Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council is a non-profit organization formed by the Native American Tribes of Wisconsin. We serve all WI tribes by providing administration of grant-funded programs either directly or with sub grants. Programs serve a range of functions from Children to Elders. Our Mission is: To Enhance the quality of life for all Native People. Position SummaryAs the program coordinator for Waabigwanii Gitigaanin Garden/Greenhouse, the employee will ensure that the day-to-day garden/greenhouse operations are maintained. Working closely with the supervisor to develop and implement programming to improve health outcomes for Tribal members through education, food sovereignty/community gardening, program curriculum development or adaptation and implementation for all age levels of the community will be the prime duties of this position. Aiding community members in growing healthy foods, including harvesting and food preparation are also key activities. The position will include coordinating community classes, researching foods to grow, working with all ages of community members, engaging knowledge keepers and other organizations to deliver teachings, as well as duties mentioned below. Daily attendance is an essential job function, the hours of this position will not follow the standard 8:00am-4:30pm schedule, later morning to early evening (10:00 or 11:00 am to 6:30 or 7:30 pm) and up to 4 hours on the weekend, dependent upon community needs. Principal Duties and Responsibilities, all in collaboration with the Program Director
- Seed propagation/planting, watering, transplanting and general maintenance of plants and foods in the greenhouse and garden areas. This will include maintaining planting and harvesting schedules, recording and maintaining inventory of seeds, planting media, garden tools and all items needed for success.
- Awareness and respect of traditional practices when cultivating certain seeds/plants is required.
- Garden and raised garden preparation, maintenance, and technical assistance to community members if needed. Ground preparation and non-chemical weed mitigation practices as necessary. This will include using motorized garden machines and non-motorized tools such as: tillers, trimmers, lawnmower, pruning tools, shovels, hoes, rakes, garden carts, hose carts and other tools that may be necessary.
- Work closely with the Program Director to develop and implement greenhouse/gardening program curricula for various age groups. Continued community engagement and educational activities will be a high priority; seeking tribal knowledge keepers to provide teachings regarding plant use, foraging for traditional plants, animal harvesting & preservation and seed saving is also a high priority activity.
- Provide information for garden/greenhouse participants regarding nutrition, preventative healthcare and how they relate to traditional foods. Researching and collecting information from valid sources is required.
- Work closely with programs within GLITC and relevant Lac du Flambeau Tribal departments to collaborate in food sovereignty activities.
- Participate in program meetings, trainings and presentations assigned by supervisor.
- Working in varying weather conditions may be necessary at times. Proper clothing and self-care must be maintained.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities
- Engage in networking activities with Tribal Food Sovereignty programs and organizations.
- Assure that all services are delivered in a culturally appropriate manner.
- Participate in various committees both within and external to the organization as deemed necessary and appropriate to the position.
- Attend technical conferences, seminars, workshops and other educational events to remain current on technological and informational advances.
- Perform other duties as necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.
This is a full-time hourly position working Monday-Friday, with the possibility of some Saturdays, 40 hours per week, with a work location in Lac Du Flambeau, Wisconsin. This is not a remote position. The salary range for this position, dependent upon skills and experience, is $25.00 to $28.00 per hour with benefits including Annual/Personal Leave and Holiday Pay; Health, Dental, Life & AD&D, STD and LTD Insurance, FSA and 401(k) Retirement Plan. Some travel will be required. Background check required prior to employment.Working Relationships and ScopeReports directly to the Program Director. Regular contact with other GLITC Programs & department employees, tribal departments and employees, and other food sovereignty programs for the purpose of obtaining and providing information. Regular contact with community members, tribal representatives, funding source staff, allied organizations, consortia, vendors, and suppliers. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:An equivalent combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities will be considered. Required: Two or more years of experience in gardening or horticulture with a keen interest and willingness to expand knowledge. Ability to use and maintain garden/greenhouse tools and equipment. Comfort in working outdoors with direct sun exposure. Ability to communicate responsively and effectively with diverse age and racial groups. Daily attendance is required to guarantee the success of growing plants. Individual must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills; high level of professionalism; advanced reasoning and problem-solving skills; ability to manage time effectively; self-motivation skills; ability to work effectively under pressure; use basic mathematical and budgeting skills. Must possess a valid driver's license and/or reliable transportation with adequate insurance and ability to travel. Equipment Operated:Common garden/greenhouse equipment, such as garden tiller, weed trimmer, hand and power tools, irrigation equipment, lawnmower, and other items as the need arises. Will use a computer and peripheries for common applications and general office equipment such as a telephone, fax, and printer/copier. Uses an automobile to travel.Working Conditions:The Program Coordinator position is split between outdoor and indoor activities. There is flexibility in scheduling work during less heat intensive parts of the day during the summer and for other inclement weather, indoor tasks can be completed. The Program Director will work with the Program Coordinator to ensure that physically demanding activities are safely planned and carried out with the assistance of others as needed, to minimize exposure to injury. Some travel may be required to execute the functions of this position. Position requires bending and lifting of up to 20-40 pounds. The hours of this position will not follow the standard 8:00am-4:30pm schedule, later morning to early evening (10:00 or 11:00 am to 6:30 or 7:30 pm) and up to 4 hours on the weekend, depending upon community needs. There may be some variation in work hours due to travel, special projects, deadlines, and other concerns and will be arranged in advance.To Apply: Preferred method is to apply from the Employment page of our website- ***Great Lakes Inter Tribal Council does not respond to phone calls nor emails inquiries regarding the status of your application. Only the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council (GLITC) is an equal opportunity employer applying Native American Preference as defined in Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 44-66 and 47, and fully subscribes to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. It is the policy of GLITC to provide employment, compensation and other benefits related to employment based on qualifications of the job applied for, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, veteran status or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law. As an equal opportunity employer, GLITC intends to comply fully with all federal and state laws and the information requested on this application will not be used for any purpose prohibited by law. Disabled applicants may request a needed accommodation from the representative of the Human Resource Department, PO Box 9 Lac Du Flambeau, WI 54538 or phone (715) ###-#### or (800) ###-#### This position is open until filled