Indigenous Food, Gardening & Agriculture

Position: Food Sovereignty Technician
Organization: Taku River Tlingit First Nation
Location: Atlin, BC / Housing relocation assistance may be available.

• Wage / Salary Range: $26.00 - $35.00 per hour depending on experience
• Status: Full-time or Part-time position, 36 - 72 hours biweekly, flexible work schedule

Open until filled
Start date: November 15, 2024

POSITION SUMMARY

The Food Sovereignty Technician helps maintain the operation of the current community garden, greenhouse, and related infrastructure. Works day to day growing produce in year-round hydroponic growing unit, weekly packaging, and delivery of produce to community members as well as sales of produce to local buyers. Opportunity for research and development relating to implementing innovative and culturally relevant food sovereignty initiatives within TRTFN as directed by the Food Sovereignty Coordinator. Honours and helps build gardening skills with TRTFN community members through assisting in providing community programming in conjunction with Latseeni Daakahidi (TRTFN Health and Wellness department).

WORK THAT MATTERS  You are passionate about improving outcomes for Indigenous commmunities. You enjoy working as part of a team and can deliver individual results. You thrive in an environment which allows you to make a high impact towards the future of an Indigenous community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in operation of year-round hydroponic container unit in day-to-day operation as well ascurrent community garden greenhouse and infrastructure.
• Organize, oversee, and carry out physical work in the gardens, planning, planting, weeding,harvesting, and packaging of produce.
• Provide day to day oversight for crops, including germination, maturation, care, andmaintenance.
• Preform daily upkeep of all greenhouse systems, including cleaning and maintenance.
• Deliver produce to the TRTFN community.
• Collect accurate and in-depth records on plant development, environmental and soil conditions,harvest weight, irrigation systems, and planting.
• Grow traditional medicines and plant foods to be made available to TRTFN members.
• Coordinate volunteers, overseeing them when they are at the community garden and offeringtraining needed for volunteers to feel competent in the garden.
• Help oversee the garden box program assisting TRTFN citizens who were given garden boxes inplanting, weeding or other gardening care and help they may need.
• Deliver educational programs and workshops at the garden for community members (Elders, youth, daycare).
• Create an empowering and inclusive environment where visitors, volunteers, and coworkers aretreated with respect and dignity.
• Assist in keeping detailed financial records for hydroponic unit produce delivery.
• Other tasks as specifically designated by the Food Sovereignty Coordinator.

EDUCATION

• Certification in Agriculture, Horticulture, Social Work, or related field.
• Knowledge and respect of Taku River Tlingit First Nation social structure, traditions, values,culture, traditional territory, resources, protocols, and policies.

EXPERIENCE

• Two years of experience in agricultural, community engagement projects.
• Experience in agriculture, horticulture, market gardening, or community urban agriculture an asset.
• Familiarity with community gardens or working with volunteers on a community project.

SKILLS

• Ability to foster and maintain strong relationships both internally and externally and communicate with a variety of people of varying skill levels.
• Ability to work well within a First Nations environment while demonstrating flexibility, sensitivity,patience, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
• Advanced proficiency using computers and Microsoft Office programs including Excel, Word,Outlook.

TRAINING OFFERED BY TRTFN

All employees are expected to participate in many types of training – some of them annually. Topics could include:

• Trauma Informed Care
• Lateral Kindness
• Workplace harassment and Violence prevention
• WHMIS 2015
• Suicide Intervention (all H&W staff)
• Standard First Aid / CPR

COMPETANCIES

1. Problem solving: Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
2. Planning and Organizing: The ability to prioritize and organize multiple demands and workload.
3. Communicator: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
4. Self Management: Able to work independently or in a team setting with minimal day-to-daysupervision.
5. Professionalism: Highly developed leadership and interpersonal skills, independence,organizational skills, innovative.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Criminal Record Check
• Must have class 5 driver’s license and be comfortable driving pick-up trucks, and vans.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs., general mobility, reaching with hands and arms, walking, standing, and sitting daily.
• References

WORKING CONDITIONS

• A combination of office work and outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Engages with TRTFN citizens and members.

BENEFITS

• After 3 months of probationary period, benefits include extended medical, eyewear, dental coverage as well as an RRSP matching plan.
• Housing relocation assistance may be available.

APPLICATION PROCESS – HOW TO APPLY

To submit a resume or obtain further information contact by email: garden.coordinator@gov.trtfn.com titled: Food Sovereignty Technician – Application

Please indicate you saw this posting at FoodWork.ca.

No Phone calls will be entertained. We thank all those who apply but only those who are being considered will be contacted. We are only able to accept applications from permanent Canadian residents.