Fruit Project Assistant

Summary and Description

CMN's Sustainable Development Institute is collaborating with research partners across the country on a project to evaluate wild plums for superior fruit production and hardiness. This is a participatory project that will involve researchers, support staff, and families as one team to establish wild plum research plots, to share our knowledge and hopes, to boost local fruit production, and to eventually find new wild plum selections for propagation.

The Fruit Project Assistant will help organize monthly team meetings with invited speakers to promote inclusion and learning among all team members. Other duties include maintaining research plots at CMN, Stockbridge, and at Oneida, and also taking care of new seedlings in the SDI garden. At times the project assistant may also join the SDI interns and staff on other research and educational activities.

Objectives and Responsibilities

• Take part in classroom and other on-site training, sometimes along with SDI Interns, to increase knowledge on Indigenous cropping systems, Indigenous food culture, experimental design, data analysis, equipment safety, and more.
• Invite speakers and team members, and then organize and facilitate virtual team meetings each month.
• Protect new seedlings and established research plots from drought, weeds, and animal depredation.
• Driving to off-site locations is required; mileage will be reimbursed.
• Field Research Coordinator will assign duties that the Fruit Project Assistant will perform in a timely manner, often times without direct supervision. Communications with the Field Research Coordinator must be regular and clear.
• The Fruit Project Assistant will occasionally operate mechanical equipment, and regularly use hand tools and carry water to seedling fruit trees. The Assistant may also be assigned to other tasks as needed when trees are secure.
• If the Fruit Project Assistant is a CMN student, highlights of the work will need to be presented at the SDI Summer Report Out in August.
• Weather is unpredictable, so flexibility is needed. Outdoor work involves heat, insects, allergens, etc.
• Get along with others and have fun learning about Indigenous agriculture, fruit production, and more!

What We Offer:

We have a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion, while promoting professional development. We serve the Menominee and other local Indigenous communities, and will engage with those who are ready to learn new things while working to benefit the wellbeing of our communities.

Program Requirements/Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older, and have a dependable vehicle for visiting off site fruit tree plots.
• Current students who apply for this position must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale, and be registered or currently enrolled in six (6 or more credits).
• Ability to carry out physically demanding work in the out of doors is required.
• Strong communication skills and ability to address assigned tasks are required.
• Willingness to learn to use Webex or Zoom, and to facilitate virtual discussions are required.
• Demonstrated interests in agriculture and sustainability are especially desired!
• Experience growing a garden (and especially fruit trees) is also desirable, but we will train.

Application Procedures:

Fruit Project Assistant Application requires the following:

• SDI Application Form (online)

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but we would like to begin evaluating applications by the May 20, 2024. Submit all information to the Sustainable Development Institute, College of Menominee Nation, N172 State Highway 47/55, PO Box 1179 Keshena, WI 54135 as soon as possible. You may also email application materials to sdi@menominee.edu. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

If you have questions about the position, please contact Frank Kutka at fkutka@menominee.edu or 920-495-0503.

Timeframe and Stipend (if applicable):

The Fruit Project Assistant will be paid $20 per hour throughout the length of the position, which ends on 31 August 2024. Mileage for driving from the SDI worksite to the other two sites every week will also be covered by our grant.

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