Agricultural Coordinator

SUMMARY

The Agricultural Coordinator will provide day-to-day oversight of agricultural production and harvesting. They will perform tasks related to planting, seeding, and harvesting of grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other crops. They will be responsible for pruning, irrigating, inspecting, packing and loading crops for shipment. The Agricultural Coordinator will work to develop ways to increase productivity of crops. They will operate heavy equipment related to farm production and perform minor mechanical maintenance to farm machinery.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Science or related field is recommended. *
• Must have some experience in harvesting and inspecting crops.
• Must have knowledge of soil health indicators, fertilizer, and pesticides to control insects, fungi and weeds to ensure crop health and crop harvest feasibility.
• Must have a valid unrestricted driver license and be insurable by GTB's insurance carrier.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement a planting, soil health management and harvesting scheduled.
• Provide day-to-day operation of the agricultural functions of the Peshawbestown farm production and outdoor composting functions.
• Will collaborate with Tribal programs, local, Tribal and State agencies. Local community and local agencies (local schools, MSU extension, farmers markets, etc.)
• Maintain a file system for all agricultural forms issued. Crop inventory and production records
• Must be able to compile and present information to assess the cost-effectiveness of harvesting activities.
• Work with Agricultural Manager, our tribal schoolteachers and administrators, youth programs, elder's program and health clinic to incorporate agriculture into their programs.
• Work with the Natural Resources Department to utilize their knowledge of soil testing and water protection when identifying and planning agricultural.
• Work to create a seed bank here at GTB as soon as possible.
• Work closely with Inter-Tribal Agricultural Council, MSU Extension, and other local agricultural resources to build the strongest agricultural program possible as quickly as possible.
• Work with the Tribal Manager, Grant Writers and Human Resources to create agriculture staff positions over the next 2-5 years.
• Oversee agricultural production that is supporting fresh fruits and vegetables available for GTB events and outlets.
• Follow all funding agency and Grand Traverse Band policies and procedures.
• Other duties that may be assigned by the supervisor.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to read and follow written procedures.
• Must have good hand-eye coordination to harvest crops and operate farm machinery.
• Must have knowledge of seed banks, seed saving, and food sovereignty.
• Attention to detail and accuracy required.
• Must have strong leadership ability.
• Must have good listening skills to work well with others, effective listening is critical.
• Must have physical stamina to perform laborious tasks repeatedly.
• Must have physical strength to lift heavy objects, including tools and crops.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have mechanical skills to operate complex farm machinery and occasionally do routine maintenance on the machinery.
• Ability to quickly evaluate alternatives and decide on a plan of action.
• Must have proficiency in computer literacy, preferably in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, and other Microsoft office products and database applications.
• Must have good time management and organizational skills.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture Science or related field is recommended. *
• Must have some experience in harvesting and inspecting crops.
• Must have knowledge of soil health indicators, fertilizer, and pesticides to control insects, fungi and weeds to ensure crop health and crop harvest feasibility.

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid unrestricted driver license and be insurable by GTB's insurance carrier.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Some supervision of subordinate staff as necessary. Oversight of contractors.

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

General office equipment such as farm machinery, calculators, computers, copiers, fax, phone systems, etc.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• There will be requirements of sitting, walking, reaching and some lifting to 50 lbs.
• Manual dexterity is necessary for the use of office equipment.

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

• Responsible for planning and carrying out recurring assignments.
• Sort through complex issues and initiate required directives needed.
• Ability to resolve issues, coordinate objectives and implement established procedures and process data.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Some work is in an office environment, other work is generally performed in outside environment. Must be able to travel.

COMMENTS

Native American Preference will apply. Must be able to pass a background investigation and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy regarding confidentiality is a must.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time through approved motion by Tribal Council. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval of the Director of Human Resources.

Current Openings for Agricultural Coordinator Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians