Indigenous Food Sovereignty Intern

JOB TITLE: Food Sovereignty Intern
STATUS: Part-time, Seasonal
FLSA: Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: Food Systems Manager
SUPERVISES: None

WORKING HOURS:
The Food Sovereignty Intern is a non-exempt seasonal temporary part-time position that works at the community demonstration farm located at the Bi’du Khaale Community in Cloverdale California. Hours range varies dependent on seasonal requirements. This position requires early morning hours and some evening and weekend hours based on seasonal farm and food sovereignty demands.

SUMMARY:
The Food Sovereignty Internship Program is focused on learning through hands-on work experience in sustainable and culturally rooted agriculture and indigenous food sovereignty practices of the Tribe. Limited number of positions are available. Internships are available for youth 16-18 in high school who want hands on exposure and experience in food sovereignty and agriculture. Program is limited to members of Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians. Commitment of hours and duration are dependent on an individual basis and program guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The program will give candidates experience in daily farm operations, leadership, crop cultivation, animal care, equipment maintenance, and learning safety standards. Candidates will learn traditional sustainable subsistence gathering practices through the indigenous food sovereignty program.

Crop Management:
1. Planting and Harvesting: Planting, cultivation, and harvesting of crops, including preparing soil, planting seeds, irrigating fields, and production.
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: Learn about the operating and maintaining of farm machinery for tasks like tilling, planting, and harvesting.

Livestock Care:
1. Daily Care: Feeding, watering, and monitoring the health of livestock.
2. Health Management: Learn about 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.

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 farm 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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
None

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. Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians Member.
2. Desire to learn permaculture agriculture techniques such as agroforestry, companion planting, and water harvesting.
3. Desire to gain experience in sustainable agriculture principles.
4. Desire to learn basic mechanical knowledge in farm machinery.
5. Desire to learn traditional and subsistence sustainable harvesting practices for regional tribal people.
6. Desire to learn indigenous food sovereignty principles and practices.
7. Willing to show a commitment and dedication.

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. Internship: youth 16-18 years of age and must be enrolled in high school.

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

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
1. Must have basic math skills (ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide).

REASONING ABILITY:
1. Ability to take directions and follow-through.
2. Ability to problem solve and work independently.
3. Open to learning.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, REGISTRATIONS:
1. Must be able to possess a valid state Driver's License with a clean driving record and be insurable under the Tribe's insurance policy if over 18 years of age and requesting operation of machinery.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
1. Must be able provide manual labor for extended periods.
2. Must be able to lift and carry up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
3. 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 essen-tial functions of this job.
1. Primarily outdoor environment with variable seasons.
2. Environment is of the nature of moderate risk of physical injury.
3. 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

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.