Agricultural Assistant

Position: Agriculture Assistant I

Department: Department of Natural Resources

Reports To: Agriculture Program Manager

Pay Range: $20.00 per hour

Status/Term: Part-time, Grant Specific, Seasonal, 20 hrs/week

Location: 12 Wabanaki Way. Indian Island, ME 04468

Job Summary:

The Penobscot Nation is seeking a dedicated Agriculture Assistant to support the Agriculture Program Manager in the care and maintenance of crops, livestock (bees) and compost. This position plays a vital role in promoting sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty within the community. Responsibilities include assisting with planting, watering, harvesting, feeding and caring for livestock, managing compost systems, and maintaining beehives. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, a passion for agriculture and environmental stewardship, and the ability to work outdoors in various conditions.

Qualifications Required:

· Must have at least 1 year experience with agriculture production methods.

· Organic gardening preferred

· Must have reliable transportation to job site located in Bradley, ME.

· Must be willing to work some alternating weekends to water crops when needed.

· Insurable Maine State Driver’s required.

· Master Gardener Program Certificate preferred.

· Indian Preference will be adhered to in accordance with the Penobscot Nation Personnel Policies and Procedures.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

· Assist with the day-to-day needs of the soil and plants. Includes soil preparation, seed/seedling planting, weeding, watering, harvest, and distribution of produce in the community.

· Assist with maintaining, bee-yard, beehives, and orchard trees.

· Assist with developing Maple Syrup tapping project

· Maintain daily logs of activities.

· Provide Technical Assistance to community gardens and to tribal member gardeners with home/Indian Island gardens.

· Follow food safety practices including personal hygiene, washing produce and proper packaging for distribution.

· Follow proper safety use of tools and equipment.

· Follow proper cleaning and storing tools and equipment.

· Interacts professionally and effectively with others, focusing upon the attainment of Penobscot Nation goals and objectives through a commitment to teamwork.

· Conforms to acceptable attendance/punctuality standards as expressed in the employee handbook.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands/Conditions/Requirements:

Physical requirements for the position involve the ability to life up to 40 lbs., and work in outdoor and greenhouse settings. Ability to work around honeybees. Job duties require working in areas where biting flies, mosquitoes, and ticks may be present. Job duties also require working in inclement and unfavorable weather, including hot weather and humidity.

How to Apply:

· Applications are available at the Human Resources Office or the Secretary’s Office at the Nick Sapiel Building, Indian Island, Maine. Applications can also be downloaded at www.penobscotnation.org.

· Apply online at https://www.penobscotnation.org/departments/human-resources/employment-opportunities.

· Submit completed applications and résumés along with certifications to Human.Resources@penobscotnation.org.

· For additional information, call (207) 817-7312 or email Human.Resources@penobscotnation.org.

Pre-employment physical will be conducted in accordance with the Penobscot Nation Personnel Policies and Procedures. Native American preference will be adhered to in accordance with the Penobscot Nation Personnel Policies and Procedures

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation, to be determined by management on an individual basis upon request.

For more information, please contact Human Resources at (207)817-7312.

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule

Experience:

• Agriculture: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Old Town, ME 04468 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20