2026

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians•Siletz, OR

3d•$24

About The Position

The Produce Distribution Assistant is dedicated to advancing safe and appropriate access to fresh food for the Siletz Tribal population. A vital part of the Food Sovereignty Program that collaborates closely with Tribal members, community partnerships, internal and external stakeholders, and various committees. They assist with the safe harvesting, handling, storage, processing, and distribution of culturally congruent foods and produce from the Siletz Clinic Farm property and surrounding landscapes. The Produce Distribution Assistant provides direct support for the Food Sovereignty Box Program and contributes to the development and communication of opportunities provided by the program within the Clinic service area.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED and one years’ experience in an agricultural production position -OR- 1 years’ experience in horticulture -OR- an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of: Working with indigenous/native communities.
Knowledge of: Plant nutrition, soil health, water conservation, and seed saving.
Knowledge of: Food preservation techniques.
Knowledge of: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) systems.
Experience in: Planting, harvesting, and cultivating plants for human consumption.
Experience in: Long-term storage of fresh foods in cold storage.
Experience in: Safely operating and working with machinery, tools, tractors, cultivators, saws, and other farm-related equipment.
Experience in: Safe handling and storage requirements of produce.
Ability to: Demonstrate strong communication skills—written, verbal, and in one-on-one interactions—and be comfortable working in/with groups.
Ability to: Prioritize duties and act on creative opportunities to develop the Food Sovereignty Program’s value as a resource to Tribal members.
Ability to: Be highly organized, able to work independently, and make accurate estimates of timing and growing conditions required for optimal plant harvesting.
Ability to: Perform physical work required for harvesting, gleaning, washing, packing, loading, and distributing fresh produce.

Responsibilities

Assist in the development and implementation of a comprehensive produce distribution plan for the Siletz Clinic Farm including harvest, wash, pack, storage, and distribution.
Make regular inspections to ensure that all produce and food is being properly handled, stored, and meets safety standards for human consumption.
Maintain and implement the program’s CSA model of produce distribution known as the Food Sovereignty Box Program.
Coordinate and assist in all harvesting, gleaning, washing, packing, storing, processing, distribution, and other tasks associated with fresh produce.
Maintain harvest and distribution efforts throughout the year.
Prepare and periodically update protocol manuals for produce handling practices, distribution strategies, and food preservation techniques.
Properly maintains equipment and hand tools and assures safe and proper storage.
Operate small equipment including two-wheel tractors, cultivators, and lawnmowers, as well as small equipment tools such as chainsaws, string trimmers, and chippers.
Assist other employee needs including all aspects of gardening, habitat restoration, events, and other program support tasks.
Perform custodial duties within assigned work areas.
Continual learning commitment to cultural competency.
Perform other Food Sovereignty Program functions as assigned by supervisor.