Food Sovereignty Director

Quapaw Nation Careers•Quapaw, OK

About The Position

The Food Sovereignty Director is responsible for the strategic development, coordination, and day to day management of all food sovereignty initiatives. This position provides leadership for programs that promote sustainable agriculture, culturally relevant food practices, and community access to healthy, locally produced foods. The Director oversees key operational components, including the food hub, gardens, farmers markets, and value added production activities, while also securing program sustainability through grant research, writing, and funding development. At full performance level, the position independently carries out both essential and non essential duties with minimal supervision.

Requirements

Knowledge of applicable laws, legal codes, policies, procedures, government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules relevant to the Quapaw Nation, the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), and food and produce safety programs.
Knowledge of relevant equipment and operational strategies that support effective environmental protection of people, property, and natural resources.
Basic knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances, as well as the chemical processes and transformations relevant to the environmental chemistry of the program area.
Awareness of hazardous substances and materials, including chemical uses and interactions, hazard indicators, production techniques, and proper disposal methods.
Understanding of principles and processes for providing effective “customer” service to the Tribe and appropriate regulatory agencies, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality service standards, and evaluating customer satisfaction.
Knowledge of the proper use, care, and functioning of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face masks, gloves, protective goggles, and other equipment applicable to specific work situations.
Proficiency with electronic equipment and computer hardware and software, including applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, QuickBooks, Publisher, and similar programs, with the ability to use these tools effectively on a daily basis.
Strong written and oral communication skills, including business communication and electronic media relations.
Ability to assess the relative costs and benefits of potential actions in order to select the most appropriate course of action.
Develop and implement long term food sovereignty strategies aligned with organizational objectives and cultural values.
Where applicable, integrate traditional ecological knowledge and culturally relevant practices into program design and implementation.
Build and maintain partnerships with local producers, organizations, and community stakeholders.
Establish, monitor, and track performance metrics to evaluate program success and long term sustainability.
Maintain a current driver’s license in good standing and qualify under the Quapaw Nation Motor Vehicle Policy.
High school diploma or equivalent required; a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agronomy, environmental science, food systems, natural resources, administration, or a related field is preferred.
Minimum of two years of administrative experience performing clerical functions, working with computer programs, and/or gaining experience in agricultural or related fields, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Minimum of two years of experience in food production required.
Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods and to reach above shoulder level.
Ability to push, pull, squat, kneel, bend, and lift up to and including 50 pounds without physical discomfort or pain.
Visual acuity sufficient to perform job duties, with or without corrective lenses.
Ability to travel occasionally to attend seminars, lectures, training, or related professional events.

Nice To Haves

a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agronomy, environmental science, food systems, natural resources, administration, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee the Food Hub, including aggregation, storage, distribution, and sales of locally produced food products.
Direct operations for all gardening initiatives, including: Seed Saving Garden Market Garden Community Garden
Provide information, technical assistance, and program support to government representatives, employees, tribal members, and the public regarding agricultural best management practices.
Manage live plant sales, including propagation planning, pricing, and seasonal availability.
Coordinate and oversee the Quapaw Nation Farmers Market, including vendor relations, scheduling, compliance, and promotional activities.
Develop and manage food preservation initiatives (such as canning, freezing, and dehydration) to extend seasonal availability and reduce waste.
Oversee beekeeping operations, including coordination of hive management, honey production, and pollination strategies.
Manage departmental budgets, supplies, and equipment.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Resolve issues and concerns with vendors in a timely and professional manner.
Perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting for office equipment.
Attend professional meetings, relevant workshops, and serve on organization wide or professional committees as needed.
Position may require occasional evening or weekend work related to events and market operations.