HORTICULTURIST – NATIVE SEED BANK DEVELOPMENT

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe is seeking a horticulturist to lead the establishment of a native seed bank for the expansion of its ecological restoration efforts. The incumbent will be responsible for identifying sources of native plant seed on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation, with initial focus around the Tribe’s remnant Palouse prairielands in the area known as “Liberty Butte,” and will monitor, harvest, dry, clean, and store native seed. This position requires a significant of time in the field, and the ability to work independently.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and implement a schedule for seed collection, based on native plant phenology, seed quality, and abundance.
• Clean, process, and appropriately store seeds.
• Develop planting and landscape restoration recommendations for native prairie species for the Tribe’s EPO, Fisheries and Wildlife, and Water Resources Staff.
• Work with Environmental Program Manager and colleagues to develop and host trainings on native Palouse plants for the Natural Resources Department, as well as project partners and the Tribal community.
• Meet specific time frames and scope of work contained in the funding grant document.
• Must show the highest professional standards and promote a positive image of the Tribe and its administration at all times. Perform other duties as assigned to promote the efficiency and effectiveness of the department.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Horticulture, Botany, Ecology, or related field.
• Two years of experience in environmental field work.
• Familiarity with Palouse region and culturally significant native plants.
• Experience with plant propagation and nursery operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in related field or combination of experience and post-secondary education.
• Experience working with a taxonomic key and/or experience with local plant species
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and keep records.
• Familiarity with seed collection tools.
• Knowledge of Indian tribes and ability to work in a multi-cultural setting.
• Strong computer skills in the latest MS Office package (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, MS PowerPoint, etc.), as well as experience with creating presentations and flyers using programs such as Adobe and Canva.
• Ability to adhere to field safety and communication guidelines.
• Must comply with all other Tribal Health Policies.
• Some travel and occasional evening and weekend work is required.
• Requires a valid driver’s license.

Communication/Representation

• Must support and represent in written and oral communications the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s: vision, mission, and core values per CdA Resolution 015 (2020).
• Ability to interact effectively with Tribal staff, Tribal Leaders, external organizations, and the public while using diplomacy in confronting sensitive topics.
• Ability to act promptly upon requests for information.

Supervision Received and Exercised

• The Environmental Programs Manager provides direct supervision of the position.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift boxes between 35-40 lbs from the floor to waist and waist to shoulders.
• Willingness to work in variable outdoor conditions, including extreme temperatures, rough terrain, insects, and wildlife.
• Ability to hike, stand, bend, and stoop as needed for seed collection.

An applicant may be asked to participate in an interview to establish whether he/she meets minimum qualifications. Interviews do not create a right to employment and provide no promise or other guarantee of any employment position with the Tribe. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe reserves the right to hire according to its Indian Preference Policy. Applicants are subject to a pre-employment drug test and at-random testing following employment. Positions with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe are subject to a 6-month orientation period.

To apply, submit a Tribal application, detailed cover letter outlining a clear description of your qualifications including experience, training, and any other aspects of your background that may contribute to fulfilling the specified job duties and responsibilities, resume, college transcripts, professional certifications, and three (3) professional references to the Human Resources Department, P.O. Box 408, Plummer Idaho 83851.