Seasonal Food Sovereignty Technician – 1 position

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION:  Food Sovereignty Technician – 1 position

LOCATION: Mino Bimaadiziiwin Tribal Farm, Red Cliff 

WAGE: $19/hour, 40 hours/week

SUPERVISOR(S): Farm Manager

THIS IS A SEASONAL POSITION WITH A START DATE TO COINCIDE WITH THE FARM YEAR. THE POSITION IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN AROUND MAY 1 AND LAST THROUGH OCTOBER. PLEASE STATE IN YOUR COVER LETTER WHEN YOU WOULD BE AVAILABLE TO START AND HOW MANY MONTHS YOU COULD BE AVAILABLE.

JOB SUMMARY:  The Food Sovereignty Technician will support the Red Cliff Tribal Farm in daily functions of the farm, with an emphasis on youth engagement, traditional foods, and various food sovereignty initiatives. This position may engage directly with the Red Cliff community and other Tribal programs through garden assistance, seasonal workshops, and other collaborations. The Food Sovereignty Technician will play a key role in coordinating youth summer engagement opportunities, will assist with the distribution of locally harvested and sourced foods, and will assist with other Farm community outreach efforts. Mino Bimaadiziiwin Tribal Farm is a community focused operation that strives to operate a program serving as an integral component of Red Cliff’s food system. The Farm seeks to improve Tribal access to locally produced, nutritional foods, to support and advance food sovereignty efforts of the Tribe, and to operate in a sustainable way that prepares for the next seven generations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

1. Assist in daily farm functions including fruit and vegetable production, orchard care, and medicine beds. 
2. Coordinate and plan summer youth engagement opportunities. 
3. Assist with outreach and distribution of Farm produce through CSA, Tribal Program distribution, and on-site Farm Stand. 

1. Assist in implementing community events (workshops, celebrations, feasts, etc.).
2. Support Farm involvement in seasonal cultural camps (ex. Language Camp, Wolf Camp)
3. Some limited weekend hours (i.e. outreach and event needs along with occasional weekend care of animals and watering plants) is required.
4. The above duties and responsibilities are not an all-inclusive list but rather a general representation of the duties and responsibilities associated with this position.  The duties and responsibilities will be subject to change based on organizational needs and/or as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY: None

KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of gardening principles. Experience with plant identification especially traditional and medicinal plants. Experience and interests in working with youth. 

Knowledge of and sensitivity for Ojibwe culture and traditions.

QUALIFICATIONS:  

1. Minimum of high school diploma, HSED or GED.
2. Experience with farming and vegetable production is preferred.
3. Experience working with youth is preferred.
4. Experience harvesting traditional foods and/or medicines is preferred. 
5. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, and must be detail-oriented, efficient, dependable, and safe in the work environment. Must be able to follow oral and written instructions and make informed decisions independently.
6. Must be able to lift a minimum of 35 pounds.
7. Must have a valid driver’s license. Personal vehicle and appropriate vehicle coverage, preferred. Must maintain driver’s eligibility as a condition of employment.  Must be eligible to be put on the Tribe’s vehicle insurance policy.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Treaty Natural Resources Division staff, Tribal community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:   The applicant should be in good physical condition and be able to work outside for long periods. Standing or active most of the time.  Job may include lifting of harvest crates, movement of materials using carts or wheelbarrows, and use of long-handled tools, hand tools, and harvest tools.  Must be able to lift a minimum of 35 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The position will spend substantial time outdoors, on the Farm property and other locations on the Red Cliff reservation. Applicants must be able to work outside for long periods of time in various weather conditions.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: None

BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDE:  The vision, goals and objectives of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa requires that the employee performs in both a professional and personable manner.  The manner in which the employee relates to fellow employees, customers and visitors is considered parallel in importance to technical knowledge and ability.  Respect and consideration given to the dignity of each customer, visitor and fellow employee is a requisite of successful job performance. Any behavior or attitude that tarnishes the name or image of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will be subject to immediate disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Indian preference will be applied in the case of equally qualified applicants, but all qualified applicants will be considered.

This job description is subject to change at employer’s discretion, after consultation with the employee.

APPLICATION SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS: The following items are required for this position:

1. Completed Tribal Application, to include work history and references, available on the Tribal website.
2. Tribal Background Investigation Disclosure; available on the Tribal website.
3. Consent to Release Liability and Reference Information Form; available on the Tribal website.
4. Resume, required; cover letter, optional.
5. Post-secondary transcripts or certifications; if applicable.

Please download the forms from the links below.  Complete the forms and save them.  Then, please upload and attach them as "other" attachments with your application.

Consent Form

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa

Human Resources Department

88455 Pike Road

Bayfield, WI  54814

www.redcliff-nsn.gov

hr-helpdesk@redcliff-nsn.gov

(715)779-3700 

The Red Cliff Tribal Council has a Drug Free Work Place Policy and adheres to the intent of the Drug Free Work Place Act.  All new hires are subject to a drug test prior to starting.

All applicants for employment with the Red Cliff Tribe will be subject to the background investigation and other requirements of RCCL Chapter 43, and are under a continuing obligation to supplement this application for employment with information concerning any convictions that occur after commencement of employment with the Tribe.