Indigenous Garden Coordinator

Fort Lewis College•Jones, OK

1d•$49,000 - $54,000

About The Position

The Indigenous Garden Coordinator (“Coordinator”) will coordinate garden work related to the Indigenous culture and knowledge priority area of Fort Lewis College’s Reconciliation Framework and the Center for Reconciliation. From 1891-1910, FLC operated as a federal Indian boarding school system. To address the intergenerational impacts of the federal Indian boarding school system, FLC has undertaken a comprehensive approach to reconciliation that is focused on healing, maintaining respectful, reciprocal relationships with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities, and caring for Indigenous students at FLC. Indigenous culture and knowledge is one of four priority areas of FLC’s Reconciliation Framework. The other priority areas are centered around Tribal Nation Building, Language Reclamation, and Health & Wellness. The Indigenous Garden Coordinator will be a member of the Reconciliation team and will also work collaboratively across campus to support the team’s cohesive and collaborative Reconciliation strategy that realizes FLC’s commitment to Indigenous communities. This position oversees the establishment of a new 1,500 square foot Indigenous Garden, which includes medicinal, natural dyes, edible, craft and tool, and pollinator garden beds. Additionally, the Coordinator will provide gardening stupport to the Environmental Center Growing Spaces: a 750 square foot Campus Garden and a ¼-acre Food Forest Orchard. The position reports to the Director of Reconciliation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or four years of equivalent experience
2 or more years of relevant professional experience
2 or more years of experience in plant care and garden maintenance

Nice To Haves

Strong collaboration, communication and organizational skills
Experience or education in Traditional Ecological Knowledge systems or practices
Knowledge or education in cultural seed-keeping
Experience working with a diverse group of individuals, specifically Indigenous communities

Responsibilities

Develop and oversee the operational and programmatic goals of the Indigenous Garden, grounded in Indigenous culture and knowledge, in partnership with campus community input
Manage 3-5 Indigenous garden student staff to complete post-construction plantings, develop a long-term sustainability plan, and implement Indigenous-centered protocols for community use
Manage all educational programming related to the Indigenous Garden and develop resources and initiatives that support the Indigenous Garden as a site of learning and Indigenous culture & knowledge as part of FLC’s reconciliation work and the FLC 2025-2030 strategic plan
Cultivate and sustain collaborative partnerships with on- and off-campus stakeholders , including college departments, committees, the Old Fort at Hesperus, local nonprofits, and Tribal partners
Conduct assessments and evaluation to support the ongoing development and enhancement of the Indigenous Garden and cultural programs and processes at and beyond FLC
Implement and assess promotion strategies for reconciliation events, programs, and the Center for Reconciliation (e.g., newsletters, website, social media, posters).
Contribute to reconciliation curriculum development, professional development, and community engagement opportunities.
Perform and oversee garden and orchard maintenance for the Environmental Center growing spaces including crop planning, controlling weed pressure, scheduling irrigation, and succession planting.
Maintain all garden equipment including but not limited to the water collecting tank, irrigation drip lines, and cider press.
Oversees EC Growing Spaces during the summer months, including managing Growing Spaces interns up to 5 hours per week
Communicate the maintenance status of the Growing Spaces to the EC Assistant Director and Coordinator and engage in a collaborative decision process with consultation from the Director of Reconciliation
Maintains knowledge and awareness of digital accessibility including the American with Disabilities and Section 508
Produces and remediates digitally accessible materials in accordance with FLC standards.
Perform other duties as assigned