POSITION TITLE: Education and Outreach Coordinator – Community Garden
DEPARTMENT: Health & Human Services (HHS)
LOCATION: Toledo, WA
SCHEDULE: M-F, 8am-5pm
REPORTS TO: Health/Wellness/Diabetes Prevention Program Supervisor
FLSA STATUS: Nonexempt, full time
WAGE RANGE: $24.89 - 32.36 per hour

Position Summary:

Contributes to the effectiveness of the Community Garden Program by providing program education and information to the tribal community and creating and implementing a community garden outreach program. Maintains professionalism in all interactions with internal and external customers. Adheres to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, values of CIT and of the HHS department.

***If you are a Tribal Member and/or a Veteran and would like this status to have preference in hiring, please list this on your cover letter and/or resume***

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Plans, designs, and facilitates educational programs for youth and adults of all abilities and learning styles; assists in development and implementation of a communication strategy.
• Develops and oversees education and outreach activities; cultivates relationships with other tribal programs and seeks and develops partnerships with other tribes, state, federal agencies or programs.
• Works to identify stakeholders and build partnerships with schools, agencies, and other community programs around community garden.
• Updates, creates and monitors social media messaging as needed to include, but not limited to, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, SnapChat, and Constant Contact; creates Public Service Announcements regarding the Community Garden and Health & Wellness program activities.
• Produces publications and printed material for program use and distribution in the community
• Assists in organizing and planning outreach and community wellness activities, events and trainings; represents the program during outreach events and activities.
• Evaluates program goals and objectives; adapts and implements program changes to increase accessibility, educational opportunities and community building activities.
• Assists in securing additional funding and grant monies for continuation and expansion of program services; tracks and monitors budgets and expenditures.
• Prepares and presents reports on the status, activities and plans for current and future operations to leadership, committees, and other stakeholders.
• Assists with daily garden operations including planting, irrigation, pest and disease management, field cultivation, proper maintenance and storage of garden equipment, harvest and post-harvest handling for row crops, herbs, berries and orchards.
• Assists with the maintenance of records of all garden production activities including planting logs, harvest logs, food distribution, soil amendments.
• Manages the produce distribution list and assists with produce deliveries, including contacting interested individuals to arrange pick-up and updating the list as necessary.
• Assists with project planning and ongoing capacity building activities.
• Schedules, coordinates, and leads visits to the garden, including group visits and youth field trips.
• Organizes and maintains document resource database, including project paperwork, histories, data, reports, and photos.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.

• Knowledge of organic farming practices, gardening principles, tools and production management techniques.

• Knowledge of garden planning, irrigation and equipment maintenance and operation.

• Skill in using standard gardening equipment including hand tools, tractors, small engine equipment, and irrigation systems.

• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets and database software programs.

• Skill in treating internal and external customers with tact, courtesy, and respect.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in horticulture, agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, or related field.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Two years’ experience in gardening, farming, health and wellness or a related field required.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
• Experience working within American Indian and/or Alaska Native communities preferred.
• Experience with farming equipment including tractor, brush hog, rototiller, cultivator, plow and disk preferred.
• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.
• This position requires qualified applicants to be fully vaccinated including COVID-19 vaccines on the first day of employment.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 50lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed outdoors with frequent exposure to excessive noise. Exposure to natural weather conditions and dust, fumes, airborne particles and/or allergens may occur while performing outdoor duties. Standing and walking may be on uneven surfaces or unstable ground. Work is frequently performed near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery and the use protective clothing, equipment, devices, materials is necessary. Weekend work is occasionally required.

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is a Drug & Alcohol-Free workplace. - Potential candidates must submit and pass drug screening and a criminal background check. The Cowlitz Indian tribe is an Equal Opportunity Employer, except as provided by Title 25 CFR, Section 472 which allows for Indian preference in hiring, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, physical handicap, marital status, politics, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization.