"Indigenous Garden Coordinator"

Position Summary

The Indigenous Garden Coordinator (“Coordinator”) will coordinate garden work related to the Indigenous culture and knowledge priority area of Fort Lewis College’s Reconciliation Framework and the Center for Reconciliation. From 1891-1910, FLC operated as a federal Indian boarding school system. To address the intergenerational impacts of the federal Indian boarding school system, FLC has undertaken a comprehensive approach to reconciliation that is focused on healing, maintaining respectful, reciprocal relationships with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities, and caring for Indigenous students at FLC. Indigenous culture and knowledge is one of four priority areas of FLC’s Reconciliation Framework. The other priority areas are centered around Tribal Nation Building, Language Reclamation, and Health & Wellness. 

The Indigenous Garden Coordinator will be a member of the Reconciliation team and will also work collaboratively across campus to support the team’s cohesive and collaborative Reconciliation strategy that realizes FLC’s commitment to Indigenous communities. 

This position oversees the establishment of a new 1,500 square foot Indigenous Garden, which includes medicinal, natural dyes, edible, craft and tool, and pollinator garden beds. Additionally, the Coordinator will provide gardening support to the Environmental Center Growing Spaces: a 750 square foot Campus Garden and a ¼-acre Food Forest Orchard. The position reports to the Director of Reconciliation.

Job Description

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Indigenous Garden & Reconciliation Department

• Develop and oversee the operational and programmatic goals of the Indigenous Garden, grounded in Indigenous culture and knowledge, in partnership with campus community input
• Manage 3-5 Indigenous garden student staff to complete post-construction plantings, develop a long-term sustainability plan, and implement Indigenous-centered protocols for community use
• Manage all educational programming related to the Indigenous Garden and develop resources and initiatives that support the Indigenous Garden as a site of learning and Indigenous culture & knowledge as part of FLC’s reconciliation work and the FLC 2025-2030 strategic plan
• Cultivate and sustain collaborative partnerships with on- and off-campus stakeholders, including college departments, committees, the Old Fort at Hesperus, local nonprofits, and Tribal partners
• Conduct assessments and evaluation to support the ongoing development and enhancement of the Indigenous Garden and cultural programs and processes at and beyond FLC
• Implement and assess promotion strategies for reconciliation events, programs, and the Center for Reconciliation (e.g., newsletters, website, social media, posters).
• Contribute to reconciliation curriculum development, professional development, and community engagement opportunities.

Environmental Center Growing Spaces

• Perform and oversee garden and orchard maintenance for the Environmental Center growing spaces including crop planning, controlling weed pressure, scheduling irrigation, and succession planting.
• Maintain all garden equipment including but not limited to the water collecting tank, irrigation drip lines, and cider press.
• Oversees EC Growing Spaces during the summer months, including managing Growing Spaces interns up to 5 hours per week
• Communicate the maintenance status of the Growing Spaces to the EC Assistant Director and Coordinator and engage in a collaborative decision process with consultation from the Director of Reconciliation
• Maintains knowledge and awareness of digital accessibility including the American with Disabilities and Section 508
• Produces and remediates digitally accessible materials in accordance with FLC standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Education, Specialized Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or four years of equivalent experience
• 2 or more years of relevant professional experience
• 2 or more years of experience in plant care and garden maintenance

Preferred Education, Specialized Skills and Experience

• Strong collaboration, communication and organizational skills
• Experience or education in Traditional Ecological Knowledge systems or practices
• Knowledge or education in cultural seed-keeping
• Experience working with a diverse group of individuals, specifically Indigenous communities

Report to / Supervisory Responsibility: This position reports to the Director of Reconciliation.

Travel: Approximately 10% of employees' responsibilities will include travel.

FLSA Status/ Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Exempt
• Full Time – 1 FTE
• Temporary- Fixed Term
• Full Year
• Typical Work hours are M-F 8-5, with occasional after hours and weekend coverage.
• This position is grant-funded through June 30, 2028

Compensation
Salary range is $49,000 to $54,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package

A complete application packet includes:

• Cover letter addressing your interest and qualifications
• Resume
• Names and contact information for three current, professional references

Application materials received by March 18, 2026 will receive full consideration.