Traditional Foods Educator

Job Code: 19-2041

Salary: $25.71 - $40.63

Status: Full-time, Term 2 Years, Non-exempt

Department: Environment

Location: Tribal Farm

Reports To: Agriculture Program Manager

Telecommute: No

Fleet: Yes 

Mandated Reporter: No

Background: Standard

Summary: The Traditional Food Educator will lead efforts in teaching traditional Mohawk food production practices. This role is instrumental in enhancing food sovereignty, cultural resilience, and sustainable agricultural practices within the Akwesasne community. The educator will be responsible for training Agriculture Program staff, facilitating hands-on workshops, and integrating Mohawk language and culture into all aspects of the program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Develop and implement a train-the-trainer education model for Agriculture Program staff that incorporates traditional knowledge with modern sustainability practices.
• Assist with planning and conducting community workshops on traditional food practices such as Mohawk white corn cultivation, seed saving, heirloom crops, and sustainable gardening.
• Provide training and technical assistance to Akwesasne Community members through planned workshops.
• Integrate Cultural Knowledge into Curriculum by designing and delivering educational programming that incorporates Mohawk language, Haudenosaunee agricultural practices, and traditional knowledge into all workshops and learning experiences.
• Facilitate Experiential Learning by leading hands-on, community-based educational activities such as weekly "community days" at the Tribal Farm, ensuring interactive and inclusive participation.
• Develop and Adapt Educational Materials for workshop content and instructional materials based on community feedback, cultural input, and evolving program goals.
• Teach sustainable farming techniques—including composting, no-till soil management, and organic pest control—while emphasizing their cultural significance and environmental benefits.
• Collaborate with Community Stakeholder to ensure workshop topics are relevant and needed.
• Evaluate Program Effectiveness by tracking participant engagement and learning outcomes using qualitative and quantitative methods, and implement improvements based on evaluation findings.
• Integrate the market garden into education materials in order to enhance workshops.
• Other duties as assigned.  

Supervisory Responsibilities: There are no supervisor requirements for this position.

Qualification Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Due to the sensitive nature of information obtained, must maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

Education and/or Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Animal Science, or any related field; AND
  • Minimum of 4 years’ experience with garden management, farm work, and/or food production required. 

OR

• Equivalent combination of education and sustainable agricultural experience may be considered. 

Other Skills and Abilities: Computer testing in the applicable skills may be a requirement during the interview process.

• Mid-level proficiency in the Mohawk Language is preferred.
• Organization - Strong organizational and communication skills to coordinate events, manage curriculum, and engage with community members.
• Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.
• Public Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Food Production — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
• Extensive knowledge of traditional Mohawk food production and Haudenosaunee agricultural practices.

Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license in accordance with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Fleet Policy. 

The successful candidate must pass a drug test and background check prior to employment.