Lakota Food Coordinator Assistant

JOB TITLE: Lakota Foods Coordinator Assistant
REPORTS TO: Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci Head of School
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
TYPICAL SCHEDULE: 40 hours per week
SALARY: $35,360-$41,600/yr

About Sicangu Co

Sicangu Co is an indigenous ecosystem of interconnected organizations and initiatives dedicated to creating a healthier, more prosperous future for the Sicangu Lakota Oyate. Anchored in Lakota values and guided by the principles of self-sufficiency and community empowerment, Sicangu Co operates as a collective effort to strengthen the social, cultural, and economic well-being of the Rosebud Reservation.

Within the ecosystem lies Sicangu Community Development Corporation (Sicangu CDC), a nonprofit organization leading efforts to foster sustainable community development. Sicangu CDC focuses on food sovereignty, education, housing, and health while working collaboratively with other Sicangu Co entities to provide holistic support and opportunities for the community. Together, the ecosystem leverages shared resources, expertise, and partnerships to create impactful, lasting change.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Sicangu CDC Education Initiative is looking to hire a full-time employee to fill the position of the Lakota Foods Coordinator Assistant. The Lakota Foods Coordinator (LFC) is responsible for increasing the use of local and traditional foods through the Sicangu Oyate. Specifically, the LFCA is responsible for assisting in the school kitchen for Wakanyeja Tokeyahci, including meal planning and preparation, ordering supplies and foods, and cooking and preparing school meals throughout the school year. To accomplish this, the LFCA will work closely with the lead LFC and CDC Food Sovereignty Initiative staff to include the use of wild harvested and locally produced goods within school meals. In addition, the LFCA will help to create engagement opportunities for school families, such as cooking classes, and will assist the school with administrative duties(as needed). During the non-school summer months, the LFCA will work with the LFC & Food Sovereignty Director to plan summer indigenous and local foods programming for the larger community to promote the greater use of indigenous and tribal produced foods.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the assistant cook for Wakanyeja Ki Tokeyahci Wounspe Oti. Prepare and serve breakfast, snack, and lunch daily. Complete inventory and regular ordering of food and kitchen supplies.

• Along with WT staff, attain Lakota Language fluency to promote an authentic immersion school environment.

• Assist in creating school meal plans and menus. Work closely with LFC & FSI staff to develop health, nutritionally dense, indigenous school meals.

• Coordinate with CDC Food Sovereignty Farm Manager to align school meals to seasonally and tribally produced goods and incorporate wild harvested and locally produced goods into meals

• Maintain kitchen that aligns with SD State food safety standards, and maintain a Food Safety Certification

• Assist Head of School with administrative duties as needed.

• Assist in Planning, Coordinating summer programming opportunities through the Food Sovereignty Initiative that highlight traditional indigenous foods, wild foods, and locally produced foods. Work with the LFC & Food Sovereignty Director.

Qualifications, Desired Knowledge and Skills:

Required:

• Valid driver’s license and dependable transportation

• Able to lift 50 pounds

• Able to work evening and weekends on an as-needed basis

• High School Diploma or GED

• Basic computer skills

• Self-motivated and able to work independently

• Excellent time management and communication skills

• Able to create clear work-plans to meet deadlines

• Possess problem solving skills and the ability to prioritize

Preferred:

• Previous food handling and distribution experience

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This is an in-person position in Mission, SD.

• Flexibility to work evening or weekend hours may be required to accommodate family schedules and school events.

• Requires frequent interaction with staff, students, and team members.

• Work duties include:

• Standing for extended periods (up to 70% of work time).

• Daily cooking meals and lifting up to 25 lbs.

• Ensuring a clean & safe cooking environment

Benefits:

• 401(k)

• 401(k) matching

• Dental insurance

• Health insurance

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Vision insurance

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35,360.00 - $41,600.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Food preparation: 1 year (Preferred)
• Cooking: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Mission, SD 57555: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $35,360 - $41,600