Director of Agriculture

Pauma Band Of Mission Indians; Pauma Valley (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pauma Band of Mission Indians seeks a Director of Agriculture Development to lead strategic planning, development, and management of sustainable agricultural initiatives. You will advance farming, agribusiness, and food systems aligned with tribal goals and environmental stewardship.

Responsibilities include managing projects such as vineyards, garden, olive orchard, and grove enterprises; securing grants; budgeting; and fostering community involvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Agribusiness, Tribal Resource Management, or related field
• Five plus years in agriculture, food systems, or land development
• Experience with Tribal organizations or Indigenous communities preferred
• Strong leadership, budgeting, and grant-writing skills

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute long-term strategies for agricultural programs including farming, agribusiness, and food systems
• Oversee existing agricultural projects such as vineyards, garden, olive orchard, and grove enterprise
• Prepare and manage department budgets, financial forecasts, and resource allocation
• Foster tribal member involvement through workshops, apprenticeships, and community programs
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development for department personnel
• Integrate traditional ecological knowledge with modern sustainable practices

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Budgeting

Grant-writing

Communication

Cultural competency

Writing & presentations

Office 365

Education

Bachelor's degree in Agriculture or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Office 365

Job description

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Pauma Band of Mission Indians is seeking a motivated and experienced professional to serve as our Director of Agriculture Development.

This leadership position will guide the planning, development, and management of sustainable agricultural initiatives that support the Tribe’s economic, environmental, and cultural goals.

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Strategic Planning & Development

• Develop and execute long-term strategies for agricultural programs including farming, agribusiness, and food systems.
• Identify and assess opportunities for growth in agricultural enterprises, land use, and community impact.
• Align agricultural development with tribal goals, land-use plans, and environmental sustainability.

Program & Project Management

• Oversee existing agricultural projects such as vineyards, garden, olive orchard, and grove enterprise.
• Present, initiate, and implement new agricultural ventures and pilot projects focused on economic development and food sovereignty.
• Collaborate with internal departments, tribal members, and external stakeholders for program success.
• Monitor and ensure contract compliance.
• Oversight of food safety practices and agricultural certifications.

Budgeting & Grants

• Prepare and manage department budgets, financial forecasts, and resource allocation.
• Research and secure grants or funding sources to support strategic agricultural initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with tribal, federal, state, and grant-related reporting requirements.

Community Engagement

• Foster tribal member involvement in agricultural initiatives through workshops, apprenticeships, and community programs.
• Promote education and youth engagement in agriculture and land stewardship.
• Serve as a liaison with tribal council, elders, and community representatives.

Team Leadership

• Supervise agriculture staff and workers.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development for department personnel.

Sustainability & Innovation

• Integrate traditional ecological knowledge with modern sustainable practices.
• Promote regenerative agriculture, water conservation, soil health, and ecosystem preservation.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Agribusiness, Tribal Resource Management, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.

Experience: Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in agriculture, food systems, or land development. Experience working with Tribal organizations or Indigenous communities is highly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strategic thinking with a strong understanding of agriculture policy, food systems, and economic development.
• Knowledge of grant writing, budgeting, and regulatory compliance.
• Effective leadership and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation abilities.
• Cultural competency and respect for Indigenous knowledge and traditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing, orally, and through presentations.
• Ability to make work decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to accurately maintain complex records and practice confidentiality, tact, courtesy, and discretion.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, establish priorities, and operate standard office equipment in an Office 365 environment.
• Ability to work effectively with the public and engage professionals from different disciplines and agencies in support of the program vision.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS

• USDA certifications, Permaculture Design Certificate, or related credentials.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must possess a valid California Driver License and be insurable under the Tribe's insurance policy.
• Must successfully complete required criminal and civil background checks, including compliance with Megan's Law.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen.
• Must be willing to become knowledgeable of the culture and traditions of Native Americans.
• Work is performed in both office and field environments, with local travel as required.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for community engagement or events.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

At-will.

Pauma is a Drug Free Workplace: All new employees must pass a pre-employment drug screen as well as participate in random drug testing during the course of their employment.

Background Checks: Criminal and civil background checks required, including compliance with Megan's Law.

Hiring Preference: The Pauma Band of Mission Indians exercises American Indian hiring preference to members of the Pauma Tribe and members of other federally recognized tribes who present proof of eligibility for Indian preference (25 USC 472).