Food Sovereignty Program Assistant

Summary

The Food Sovereignty Program Assistant supports Leech Lake Tribal College’s food sovereignty land-grant initiatives and assists with research and communication for land-grant projects at Leech Lake Tribal College. This position includes hands-on work, community engagement, and administrative support. The role contributes to LLTC’s mission to strengthen Indigenous knowledge, sovereignty, and community wellness.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

• Interest in Indigenous food systems, community-based research, or Indigenous Science.  

• Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills.  

• Ability to work effectively with community members, including Elders, students, and staff.  

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.  

• Basic computer skills (email, word processing, spreadsheets).  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Valid driver’s license.  

• Experience working with local Ojibwe communities and/or other Indigenous communities.  

• Background in agriculture, environmental studies, Indigenous Studies, or related fields.  

• Experience with community outreach, event coordination, or research support.  

• Familiarity with Indigenous data sovereignty or community-based research methods.  

Essential Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and implementing workshops, classes, and community events related to gardening, seed saving, traditional foods, and land-based learning.  
• Support the maintenance of gardens, greenhouses, and outdoor teaching areas, including planting, harvesting, and general upkeep.  
• Prepare materials, set up spaces, and assist with logistics for events and activities.  
• Help with community outreach, including scheduling, creating flyers, managing sign-ups, and communicating with participants.  
• Collect and organize basic program data for reports, grants, and evaluations.  
• Assist faculty and staff with organizing research meetings, taking notes, tracking tasks, and maintaining project documentation.  
• Support communication with tribal departments, community partners, and external researchers.  
• Help ensure research activities follow tribal protocols, community values, and data sovereignty principles.  
• Draft outreach materials such as flyers, newsletters, and social media posts.  
• Assist with preparing presentations, posters, and reports for community events or conferences.  
• Maintain organized digital files and communication records.