AGRICULTURE PROGRAM MANAGER

VACANCY ANN #: STOI-24-114
TITLE: AGRICULTURE PROGRAM MANAGER
SUPERVISOR: DNR DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT: NATURAL RESOURCES
LOCATION: WELLPINIT, WA
STATUS: REGULAR/FULL-TIME, EXEMPT
RATE OF PAY: $24.06 - $33.00 / PER HOUR
OPENING DATE: DECEMBER 19, 2024
CLOSING DATE: JANUARY 2, 2024

SUMMARY:

The Agriculture Program Manager will be responsible for leading and managing the Spokane Tribe's agricultural initiatives. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in enhancing agricultural practices, promoting food sovereignty, conserving natural resources, and improving agricultural production within the Spokane Tribal community and on the Spokane Indian Reservation. This position will be responsible for working closely with other tribal programs, tribal members, and outside organizations or agencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee the management of tribal agricultural lands, ensuring compliance with environmental and agricultural regulations
• Develop and implement an Agricultural Management Plan for the Spokane Indian Reservation
• Create and maintain budgets for the program, and ensure budgetary compliance throughout the fiscal year
• Monitor program performance, evaluate outcomes, and report findings to tribal leadership and stakeholders
• Stay current on industry trends, regulations, and technological advancements in agriculture
• Keep Natural Resources Department Director, Executive Director, and Tribal Business Council informed on the progress, plans, priorities, and needs of all projects.
• Keep Natural Resources Department Director, Executive Director, and Tribal Business Council informed of any actions, decisions, or policies that may affect the Tribes management of agricultural resources, and provide assistance as needed to respond.
• Foster partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies to enhance resources available for tribal agricultural efforts
• Collaborate with tribal members, tribal farmers, and local agricultural organizations to promote traditional and modern farming practices
• Organize and develop an outreach program to provide assistance and training to tribal farmers and other community members in regards to:
  • Loan and Grant Opportunities: Assist tribal farmers with finding funding opportunities, and developing applications or proposals for those opportunities
  • Technical Assistance: Crop rotations, herbicide applications, irrigation management, fertilizer and nutrition, etc.
  • Business Administration: Proper record keeping, grant and/or loan reporting, leases and/or crop shares, sales and marketing, etc.
• Find and submit proposals for grant and funding opportunities, and prepare and submit progress reports to funding agencies
• Represent the Tribe at regional and national working groups, committees, meetings, and workshops related to agriculture
• Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of cropping systems and agricultural practices of the Inland Northwest
• Previous experience with budget development and management, grant writing, project management, and other administrative tasks
• Ability and knowledge to work safely and efficiently with agricultural and spraying equipment
• Familiar with maintenance requirements of agricultural equipment
• Must be able to safely operate ATV and 4-wheel drive vehicles
• Must be able to operate GPS and mapping tools
• Must be in excellent physical condition and be able to work in inclement weather conditions and rough terrain, to include carrying 30 pounds routinely
• Must be able to work with diverse cultural, professional, and technical interdisciplinary teams
• Ability to communicate effectively with verbal and written instructions and work with co-workers, tribal programs, general public, and other agencies
• Experience in the use and application of standard computer programs and associated software
• Must possess a basic first aid/CPR card or able to obtain one within 60 days of hire

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Washington State Drivers License, reliable transportation, and be tribally insurable
• Current Pesticide Applicators License from Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire
• Bachelors degree in a related field and 1 year experience related to agriculture and program management ORA. degree in a related field and 3 years experience OR Five or more years of management experience in agriculture or a closely related field

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• CDL
• Experience working in Tribal or other underserved communities
• Experience beyond the minimum qualifications related to agricultural management
• Experience maintaining and repairing agricultural equipment

*Indian Preference Applies Indian Preference grants preference to any enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe.

Confirmation receipt of on-line application submission and interview status will be sent to all applicants e-mail address used when applying. Applicants are responsible to regularly monitor their e-mail for interview notifications.

Contact: Sabrina McCoy, HR Specialist, or Kammi Rosenbaum, HR Administrative Assistant

(509) 458-6583 or (509) 458-6527

E-mail: hrfrontdesk@spokanetribe.com

All Applications Must Be Received in the HR Department No

Later Than 4:30pm on the Closing Date

The Spokane Tribe of Indians Reserves The Right To Hire According To Its Indian Preference Policy

All Applicants Are Subject To A Pre-Employment Drug Test

All Positions With The Spokane Tribe Are Subject To A-90 Day Orientation