Tribal Garden Assistant

SUMMARY:

The Tribal Garden Assistant will assist the SHIP/Tobacco Grants Coordinator in food sovereignty initiatives such as tending/harvesting produce and medicines in the Cultural & Medicinal Garden and Community Vegetable Garden. The position will also assist the department in cultural education and outreach events related to active living, healthy eating, and commercial tobacco prevention.

On-Season (May – Sept.) 40 hours/wk.

Off-Season (October – April) 30 hours/wk.

Pay Basis:  $20/hour

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

The following duties and responsibilities are not meant to be all inclusive and may be adjusted to meet business needs.

Assist in implementing food sovereignty initiatives:

Community Vegetable Garden and Cultural & Medicinal Garden: planting, weeding, watering, mowing, harvesting, processing, and distributing fruits, vegetables, and traditional medicines to the community (Apr-Oct)

Assist in volunteer recruitment and tracking

Assist in Tiyokȟata (greenhouse) operations

Assist with operation of maple sugar bush camp (January – March)

Produce educational resources on culturally significant plants and foods (year-round)

Assist with outreach and educational events on active living, healthy eating, and commercial tobacco prevention (year-round); production of outreach materials and event flyers

Data collection and management of volunteer and harvest database

Harvest caŋsasa (sacred tobacco) and assist in tobacco education (December – April)

Assist with other projects/tasks as needed within the department (year-round)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Requires minimum High School Diploma or GED

Excellent relationship and communication with the Prairie Island Indian Community

Must possess valid driver’s license and must be insurable. 

Sensitivity to Native American culture

Ability to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision

Ability to work well within the existing team and government structure

Pass drug screen (UA) and a federal criminal background check in compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act and the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act

PREFERRED

Interest in organic gardening, healthy and active living, and indigenous foods

Proficiency in using a computer and common computer software programs (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Teams)

Prefer one year of experience in gardening and working outdoors

Valid driver’s license and proof of insurability

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:*

Must be able to sit for long periods of time with occasional amounts of standing or walking

Must be able to walk, stand or sit for long periods throughout the day

Must be able to stand or walk up to ten hours per day regularly

Must have the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds

Must have ability to operate field equipment, tools, boats and watercraft

Must be able to push, pull and grasp objects routinely

Must be able to bend and crouch frequently

Ability to work in extreme temperatures and weather conditions

REQUIRED TRAINING:

Harassment training

Any position-related training as determined by department manager

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in an indoors and outdoors and may include exposure to extreme weather conditions

DISCLAIMER AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

All Prairie Island Indian Community employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

The Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance applies to this and all employment opportunities for the Community.