Term Length : Full-time, temporary, 46 weeks

Location : Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps Office in Zuni, NM

Salary : $22.50/hr.

Age Requirement : 21-30

Schedule Working : Weekdays Monday through Friday 8-hour days 8am to 4:30pm

"Leading our Nations back to ecological and cultural well-being" Program and Position Summary:

Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps (ALCC) engages motivated Indigenous young adults, ages 21- 30, to complete challenging and impactful conservation and service projects throughout the western United States. Projects may include trail construction & maintenance, habitat improvement, hazardous fuels reduction, re-vegetation, historic preservation, and local environmental service projects. ALCC provides opportunities for members to learn about and connect with the environment, issues surrounding conservation, and local Indigenous values. ALCC crews work in a variety of National Parks, National Forests, and other public areas. Selected members are placed on a crew which will then collaborate to perform project work. ALCC is a non-residential program and does not offer housing. Gear and equipment rental is available upon request.

The Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps Farm Corps is a program of ALCC, and our vision is to catalyze a movement to restore our local food systems through agriculture, seed sovereignty, and traditional knowledge. By fostering intergenerational community and intertribal connections between youth and elders, and empowering future generations through mentorship and immersive farmer training, we aim to protect and revitalize our seeds, ensuring the resilience of our cultural and agricultural heritage for generations to come.

The Farm Corps began in 2011 as a summer youth program in Acoma Pueblo, offering participants hands-on experience in cultivating crops with traditional landrace seeds and flood irrigation farming. Over time, the program has evolved into an immersive experience through core areas, which include

ancestral Pueblo agroecological approach to cultivation and land stewardship, the regeneration and rematriation of indigenous landrace seeds, and fostering community and intertribal peer relationships. Throughout the growing season, participants receive a living stipend while engaging in every stage of cultivation—from soil conservation and regeneration practices, seed-saving techniques, traditional and modern irrigation methods, to seed processing and traditional food preparation. The Ancestral Lands Farm Corps model has expanded to serve the communities of Zuni and Isleta Pueblo to offer the same opportunities for revitalizing their local food systems.

Our community growing efforts support continuity and resilience by providing seed access and educational resources, rooted in the regeneration of indigenous seeds uniquely adapted to the Southwest's climate, soils, aridity, and agroecological techniques.

The Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps office is located in Zuni, NM.

Farm Technician Position Description

The Ancestral Lands Farm Technician supports the Farm Corps Program located and operated at the ALCC Zuni Office and is managed and mentored by the Ancestral Lands and Farm Corps Staff. The responsibilities of the Farm Technician are planting/cultivating indigenous plants, food, and seeds for the Zuni community, which includes constant care of the field and participation in field maintenance. Work may include but is not limited to supporting and providing guidance to the 6-person Farm Corps Crew and Farm Corps Fellows during the growing season, removal of weeds from the field, irrigating the field and tool maintenance at the end of each day, harvesting and processing fresh crops, and processing and storing seeds. Participants will receive training in seed saving and propagation, traditional and modern sustainable agricultural practices, and traditional culinary and food preservation practices. The participants will be exposed to the elements of New Mexico weather, which may include but is not limited to severe weather in some conditions and will have to advise staff of any stand down situations that may occur.

Leadership & Mentorship

· Manage, supervise, and lead the day-to-day details of Farm project work.

· Implement skills training on worksite and facilitate intentional discussions with crew

· Promote individual corps member development and a healthy community

· Assist with crew member development via one-on-one check-ins and debriefs on farm topics

· Mentor and assist Crew Leaders via delegation and constructive feedback

· Must be willing to follow and enforce all ALCC policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent the program, include maintaining a substance-free work environment

Project Management & Implementation

· Train and motivate a crew of 6 young adults and Farm Corps Fellows to efficiently complete farming and seed propagation goals set by partners and staff

· Delegation of project work & investment among crew

· Manage the on-the-ground quality and quantity of project work

· Monitor and track tool and equipment inventory

· Establish tool and equipment maintenance routines

· Effectively coordinate logistics with project partners, crew members, and ALCC staff

Safety & Risk Management

· Monitor, manage, and promote the crew’s physical and emotional safety on and off the work site

· Promote culture of safety by facilitating safety briefings and standdowns

· Communicate and manage field incidents with ALCC staff

· Initiate On-call or emergency medical services in the event of injury or incident

· Transport crew and equipment safely in ALCC vehicles with trailers

Administration

· Report project accomplishments by measuring and documenting outcomes

· Compile notes and documentation pertaining to crew work hours, group and member dynamics, and incident management

· Notify staff of farm needs for purchases, to manage, document and report all purchases.

· Work with staff to identify the goals and ideas for the overall farm corps program