Garden Technician

UPPER MATTAPONI INDIAN TRIBE

About The Position

The Garden Technician assists with the tribal community garden, high tunnel, and cultural garden, as well as the composting program. Duties include routine care of plants, greenhouse care, irrigation implementation and repair, weeding, growing and harvesting food, transporting materials, and maintaining a collaborative compost program.

Requirements

Must be comfortable operating landscape equipment (mowers, tractors, pruners, etc.). Training will be provided when necessary.
Must be willing and able to participate in additional education and training.
Must have excellent communication skills and be able to communicate clearly and concisely.
Must be able to organize time, solve problems, and carry out duties with minimum supervision, as well as work cooperatively with other staff.
Ability to adapt to a dynamic working environment and receive direction according to organizational needs.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience in landscaping, horticulture, agriculture or composting and/or a willingness to learn.
Must possess a valid Virginia driver’s license or be able to obtain one and be insurable to drive Tribal vehicles.
Applicants are required to authorize a background check and submit to drug testing. Failure to do so will disqualify applicants from consideration for the position.

Responsibilities

Assist in growing all tribal gardens, seed starting, season crop planting, soil health maintenance, harvest and process crops, and maintain an irrigation system.
Garden preparation and maintenance, including spreading mulch, compost, fertilizer on all crops and managing weeds.
Monitor and maintain the health of plants.
Assist in maintaining a collaborative compost system on tribal grounds, including coordinating with Tribal staff, King William School dining services, and King William Florist.
Transport and process incoming materials and finished compost products.
Collaborate with Tribal staff to develop and implement community and educational programs related to compost and garden programs, encourage participation and train and monitor volunteers.
Develop, maintain, and promote positive and professional relationships with tribal community, compost partners, and volunteers.
Maintain, organize and clean equipment and storage areas.
Perform other related duties as assigned.