Community garden, Greenhouse, Hydroponics

Hiring: Food Sovereignty Technician
Organization: Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN)
Location: Taku River Tlingit First Nation (TRTFN) in Atlin, BC
Housing relocation assistance may be available.

• Department: Health and Wellness
• Supervisor: Food Sovereignty Coordinator
• 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

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).

ABOUT THE TAKU RIVER TLINGIT FIRST NATION (TRTFN)

The TRTFN is situated in its traditional lands in the community of a Atlin, British Columbia. The TRTFN is governed through the adoption of a traditional Tlingit clan system of governance. The TRTFN is moving forward as the responsible decision makers of their territorial lands and waters. The TRTFN territory covers over 40,000 sq/km and includes what is now known as British Columbia, Yukon, and Alaska/US. Its territory contains high mountains, expansive forests rich with wildlife and salmon filled wild rivers. As responsible decision makers, the TRTFN is embarking on a course necessary to ensure the continuation and advancement of its rights and interests in all matters impacting the traditional territory. This will assist the TRTFN in ensuring the preservation of what is Tlingit.

WORK THAT MATTERS

You are passionate about improving outcomes for First Nations people. 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 a First Nations Community.

LIVING IN ATLIN

Atlin, the small community of approximately 470 people, is in northwestern British Columbia, Canada. It is located on the eastern shore of Atlin Lake (the name comes from Áa Tlein, the Tlingit language word for “big body of water”), surrounded by mountains and connected to the Yukon via a hard surfaced, all-season maintained road. There are two small grocery stores, a post office, government agent, nursing station, an RCMP detachment, several churches, K-12 public-school, day-care facility, a volunteer fire department, museum, marina, small airport, parks and playgrounds, laundromat, gas stations, as well as restaurants and accommodations for tourism and local needs. Communication is via landline and satellite, although there is a project in place to bring fibre optic and cell service to the area. In addition to continued placer gold mining, Atlin offers its residents and visitors activities such as sightseeing, fishing, hiking, camping, as well as many arts and entertainment events.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in operation of year-round hydroponic container unit in day-to-day operation as well as current 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, and maintenance.
• 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 offering training needed for volunteers to feel competent in the garden.
• Help oversee the garden box program assisting TRTFN citizens who were given garden boxes in planting, 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 are treated 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.
• 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-day supervision.
5. Professionalism: Highly developed leadership and interpersonal skills, independence, organizational skills, innovative.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Criminal Reference 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

To submit a resume or obtain further information contact: Email: careers@gov.trtfn.com

titled: Food Sovereignty Technician – Application

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No Phone calls will be entertained.

We thank all those who apply but only those who are being considered will be contacted. Preference given to Taku River Tlingit First Nation Citizens. We are only able to accept applications from permanent Canadian residents.