GENERAL SUMMARY

This position coordinates all vegetable, fruit, and herb production at the Nisqually Community Garden and provides leadership and instruction to garden staff by training, coordinating, and monitoring work performance. The Community Garden Production Supervisor works under the direction of the Garden Program Manager to assist with any Supervisory duties, as delegated.

This position ensures the confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, customer, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required and outstanding customer service to fellow employees, customers, vendors, etc. is expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines and a neat well-groomed professional appearance is essential at all times.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

• Plan, coordinate and manage all day-to-day agricultural operations including the planting plan, crop survey, irrigation, greenhouse operations, pest and disease management, soil health, field cultivation, composting, harvest and post-harvest handling for row crops, herbs, berries and orchards.
• Maintain records of all garden production activities including planting logs, harvest logs, food distribution, compost, and soil amendments.
• Provide supervision, training, and feedback to garden staff and volunteers.
• Work with other garden staff to coordinate effective distribution of garden yields.
• Coordinate with tribal department cooks to grow, harvest, and deliver produce that meets their needs or for other special events.
• Develop collaborative working relationships with the Nisqually community, other Department staff, Committees, and other key stakeholders.
• Oversee the use and maintenance of garden tools, equipment, and machinery.
• Coordinate repairs and preventative maintenance on community garden vehicles, equipment, and machinery.
• Help maintain program inventory to assist Manager with budgeting and ordering of supplies, materials, and equipment as needed for garden operations.
• Assist in developing and utilizing a long-term land stewardship plan for the annual and perennial gardens, orchards, and berry beds.
• Coordinate with other Tribal programs such as, but not limited to, Vocational Rehabilitation, Education, Head Start, Daycare, Natural Resources and others to achieve program goals and provide services to the Nisqually community.
• Teach gardening techniques, food preservation and medicine making classes to the community.
• Manage Garden Produce Stand cooperatively with the Garden Program Manager.
• Manage garden produce and medicine deliveries.
• Work collaboratively with the Program Manager to develop and maintain a composting program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Bachelor's degree in agricultural science AND 4 years of related agricultural experience OR a comparable amount of experience and/or education.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
• The ability to work with vulnerable populations including adults and children.
• Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.
• Must attend and complete produce safety training within 1 year of hire date.
• Must possess CPR/First Aid certification or be able to obtain within 90 days of hiring.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.
• Food Handler's Certification.

SUPERVISION

This position will train, evaluate, and orient staff as directed. This position reports to the Garden Manager.

COMPETENCIES

Possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the primary responsibilities of the position.

Knowledge of:

• Organic farming practices, gardening principles, composting, tools and production management techniques.
• Farm infrastructure, irrigation and equipment maintenance and operation.
• Native American customs, traditions, and culture.
• Project planning, resource management, and budgets.
• Native and non-native plants and their uses.

Skill in:

• Organization, time management, and documentation of activities.
• Leadership.

Ability to:

• Provide effective work-related training to adults and youth.
• Problem solve effectively.
• Operate small equipment/machinery.
• Operate a personal computer and standard office programs and equipment.
• Follow and adhere to policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement project plans, manage project resources and budgets.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the community, co-workers, other employees of the Tribe, community agencies, community businesses, and members of the general public using courtesy, tact, and good judgment.
• Meet Community Services Department standards to work with elders, youth, and other vulnerable populations.
• Work effectively with a variety of others including those with limited abilities and work experience.
• Communicate effectively and respectfully orally and in writing.
• Work independently, prioritize tasks, and balance short and long-term project needs.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the primary responsibilities of this job. Work will be conducted indoor and outdoor and may be exposed to fluctuations in temperature while in and around Nisqually Indian Tribe. You may be exposed to all types of weather to include but not limited to summer heat, winter cold, humidity, rain, snow, wind, and any other weather conditions experienced at the property. May be exposed to normal conditions related to the position i.e., noise from vehicles, machines, tools, customers, employees, dust, pollen, odors, wildlife etc.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle; feel; or grip objects, stretch and/or reach with hands and arms; stoop; crouch or work in cramped or awkward positions; repetitive motions. This person may regularly lift and/or move up to 55+ pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust to focus.