Tribal Hydroponic Trainee

Chugach Regional Resource Commission; Alaska; On-site; USD 19,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Chugach Regional Resources Commission in Nanwalek, Alaska, invites applications for the Tribal Hydroponic Trainee role. This entry-level program develops hands-on expertise in hydroponic farming and sustainable practices to support food sovereignty in tribal communities.

Participants learn to operate hydroponic equipment, assist with farm planning, safety procedures, and harvesting schedules, while aligning with CRRC's mission and year-round farming goals.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Interest or experience in local food production.
• Willingness to learn and participate in all project training.
• Demonstrated commitment to CRRC's goal of establishing a network of tribally owned farms that operate year-round.
• Enrolled tribal member preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participate in all project training activities.
• Work directly with CRRC and the project’s training consultant to learn to operate hydroponic equipment located in the tribal community.
• Progress to efficiently operate hydroponic equipment in accordance with farm planning developed with the project’s technical consultant.
• Work with the project’s technical consultant to develop a farm safety plan for the operating of the hydroponic equipment. Grow and harvest in accordance with that plan.
• Coordinate farm growing and harvesting plan with the tribe’s outreach and selling plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Food sovereignty enthusiasm

Interpersonal communication

Problem solving

Independent work

Time management

Travel ability

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Enrolled tribal member preferred

Job description

Tribal Hydroponic Trainee

Location: Nanwalek, Alaska

Reports To: Healthy Foods Coordinator

Supervises: None

Grade: 1

Status: Non-Exempt

The Organization: CRRC is a nonprofit intertribal fish and wildlife commission established to address environmental and natural resources issues of concern to its seven member Tribes, located in the Chugach Region of southcentral Alaska. These include Tatitlek Village IRA Council, Native Village of Eyak (Cordova), Port Graham Village Council, Nanwalek IRA Council, Chenega IRA Council, Qutekcak Native Tribe (Seward), and Valdez Native Tribe.

Position Description: The Tribal Hydroponic Trainee will participate in a comprehensive training program designed to develop expertise in hydroponic farming techniques and sustainable agricultural practices. This role aims to support the tribal community's efforts in achieving food sovereignty and promoting environmental stewardship.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in all project training activities.
• Work directly with CRRC and the project’s training consultant to learn to operate hydroponic equipment located in the tribal community.
• Progress to efficiently operate hydroponic equipment in accordance with farm planning developed with the project’s technical consultant.
• Work with the project’s technical consultant to develop a farm safety plan for the operating of the hydroponic equipment. Grow and harvest in accordance with that plan.
• Coordinate farm growing and harvesting plan with the tribe’s outreach and selling plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Educational & Experience Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Experience or demonstrated interest in local food production.
• Willingness to learn and participate in all project training activities.
• Demonstrated commitment to CRRCs project goal of establishing a network of tribally owned farms that operate year-round.
• Enrolled tribal member preferred.

Skills and Abilities:

• Enthusiasm for food sovereignty.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Ability to work independently with little to no supervision.
• Ability to manage time efficiently and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Physical ability to perform farm tasks, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.

Employee is expected to embrace, support, and promote the core values of respect, integrity, trust, compassion, and quality which align with CRRC’s Mission and Vision through their actions and interactions with all staff and partners.

THE CHUGACH REGIONAL RESOURCES COMMISSION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. PREFERENCE IS EXTENDED TO QUALIFIED AMERICAN INDIAN INDIVIDUALS FOR APPOINTMENTS TO ALL POSITIONS ON THE STAFF OF THE CHUGACH REGIONAL RESOURCES COMMISSION (Public Law 93-638 Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, Indian Preference Act, and the Indian Civil Rights Act, 1968 apply). Preference will be given to a Native from the Chugach Region or person who is knowledgeable of the region’s language, culture, and language.