Location: Keshena,WI, USA
POSITION TITLE: Agricultural Researcher
LOCATION: College of Menominee Nation - Keshena Campus.
TERM: This position officially begins on I January, 2025 and will run through 3l December 2026. It is paid via USDA NIFA funding. This is a full-time position, and will certainly be full time through the growing season. Part time work may at times be an option if our researcher is also a graduate student. Please make clear in your application if you will need to take courses during your time with us.
APPLICATION DUE: 22 November, but will remain open until filled.
Summary and Description
CMN's Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) is collaborating with research partners across the country on a NIFA-funded project, Renewing Our Relationships with Northern Flint Corn. As a continuation of our research to build a more complete understanding of traditional Menominee methods of agriculture, we will evaluate varieties of northern flint com (wapemen) in a participatory way, and explore ways of relating with this important sustainer. This project has a strong focus on research for the benefit of Indigenous communities. We hope to eventually be able to bring fresh seeds to communities looking to grow this wonderful crop if and when the varieties appear valuable to them. We also hope to build new relationships with other Indigenous communities and research teams across the region as we increase research capacity among CMN staff and students.
The Agricultural Researcher will collaborate with CMN faculty and SDI staff to complete project objectives for two years. This will involve leading seed increases, organizing and leading training of interns and Sustainable Development Institute staff on seed increase and research techniques, leading nutrient quality evaluations, and taking a key role in regional, participatory evaluation of these precious maize varieties. We expect this Researcher will also play a leading role in data analyses, partner in delivery of a webinar for the project, and partner on a publication in the Tribal College and University Research Journal as a co-author. This project could be the basis for the Researcher's thesis or dissertation so long as sensitive information that belongs to the Menominee and other Indigenous people remains within our communities. We will work with our Researcher and their degree advisors to clarify these issues and roles to the benefit of all involved if this is a desirable option.
Objectives and Responsibilities
* Develop a collaborative relationship with Sustainable Development Institute staff and interns throughout
* Attend FALCON (October) and other conferences along with SDI staff and interns throughout
* Lead flint corn seed increases as needed
* Train interns on controlled corn pollinations of a range of varieties if needed
* Assist with seed com harvest if needed
* Lead nutrient quality evaluations of traditional varieties of northern flint com in 2025
* Lead evaluation of natural techniques for strengthening germination and early growth of northern flint corn in 2025
* Ship seeds to regional partners for replicated variety trials in 2025 and 2026
* Lead establishment of replicated variety trials at CMN in 2025 and 2026
* Collaborate in regional participatory evaluations of northern flint corn plants and grain in 2025 and 2026
* Lead preparation of samples of grain from CMN trials for nutrient quality evaluations in 2026
* Lead data analysis for all experiments in the project, and collaborate on outreach in 2026
What We Offer:
We have a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion, while promoting professional development. We serve the Menominee and other local Indigenous communities, and will engage with those who are ready to learn new things while working to benefit the well being of our communities.
Program Requirements/Qualifications:
* Enrolled in a Master's program in Agriculture; completed Master's or PhD in Agriculture preferred.
* Ability to carry out physically demanding work in the outdoors is required.
* Strong communication skills and ability to address project objectives are required.
* Ability to work with and educate a research team with varying knowledge and experience are required
* Willingness to protect sensitive data and knowledge shared among Indigenous communities is required.
* Must be able to travel locally, and to FALCON and other conferences.
* Must be able to drive a car, a tractor, and a van as needed.
* Knowledge of lndigenous agriculture and crop varieties is desired, but we will learn more together!
Application Procedures:
Agriculrural researcher requires the following:
* SDI Application Form
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but we would like to begin evaluating applications after 22 November and have our Researcher in place the first week of January. Submit all information to the Sustainable Development Institute, College of Menominee Nation, N172 State Highway 47155, PO Box 1179 Keshena, WI 54135 as soon as possible. You may also email application materials to ...@menominee.edu. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. If you have questions about the position, please contact Frank Kutka at fkutka( nenominee.edu or 715-###-####.
Timeframe and Salary: The Agricultural Researcher will be paid $23.28 per hour throughout the length of the position, which ends on 31 December 2026.