Announcement # 2024-147 Seasonal Gardener Wak'ishwi Department of Tribal Health Hourly Wage: $19.14/Temporary/Full-Time In collaboration with one other Tribal Program, this position manages Kamiakin Gardens (located at YN Corrections), Wakishwi Gardens (located all around the Wak'ishwi Main Office), the Foster Retirement Center Medicinal forest, The White Swan Health Clinic Medicinal Forest and any additional plots the Wak'ishwi Program may develop. These Zones are the centerpiece of Wak'ishwi public engagement activities, including environmental education programming, regular events, and volunteer opportunities.
The Gardener is a member of the Wak'ishwi Program, but works closely with staff from other programs and must be experienced in balancing priorities across a diverse set of rules and guidelines of the facilities of which the gardens are located. The Gardener will collaborate closely with staff in the following areas:
Education-this team leader develops and delivers diverse programs that help participants directly experience and relate to the natural world through sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell-for community members including elders to Children.
Events and Public Engagement-this team Leader works with Wak'ishwi staff and the community to develop food gardens, medicinal gathering and preserving techniques. The Wak'ishwi staff and volunteers will work with the gardener to experience nature and learn about healthy food and a sustainable environment.
Examples of Work Performed: Plant and maintain the various gardens and forests using regenerative agriculture practices that include, for example: intensive and successive planting, companion planting for pest and weed management, composting, crop rotation, and other practices deemed integral to an organic learning garden.
Plant and maintain the Wak'ishwi gardens and other landscape features an engaging and aesthetically inviting spaces, ensuring that all cultivated spaces are safe, highly productive, visually appealing, cultivated in an environmentally sound manner, and supply year-round interest.
Keep detailed calendar records of planting, plant growth and health, harvest yields, produce donations, etc.
Wak'ishwi Farm crops for client distribution and donation, ensuring minimal food waste.
Ensure crops and layouts meet the organization's needs for distribution/donation of healthy foods.
Work to ensure the Wak'ishwi Gardens and forest meet the diverse needs of the organization and serves as outdoor classrooms, where all learners and guest feel empowered and confident while learning about, caring for, growing, harvesting, and cooking produce.
Oversee volunteer projects in the Wak'ishwi Gardens/living playground.
Serve occasionally as a special guest for Wak'ishwi education programs-including summer camp, field trips, family farm adventures, and other farm-based lessons.
Wearing and working in personal protection (e.g., masks) when appropriate or necessary.
Assist in preparing for and supporting public engagement events with the other Tribal Entities, which may involve occasional weekend work.
Abide by Yakama Nation Rules and Regulations.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of irrigation systems, as well as soil management and soil fertility.
Skills in use of farm equipment, including tractors, plows, tillers, and backhoes.
Skills in organizational and planning.
Skills in public speaking, community engagement experience.
Ability to work in various weather conditions including smoke (wildfire potential) cold, heat over 90 degrees.
Ability to work in an environment that may have allergens-dust, mold, grasses, etc.
Ability to work after-hours or on weekends on an as-needed basis, especially during early season when watering seedlings as needed.
Ability to work with a wide variety of personalities in a complex environment.
Ability to thrive in a highly dynamic work environment.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Minimum Requirements: Certificate in horticulture, agriculture, or a related field.
2-3 years of experience in organic vegetable farming, preferably in the Pacific Northwest.
Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.
Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
