Indigenous Food Sovereignty Technician

WORKING HOURS:

This position requires early morning hours and some evening and weekend hours based on seasonal and program demands. This is a Fulltime Year-Round position.

SUMMARY:

The Indigenous Food Sovereignty Technician is a non-exempt position that assist the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Program that consists of: Community Demonstration Farm; Food Shelf; Food Distribution; Congregate Meals; Cultural & Food Demonstrations; Community Gardens & Food Forest; and Community Prevention Cultural Events. The purpose of the program is create a framework of a decolonized diet; access to healthier and traditional foods; and using culture as prevention methodology.

The position will primarily be assigned to farm operations which include soil health, plantings, basic building and equipment maintenance, orchard management, greenhouse(s), and livestock. Additional responsibilities include general grounds maintenance for Bi’du Khaale Community; including maintaining edible landscaping, food forest, and trails. Ideal candidate would be a person with experience in agricultural operations, maintenance, traditional harvesting and cultural practices of tribal people, and someone that is dedicated to sharing their knowledge.

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The Indigenous Food Sovereignty Technician’s responsibilities encompass daily farm operations including overseeing crop cultivation, animal care, equipment and operations maintenance, and ensuring safety standards. In addition, the position will be responsible for the community garden boxes, community garden, edible landscaping, food forest, and grounds maintenance. The position will assist in food demonstrations, community prevention activities, food distribution, and congregate meals.

Crop / Plant Management:

1. Planting and Harvesting: Assist in planting, cultivation, and harvesting of crops, including preparing soil, planting seeds, irrigating fields, and loading produce for shipment.

2. Pest and Weed Control: Implementing strategies for pest and weed control.

3. Irrigation: Maintaining and managing irrigation systems to ensure adequate water supply for crops.

4. Equipment Operation: Operating and maintaining farm machinery for tasks like tilling, planting, and harvesting.

5. Oversee planting and maintenance of community garden and raised garden beds.

6. Oversee maintenance of orchard, edible landscaping, food forest, bioswales traditional plants and medicines.

Livestock Care:

1. Daily Care: Feeding, watering, and monitoring the health of livestock.

2. Health Management: Scheduling vaccinations, treatments, and other health-related procedures in collaboration with veterinary professionals.

3. Animal Handling: Safely handling and moving livestock, including mustering, drenching, and dipping.

Community Prevention:

1. Assist with youth and family cultural prevention activities.

2. Assist with congregate meals and food demonstrations as needed.

3. Assist with food distribution programs.

Equipment and Facility Maintenance:

1. Maintenance: Maintaining farm equipment, facilities, and grounds; including routine repairs and cleaning.

2. Inventory: Managing inventory of supplies and equipment, ensuring that necessary resources are available for operations.

Other Duties:

1. General Labor: Performing various general labor duties as needed, including cleaning, landscaping, and other tasks.

2. Documentation: Keeping records of crop yields, livestock care, and other relevant information.

3. Safety: Ensuring safety protocols and procedures, and reporting any safety concerns.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position directly supervises and manages farm hand(s), food sovereignty interns and apprentices; oversees farm.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required.

1. Previous experience with farm operations is required.

2. Previous experience in food sovereignty programs, food distribution, and/or maintenance is required.

3. Experience in permaculture agriculture techniques such as agroforestry, companion planting, and water harvesting is highly desirable.

4. Experience in sustainable agriculture principles is highly desirable.

5. Basic mechanical knowledge in farm machinery and equipment is required.

6. The ability to operate farm machinery, tractors, skid steers, trucks and trailers is required.

7. Previous experience working with American Indian populations is desirable.

TRIBAL AND INDIAN PREFERENCE

Under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. § 5307(b)) and the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance, the Dry Creek Rancheria applies the policy of "Tribal and Indian Preference" when filling vacancies. Tribal and Indian Preference shall be given to qualified applicants who are enrolled members of a federally recognized Indian tribe or band. The Dry Creek Rancheria reserves the right to require applicants claiming to be American Indian or Alaskan Native a copy of their Certificate of Tribal Enrollment or Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaska Native Blood (CDIB) card.

EDUCATION:

1. No formal education is required, but previous trades knowledge in farm operations is required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand basic English; knowledge or fluency in Pomo is highly desirable.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

• Must have basic math skills (ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide).

REASONING ABILITY:

• Ability to problem solve and work independently.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Must be able to possess a valid California Driver's License with a clean driving record and be insurable under the Tribe's insurance policy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Must be able provide manual labor for extended periods.

• Must be able to lift and carry up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
• Must be able to respond to visual and aural cues.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here represent those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

1. Primarily outdoor environment with variable seasons.

• Environment is of the nature of moderate risk of physical injury.
• At times work environment location may vary depending on needs.

Dry Creek Rancheria Housing Department, in conjunction with Human Resources, reserves the right to make changes to this job description at any time.

A PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TEST, FINGERPRINT, AND BACKGROUND CHECK IS REQUIRED

Compliance with the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act (Pub. L. 101-630) required, including satisfactory caregiver background check.

Pay: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $26