The Tyonek Tribal Conservation District (TTCD) team is seeking a Manager for our Tyonek Grown Program, with a goal to strengthen food security through community agriculture projects by and for residents of Tyonek. The immediate priority for this position will be preparing for a successful 2023 growing season in the Tyonek Community Garden.

JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create and operationalize an annual growing, harvest, and distribution plan for the Tyonek Community Garden – a 1.5-acre operation with two high tunnels (48’x22’), solar powered irrigation and ventilation systems, 15 outdoor raised beds, and over 2,000 row feet of potatoes and mixed vegetable crops, perennial fruits, and opportunities for expansion
• Supervise seasonal garden staff and the Garden Youth team
• Update protocol manuals, maintenance schedules, signage, and trainings
• Oversee a winter hydroponics operation that serves an educational purpose, provides produce to the Tebughna School, and raises starts for the next planting season
• Create a three-year soil improvement project as part of a grant-funded collaboration
• Maintain and winterize garden-related utilities and infrastructure, such as water, solar/batteries, sheds, high tunnels, and equipment
• Maintain accurate and complete data collection for reporting and planning
• Coordinate effective food distribution for the maximum benefit of stakeholders
• Collaborate with the Outreach Manager to meet conservation and agricultural outreach goals, including the installation of an outreach station, youth training, and curriculum modules
• Create a business plan for the garden that includes expanded programming – such as working with partner sites, building a volunteer program, increasing community participation, expanded hydroponics, food preservation practices, etc.
• Seek grant, market, and partnership opportunities to sustain and grow this program
• Maintain positive working relationships with internal and external partners, including performing other duties as requested

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• At least one year experience in managing garden operations
• Demonstrated experience in working with staff, volunteers, propagation of plants, operating a greenhouse, understanding irrigation systems and garden equipment, harvest protocols, and distribution of produce
• Strong knowledge of garden equipment including irrigation, pump equipment, tillers, and hand tools
• Ability to commute frequently to Tyonek (currently, day trips during the summer)
• Has an energetic, stakeholder-first approach to building programs
• Highly organized, efficient, solutions- and detail-oriented with excellent time management skills
• Pro-active and strategic mindset that enjoys improving existing systems collaboratively
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully both independently and within a team environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to communicate effectively and comfortably with partners of different backgrounds and experiences verbally and in writing

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Supervisory and/or leadership experience related to garden management or food security programs
• Understanding of food security challenges in rural Alaska
• Knowledge of opportunities for funding and partnerships related to food security and community agriculture in Alaska

THE ORGANIZATION

The Tyonek Tribal Conservation District is a non-regulatory, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to conserve, enhance, and encourage the wise use of natural resources by fostering cooperative relationships between agencies, district landowners, and local stakeholders. TTCD serves a 6.6M acre geographic region defined by Alaska Game Management Unit 16b. The creation of TTCD was made possible through a mutual agreement between the Native Village of Tyonek, Tyonek Native Corporation, and the United States Department of Agriculture.

TTCD currently has a team of six full-time staff headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska. Our team also includes part-time staff in the Tyonek/Beluga region who implement the Tyonek Grown program and collaborate on education and field projects. A leader in its work, TTCD has gained state and national recognition for its efforts to support subsistence and sustainability through our Habitat Monitoring & Restoration, Tyonek Grown, Tyonek Youth Conservation Science, and Technical Assistance programs. To facilitate this work, TTCD annually operates several multi-year federal and state grants, as well as numerous corporate and local grants.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY / ADA EMPLOYER

Tyonek Tribal Conservation District is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. TTCD is especially interested in candidates whose background and experience have prepared them to grow our commitment to engagement and inclusion with culturally diverse audiences.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, TTCD has implemented protocols that prioritize the safety of our staff and stakeholders while effectively maintaining our program obligations. Currently, staff who travel to/from the Tyonek area are required to demonstrate negative COVID tests and/or provide proof of vaccination before traveling.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, applicants should include both a resume and cover letter describing your interest and qualifications. The resume and cover letter (as well as inquiries) can be emailed to admin@ttcd.org. Communications will be treated in confidence and applications will be accepted until position is filled. Resume reviews begin immediately.