CEA Greenhouse Director

COMANCHE NATION - INDIAN TRIBE•Lawton, OK

About The Position

The CEA Greenhouse Director is responsible for the overall management and operation of the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Greenhouse(s). This role ensures optimal plant growth and productivity through careful monitoring of nutrient delivery systems, water quality, and environmental controls. The Director oversees the administration, supervision, and coordination of all activities related to the propagation, cultivation, and harvesting of organically grown plants, whether through CEA or organic soil-based methods. The Director is committed to ensuring the safety and quality of plant production, including all phases of cultivation, collection, storage, and distribution. Additionally, this position promotes the health, safety, and well-being of staff and tribal members, upholds Comanche Nation cultural values, and ensures compliance with all applicable tribal, federal, and state regulations.

Requirements

Preferred graduate from an accredited college or university with a B.S. Degree in Controlled Environment Agriculture, Horticulture, Plant Sciences or a related field. (Relevant experience may substitute for education on a year-to-year basis.)
Minimum of three (3) years of successful experience operating and managing a CEA greenhouse.
Minimum of (3) years of supervisory or administrative experience managing a greenhouse environment and staff.
Ability to monitor and analyze environmental metrics, work independently and make sound decisions under pressure.
Successful experience with hydroponics and organic above and in-ground grows necessary, knowledge of additional CEA methods preferred.
Successful experience with plant disease management and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods
Knowledge of FSMA and PSR and GAP standards and regulations, preferred certification.
Strong organizational communication, interpersonal, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
Must possess knowledge, skills and ability to develop and complete grant applications for funding.
Does not possess any felony convictions.
Must be able to pass a drug screening test and a background check.
Must have a current valid Driver’s License and be insurable with the Comanche Nation Headquarters Insurance.

Nice To Haves

Preferred experience in a tribal government or with tribal organizations / communities.
Preferred experience with grant writing and reporting experience.
Preferred knowledge of Comanche culture and language.

Responsibilities

Develop, Implement, and Maintain a Farm Food Safety Plan (FSP), program goals, objectives, policies, standard operating procedures, and strategic plans aligned with the mission of the Comanche Nation.
Oversee daily operations of running a CEA Greenhouse (Taa Tukarui), responsible for the propagation, cultivation, harvesting, and safe transport of plants.
Regularly monitor, record, and document plant health, nutrient levels, plant growth, production, and environmental conditions. Must be able to adjust as needed to optimize growth and yield.
Prepare and manage the program’s annual budget, including expenditure tracking and financial reporting.
Manage and supervise Taa Tukarui staff performance, WIOA and SYEP workers, conduct evaluations, and provide logs of ongoing training and development.
Establish and maintain optimal growing conditions for plants with relation to temperature, humidity, lighting, and ventilation
Ensure the operation is in line with tribal, environmental, federal, and state regulations.
Ensure appropriate practices with regards to personal hygiene, wearing appropriate apparel, and utilizing PPE for environmental and food safety, must provide daily logs of adherence.
Utilize and remain current on research pertaining to Plant Disease Management and Integrated Pest Management.
Maintain accurate records of inventory, planting schedules, environmental data, pest control treatments, and other relevant information.
Plan, coordinate, collaborate, and attend CN cultural events, health fairs, educational workshops, and recreational activities with related CN Departments, community centers, and organizations within the CN.
Advocate food security and nutritional needs of tribal members and serve as a liaison with agricultural and health related agencies, local organizations, and tribal departments.
Submit timely reports to funding agencies.
Ensure all programs under Taa Tukarui maintain a culture of respect for plants and foods, a culture of food safety, and provide a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment.
Support emergency management preparedness for staff and participants, including weather-related closures and safety procedures.
Provide nutritional, organically grown produce to program participants.
Maintain records for files, participant logs, sign in sheets, tracking documents for produce, intake forms and delivering to homebound participants.
Work closely with management to develop and provide monthly narrative reports on system productivity, efficiency, forecasting and limitations, staff activities i.e., attendance at trainings, conferences, meetings to discuss program goals and objectives and workshops, listing the names, dates who attended and the purpose.
Conduct a needs assessment to determine the food security and nutritional needs of CN tribal members.
Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards in all interactions.
All other duties assigned.