Wapas Nah Nee Shuka Garden Specialist

Description

NAYA is seeking a passionate and community-centered Wapas Nah Nee Shaku Specialist to support the NAYA Food Sovereignty Program and help bring the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) Regenerative Agriculture grant to a strong close. Land sovereignty is at the core of who we are as Native people — it allows us to exist as Indigenous people, to be in relationship with the land, and heal the land to help heal ourselves. If you're energized by working close to the earth, building food sovereignty alongside community, and connecting Indigenous people to land and traditional practice, this role is for you.

NAYA offers an exceptional benefits package, including free medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees (with affordable options for family members), a 401(k) retirement plan with a 6% match, paid vacation, and 16 paid holidays. This is a full-time position typically working 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings, weekends, and local travel as needed. The pay range for the position is $28.80-$31.00 per hour.

Who You Are

• You have knowledge of regenerative agriculture processes, traditional ecological knowledge in the farming process, and seasonal agricultural practices in the Pacific Northwest.
• Ideally, you have experience working within diverse populations — specifically with urban and reservation Native communities (strongly preferred).
• You communicate clearly and respectfully with people from various backgrounds and can adapt to different situations.
• You are organized, reliable, and able to balance hands-on outdoor work with administrative and reporting responsibilities.
• You thrive in a team-oriented workplace, are adaptable, and are willing to roll up your sleeves and pitch in, even when it’s not your job.  
• You demonstrate self-awareness, listening deeply, centering others, and taking accountability for your actions.
• You are consistently punctual, reliable, and dependable in support of your team and clients. 
• You’re comfortable using databases, Microsoft Office, and email, and you're open to learning new systems.
• You hold or can obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, and AED certification.

What You'll Do

• Support the Food Sovereignty Garden Coordinator and Indigenous Food Sovereignty Coordinator in meeting the goals of the NAYA Food Sovereignty Program and PCEF Regenerative Agriculture grant.
• Help keep the Wapas Nah Nee Shaku Gardens healthy, safe, and connected to the broader NAYA food system — including the kitchen, pantry, and food box program.
• Coordinate garden volunteers and capstone students.
• Collect data and support reporting requirements for the PCEF grant.
• Represent NAYA with professionalism at community events and contribute as an active member of the team.

Application Instructions: Providing a cover letter helps us best understand your interest in the role, so we encourage you to submit one along with your resume. If you need accommodation during the application process, please email jobs@nayapdx.org.

Questions? Want to chat about this role before you decide to apply? Contact Gina Mengwasser, Health Equity Manager, or the HR team.

NAYA is committed to building a work environment that respects and inspires every community member. Our mission is to serve Urban Native youth and families, so we strongly encourage members of the Native community to apply. We encourage applications from members of other historically marginalized groups, as well, including women, people of color, those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those who have served in the military.

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