National Indian Gaming Act (NIGA), particularly as they apply to licensing requirements and enforcement.

· Investigative methods and regulatory standards, and protocols used in background checks and licensing decision.

· Internal controls, agency policies, and regulatory procedures governing licensing processes.

· Class II and Class III gaming operations, including casino staffing structures and vendor relationships.

· Legal and ethical standards surrounding the management of sensitive or confidential information.

Skill in:

· Demonstrating clarity and professionalism and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

· Managing multiple tasks, deadlines, and compliance tracking responsibilities simultaneously.

· Attention to detail in data entry, form review, and documentation preparation, ensuring minimal errors.

· Maintaining accurate, up-to-date records and managing data within licensing or regulatory database systems.

· Principles of technical and professional writing for effective report and regulatory correspondence preparation.

· Maintaining professional and respectful interactions with a wide range of individuals, including employees, vendors, tribal officials, and regulatory agencies.

· Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) databases, ID badge software, fingerprinting systems, and standard office equipment.

Ability to:

· Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, integrity and sound judgment.

· Take initiative while contributing to a cooperative and efficient team environment.

· Read, interpret, and understand legal documents and regulatory terminology, including policies, statutes, and compliance guidelines.

· Manage shifting priorities and deadlines, including working occasional weekends or extended hours when necessary.

· Demonstrate a polished, reliable, and composed presence, particularly when interacting with applicants under review or denial.

· Identify and address issues proactively, especially in compliance and licensing situations.

· Analyze case-specific information and apply appropriate regulatory or licensing criteria to make informed recommendations.

· Gather, evaluate, and present background information to make informed licensing recommendations to leadership.

· Respond courteously and efficiently to internal and external inquiries regarding licensing processes and application status.

· Maintain a professional and calm demeanor when handling confidential or emotionally charged licensing matters.

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; 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 ability to adjust to focus.

The signature below represents that I have read and understand all the prerequisites for the above position, and I acknowledge that I can perform the essential functions and physical requirements of the position.

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  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.

  
  


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  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.