Company description

The Tyonek Tribal Conservation District is a non-regulatory, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to conserve, enhance, and encourage the wise use of natural resources by fostering cooperative relationships between agencies, district landowners, and local stakeholders. TTCD serves a 6.6-million-acre geographic region defined by Alaska Game Management Unit 16B. The creation of TTCD was made possible through a mutual agreement between the Native Village of Tyonek, Tyonek Native Corporation, and the United States Department of Agriculture. 

TTCD currently has a team of eight year-round staff headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska. Our team also includes part-time staff in the Tyonek/Beluga region who implement the Tyonek Grown program and collaborate on education and field projects. A leader in its work, TTCD has gained state and national recognition for its efforts to support subsistence and sustainability through our Habitat Monitoring & Restoration, Tyonek Grown, Tyonek Youth Conservation Science, and Technical Assistance programs. To facilitate this work, TTCD annually operates several multi-year federal and state grants, as well as numerous corporate and local grants. 

Job description

WE ARE HIRING A COMMUNITY AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY COORDINATOR!

The Tyonek Tribal Conservation District (TTCD) is seeking a full-time permanent Community Agriculture and Forestry Coordinator to join our team! This position will work closely with the Tyonek Grown Program Manager to support various agriculture, food forest, and food security projects. Duties will include but are not limited to, assisting with crop planning and management of the Tyonek Community Farm and Garden, development of a new food forest site, hydroponic production at Tebughna School, data collection and analysis, research, reporting, and outreach related to various food security and community agriculture initiatives within the Native Village of Tyonek (NVT).

The immediate priority for this position is to lead the planning and development (in collaboration with the Program Manager) of a .25 acre community food forest. The Tyonek Community Food Forest will be established beside the 1-acre community farm and will integrate native plants and desirable fruit trees, as well as pathways and community gathering spaces. The Coordinator will support site evaluation, planning, design, plant selection and ultimate execution of the food forest between 2025-2027. This position will involve considerable field work in Tyonek, AK during the summer months, including general farm maintenance (i.e., tilling, bed prep, planting, cultivating, harvesting, watering), planting trees and perennials, supporting with infrastructure maintenance and community events. Winter activities will involve supporting research, site planning, crop planning, record keeping and data synthesis, hydroponic maintenance, and programmatic upkeep.

The ideal candidate has field experience in agriculture, forestry, soil health, or other ecosystems management and is motivated to support the complex and growing work of the Tyonek Grown program and TTCD at large. They will have a team-oriented attitude, be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, and thrive in the flexible, dynamic, and fast-paced environment of a growing and reflective nonprofit.

This job position will be based in either Anchorage or Tyonek. Anchorage-based staff can expect to travel to the remote community of Tyonek for both day and overnight [multi-day] trips during the summer months. The Community Agriculture and Forestry Coordinator will gain valuable experience through exposure to the daily operation of a conservation nonprofit organization and community agriculture operation.

JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads the design and development of the Tyonek Community Food Forest, including forest layout, plant selections, ground preparation, planting, and maintenance (in coordination with the Tyonek Grown Program Manager)
• Supports day-to-day operations of a 1-acre community farm including implementation of a crop plan, planting/transplanting, cultivating, composting, pest management, and trouble-shooting field systems
• Supports planting and ongoing maintenance of multiple hydroponic units at Tebughna School during the school year
• Collects and synthesizes data for all food production systems
• Assists with infrastructure improvements and coordination of field projects
• Collaborates with the (Tyonek-based) Garden Supervisor and Youth Garden Interns to ensure accomplishment of weekly tasks at the community farm
• Supports the development and upkeep of program materials including farm operation and infrastructure manuals, crop planning, data collection systems, and other content development
• Works collaboratively with a diverse team of field staff and community members
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of plant and soil health principles
• Experience in field work related to agriculture, forestry, or other ecosystems management
• Ability to work independently, follow instructions, and problem solve
• Willingness to travel regularly with occasional overnight stays in Tyonek, AK
• Willingness to work outdoors, including physical work in varying weather conditions
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and teamwork skills
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in a production farm setting
• Experience working with and knowledge of native plants and/or fruit trees
• Experience working with youth between the ages of 14-18
• Experience in Alaska Native Village settings
• Wilderness medicine certification(s) 

For more info, go to www.ttcd.org. *Please note that our website is currently in the process of being updated. 

SALARY

This a full-time, hourly position with an annual salary of $58,000-$62,000

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY / ADA EMPLOYER

Tyonek Tribal Conservation District is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. TTCD is especially interested in candidates whose background and experience have prepared them to grow our commitment to engagement and inclusion with culturally diverse audiences.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, 50k-75k

Application instructions

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Deadline

no deadline