Intertribal Agriculture Council Technical Assistance Specialist - Alaska Region Remote · Full time

Apply for Technical Assistance Specialist - Alaska Region

DUTIES

Producer/Tribal Engagement:

• Increase access and use of USDA programs and services by Indian producers and Tribes within the region through targeted outreach and individualized assistance
• Maintain ongoing technical assistance presence across all applicable programs and services available through USDA through direct coordination with appropriate agencies
• Act as an additional point of contact between producers/Tribes and USDA agencies.
• Develop a regional outreach strategy that includes tailored initiatives designed to address regional issues and meet success markers. 
• Work closely with other national and regional American Indian/Alaska Native organizations to support technical assistance and resource identification for Tribal producers and Tribes. 
• Contribute to the development of instructional materials that will support USDA outreach and program access.
• Ensure that services and technical assistance are provided to address natural resource concerns on Tribal lands
• Advocate for practices that are culturally sensitive and technically sound

Partnership Engagement: 

• Develop regional outreach and technical partnerships that positively contribute to TA program delivery
• Establish contacts and strategic partnerships with Indian Health Services, BIA (as necessary), 1994 Tribal Colleges, First American Land Grant College Organization & Network (FALCON) professionals, and related education and extension providers within the region
• Provide leadership and direction for Regional partnership-based initiatives, including special funding initiatives.
• Coordinate regional initiatives with key partners to match resources and complement mission-aligned goals involving Tribal agriculture, food systems, and natural resources management objectives

Organizational Engagement:

• Maintain strict adherence to accountability and reporting measures through IAC’s database systems.
• Keeps the IAC Management Team advised of significant problems, opportunities, trends, and developments that affect the membership nationally and/or in the region. 
• Develops and recommends prevention and/or remedial actions as necessary to overcome such issues and to capitalize on opportunities
• Contributes to organizational initiatives that involve other IAC programs and collaborates with members of various teams
• Engage and support the evolving youth programs of IAC to ensure adequate program development and delivery across the region.

REQUIREMENTS 

Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility by the closing date of this vacancy announcement. It is desired that the applicant have one year of experience in each of the following: 

• Demonstrate knowledge and proficiency of the history, culture, and traditions of American Indian Tribes and exhibit and promote cultural awareness and sensitivity to unique Tribal customs. 
• Working knowledge of USDA programs, services, and the application procedures related to use on Indian Lands. 
• Working knowledge of financial assistance programs and work experience with clients to leverage external funding sources to address resource concerns. 
• Working knowledge of Tribal and BIA operations, procedures, and policy impact on participation in USDA programs. 
• Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships both internally and externally, including media contacts and vendors; ability to establish timelines and meet deadlines; strong detail orientation; high standards for quality work; personable demeanor/excellent customer service orientation. 
• Ability to handle multiple projects concurrently. 
• Outstanding organizational skills. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively orally and in writing with diverse interest groups, agriculture producers, and Tribal dignitaries. 
• Computer proficiency: word-processing, spreadsheet, PowerPoint, and database management. 
• Education/Demonstrated Experience - Soil Conservation, related agricultural or natural resource disciplines such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, agricultural engineering preferred. 
• Applicant must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and designate a financial institution for your salary to be a Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer. 
• IAC puts safety at the very top of our priority list and concurs with the medical community's stance on the Covid-19 Vaccine. To ensure a safe working environment for every employee, their families and the vulnerable population we serve, IAC requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19.

The successful applicant will work with all other staff to accomplish the organization’s goals related to IAC and assist with outreach and related functions to ensure Tribes and Producers are aware of programs and participating at their capability level. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 

How to Apply: 

Submit combined* cover letter and résumé to the applicant portal. *The portal only allows one upload.

Conditions of Employment: 

• An initial six (6) month introductory period is required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit. 
• IAC puts safety at the very top of our priority list and concurs with the medical community's stance on the Covid-19 Vaccine. To ensure a safe working environment for every employee, their families and the vulnerable population we serve, IAC requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19.
• Light travel may be required for internal and external meetings.

Benefits

All full-time, permanent employees of IAC receive family health and dental insurance. The employee receives life insurance, and 6% equivalent of the annual salary will be contributed to a retirement account (there is no match requirement). Eligible for holiday, annual, and sick leave.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: 

The Intertribal Agriculture Council does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors. 

Reasonable Accommodation: 

The IAC will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the IAC directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. 

A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits. 

Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, organizations utilizing federal funding must provide reasonable accommodations when: 

• An applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to apply for a job. 
• An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to perform the essential job duties or to gain access to the workplace. 
• An employee with a disability needs an accommodation to receive equal access to benefits, such as details, training, and office-sponsored events. 

You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application or hiring process or while on the job. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Send accommodation requests to the Director Operations and Strategy: Donita Fischer [email protected]