Community Gardener

POSITION TITLE: Community Gardener
DEPARTMENT: Health & Human Services (HHS)
LOCATION: Toledo, Washington
REPORTS TO: Garden Supervisor
STATUS: Hourly; Full-Time
WAGE RANGE: $27.15 - $31.25 per hour

CLOSING DATE: May 20^th, 2026

 

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

 

Position Summary:

Achieves the goals and objectives of the community garden program by managing, coordinating, planning, and performing the tasks required for the daily operation of the Cowlitz Community Garden. Maintains professionalism in all interactions with internal and external customers. Adheres to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and of the HHS department.

 

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assesses the operational needs of the garden; prioritizes and implements the daily task schedule.
• Assists with the layout of the garden using standard crop rotation methods to maintain soil health.
• Pre-plants seeds in greenhouse for cultivation of seedlings and transplants to garden; sorts and plants seeds and seedlings in garden.
• Maintains garden, including weeding, mulching, pruning, and cultivating.
• Makes medicinal soaps, salves, and other items for educational programming, events, and outreach, and supports food preservation efforts, including freeze-drying, dehydrating, and canning products
• Maintains the health of soil and plants by adding nutrients and fertilizers as needed.
• Operates and maintains equipment; maintains inventory of all equipment and tools.
• Orders all supplies, tools, seeds, and field amendments periodically as needed to maintain the health of plants and maximize soil conditions.
• Maintains detailed records of all garden activities, including crop planning, crop rotation, and harvest records; manages the database of all produce recipients.
• Harvests all vegetables and crops to prepare for canning and distribution.
• Coordinates with the Elders program to ensure the garden is meeting their produce needs.
• Hosts garden tours and conducts gardening classes as needed
• Builds relationships and coordinates with program partners in the completion of long-term projects focused on increasing food sovereignty and community growth.
• Supervises youth and adult volunteers during events and internship activities; may lead the work of program assistants.
• Coordinates, plans, and implements outreach and educational activities and events as needed.
• Designs annual planting plans to meet the needs of the tribal community and clients.
• Develops short, medium, and long-term plans to strengthen the garden program; builds partnerships and meets the needs of the community.
• Evaluates program goals and objectives; adapts and implements program changes to increase accessibility, educational opportunities, and community-building activities.
• Delivers produce shares to various tribal locations and manages the distribution list, including entering new sign-ups, contacting recipients, maintaining accurate records, and tracking distribution numbers.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of organic farming practices, gardening principles, tools, and production management techniques.
• Knowledge of garden planning, irrigation, and equipment maintenance and operation.
• Skill in using standard gardening equipment, including hand tools, tractors, small engine equipment, and irrigation systems.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs.
• Skill in treating internal and external customers with tact, courtesy, and respect.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.ty to carry out instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Three years of gardening and greenhouse experience utilizing various farming equipment, including a tractor, brush hog, rototiller, cultivator, plow, and disk.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation according to the established requirements below.

 

Tribal preference in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

 

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education, and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks, including fingerprint verification.

 

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 50lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance.

 

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed outdoors with frequent exposure to excessive noise. Exposure to natural weather conditions and dust, fumes, airborne particles, and/or allergens may occur while performing outdoor duties. Standing and walking may be on uneven surfaces or unstable ground. Work is frequently performed near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery, and the use of protective clothing, equipment, devices, and materials is necessary. Weekend work is occasionally required.