Herbalist Apprentice | Tribal Member Preferred

Nisqually Indian Tribe•Olympia, WA

About The Position

This position will provide holistic healing to Nisqually Community members through growing, producing and dispensing herbal remedies. This position is to learn under the Herbalist to gain knowledge and experience to qualify to register with the American Herbalist Guild. This position ensures the confidentiality, security, and accuracy of records, and promotes positive employee, customer, and community relations. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required and outstanding customer service to fellow employees, customers, vendors, etc. is expected. Regular attendance is required, and on occasion, later hours or weekend time may be required with project deadlines and a neat well-groomed professional appearance is essential at all times.

Requirements

Must have herbalist certifications from an approved school and a letter of recommendation from the teacher.
Two years of recent related work experience in a related healthcare field OR a comparable combination of approved education.
Two years of gardening experience.
Experience with alternative healing modalities and/or traditional medicines.
Experience in medical office, alternative care, or related healing program operation.
Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
The ability to work with vulnerable populations including adults and children.
Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.

Nice To Haves

In depth knowledge of Traditional medicines and indigenous values.
Understanding and connection to tribal communities with development of relations to promote community engagement and growth.
Knowledge and passion of building, maintaining, and supporting community garden work.
Ability to attend evenings and weekends events and seasonal activities.
Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history, customs, traditions, and ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.

Responsibilities

Practice holistic healing and council clients on the traditional use of herbal and food medicines to become registered in the American Herbalist Guild.
Craft herbal medicines and skin care products using a variety of menstrua, medicine making techniques and formulas, including tinctures, infused honeys, oxymels, elixirs, salts, infusions, decoctions, succi, poultices, infused oils, creams, salves, toners, etc.
Help maintain detailed records of all clients and herbal medicine recommendations within EHR software.
Help maintain detailed and organized inventory and dispensing of all herbs, ingredients, products, supplies and tools.
Assist with regular classes at the community garden teaching kitchen (minimum 6 classes a year).
Educate clients and community members on how to incorporate Native plants and foods into their diet and the effect of Native Foods on the body systems and organs as well as the cultural use of plants including harvesting and preparing herbal medicines.
Seasonally and ethically harvest, process, and record wild foods and medicines.
Help maintain and enhance or expand the Traditional Healing Garden using organic and ethical practices such as weeding, planting, harvesting, etc.
Collaborate with Garden program manager, Health Department's Medical, Dental and Pharmacy programs to provide integrated and full circle health care services to all clients of The Nisqually Tribal Health and Wellness Center and Community Garden.
Collaborate with other health and Tribal programs to enhance accessibility of services.
Provide detailed labels on all herbs and medicines.
Attend trainings virtually or in person to remain up to date on all modalities of traditional and holistic healing.
Assist with program policy and procedure development.
Operate program equipment safely such as, hand tools, blenders, dehydrators, ect.
Represent the program at both Tribal and local events.
Maintain a sanitary, safe and functional workspaces.
Perform other duties as assigned.