COMMUNITY AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY COORDINATOR

The Tyonek Tribal Conservation District (TTCD) is seeking a full-time permanent Community Agriculture and Forestry Coordinator to join our team! This position will work closely with the Tyonek Grown Program Manager to support various agriculture, food forest, and food security projects. Duties will include, but are not limited to, assisting with crop planning and management of the Tyonek Community Farm and Garden, development of a new food forest site, hydroponic production at Tebughna School, data collection and analysis, research, reporting, and outreach related to various food security and community agriculture initiatives within the Native Village of Tyonek (NVT).

The immediate priority for this position is to lead the planning and development (in collaboration with the Program Manager) of a .25 acre community food forest. The Tyonek Community Food Forest will be established beside the 1-acre community farm and will integrate native plants and desirable fruit trees, as well as pathways and community gathering spaces. The Coordinator will support site evaluation, planning, design, plant selection and ultimate execution of the food forest between 2025-2027. This position will involve considerable field work in Tyonek, AK during the summer months, including general farm maintenance (i.e., tilling, bed prep, planting, cultivating, harvesting, watering), planting trees and perennials, supporting with infrastructure maintenance and community events. Winter activities will involve supporting research, site planning, crop planning, record keeping and data synthesis, hydroponic maintenance, and programmatic upkeep.

The ideal candidate has field experience in agriculture, forestry, soil health, or other ecosystems management and is motivated to support the complex and growing work of the Tyonek Grown program and TTCD at large. They will have a team-oriented attitude, be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, and thrive in the flexible, dynamic, and fast-paced environment of a growing and reflective nonprofit.

This job position will be based in either Anchorage or Tyonek. Anchorage-based staff can expect to travel to the remote community of Tyonek for both day and overnight [multi-day] trips during the summer months. The Community Agriculture and Forestry Coordinator will gain valuable experience through exposure to the daily operation of a conservation nonprofit organization and community agriculture operation.

JOB FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leads the design and development of the Tyonek Community Food Forest, including forest layout, plant selections, ground preparation, planting, and maintenance (in coordination with the Tyonek Grown Program Manager)
• Supports day-to-day operations of a 1-acre community farm including implementation of a crop plan, planting/transplanting, cultivating, composting, pest management, and trouble-shooting field systems
• Supports planting and ongoing maintenance of multiple hydroponic units at Tebughna School during the school year
• Collects and synthesizes data for all food production systems
• Assists with infrastructure improvements and coordination of field projects
• Collaborates with the (Tyonek-based) Garden Supervisor and Youth Garden Interns to ensure accomplishment of weekly tasks at the community farm
• Supports the development and upkeep of program materials including farm operation and infrastructure manuals, crop planning, data collection systems, and other content development
• Works collaboratively with a diverse team of field staff and community members
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of plant and soil health principles
• Experience in field work related to agriculture, forestry, or other ecosystems management
• Ability to work independently, follow instructions, and problem solve
• Willingness to travel regularly with occasional overnight stays in Tyonek, AK
• Willingness to work outdoors, including physical work in varying weather conditions
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and teamwork skills
• Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in a production farm setting
• Experience working with and knowledge of native plants and/or fruit trees
• Experience working with youth between the ages of 14-18
• Experience in Alaska Native Village settings
• Valid driver’s license
• Wilderness medicine certification(s)

SALARY

This a full-time, hourly position with an annual salary of $58,000-$62,000

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, applicants should include a resume with three professional references, and cover letter describing their interest and qualifications. The resume and cover letter (as well as inquiries) can be emailed to the Tyonek Tribal Conservation District hiring team at admin@ttcd.org.

Communications will be treated in confidence and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Resume reviews begin immediately.

---

PROJECT EVALUATOR FOR STEM CURRICULA (CONTRACT RFP)

The Tyonek Tribal Conservation District is seeking an education project evaluator to assess TTCD’s effectiveness in delivering year-round, place-based, educational programs that are culturally relevant and which increase STEM-aptitude and interest or participation in STEM careers or post-secondary education among students at the Tebughna School in Tyonek, AK. Click to download the full RFP document for additional details.

Project Overview:

TTCD has been funded by the Alaska Native Education Program (ANEP) to implement educational programming that fosters a sense of community self-determination in natural resource management and conservation through hands-on STEM curriculum, trainings, and internship opportunities for Alaska Native youth.

Objective 1: Increase STEM-aptitude among Tyonek students.

Objective 2: Increase interest and participation in post-secondary education and/or jobs in STEM-based fields for Tyonek students.

Associated Activities:

• Develop hands-on, place-based STEM curriculum for grades K-12.
• Develop alternative lesson delivery methods for resilience to in-person restrictions.
• Implement bi-monthly hands-on, place-based, and culturally appropriate science lessons.
• Develop and implement continuing education courses on Tyonek-based curriculum.
• Provide Conservation Youth Internships at the Tyonek Garden and with TTCD’s conservation programs.
• Expand the hydroponics systems and marketing strategies at the Tyonek school.
• Integrate place-based connections to the curriculum through culture and language.
• Create an Education Center in the Tyonek Garden for additional place-based STEM and agriculture activities out of the weather.

Proposal Submission Due: By January 6, 2025

Budget: Up to $60,000

Project Timeline: January 20, 2025 – September 29, 2025 with possible one-year extension

Proposal Requirements:

• Overview of your company or organization.
• Description of your company or organization’s past evaluation experience, evaluation approach and timeline. Evaluator must have a minimum of 3 years’ experience in research and evaluation.
• Demonstration of qualifications and experience for key personnel, such as a resume or curriculum vitae. Experience working with rural schools and/or school districts on projects that involve data sharing agreements between schools and community organizations is required.
• A general budget for project evaluation. Meetings for this project will largely occur in Anchorage with occasional travel to Tyonek. Travel budget will be negotiated separately as workplan is finalized. 
• A successful bid will require an Alaska business license, IRS W-9 Form, and proof of insurance including worker’s compensation if required by the state. A contract cannot be awarded to a business/entity that has been suspended or barred from doing business with the US Government. Proposals should acknowledge this requirement, but documentation will only be required of a successful bid prior to executing a contract.

Please submit questions and proposals to Erica Lujan at elujan@ttcd.org

---