Job Announcement: HR2025:134
Position Title: Garden Assistant
Advertising: Publicly
Department: Buildings & Grounds
Division: Facilities Division
Immediate Supervisor: Facilities Division
Department Director: Division Director-Facilities Services
Employment Status: Non-Exempt
Position Type: Regular Full–Time
Mandatory Reporter: No
Background Check Required: Yes **
Opening Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Closing Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2025 by 5:00 p.m.

Preference shall be given in accordance with the Title 33 (Tribal Employment Rights) of the Tribal Code/DFWP.

The Poarch Creek Indians place a high value on individuals who share our commitment to community, tradition, and progress. As Alabama's only Federally Recognized Native American Tribe, we take pride in a history that spans generations and is deeply rooted in resilience and cultural heritage. Our mission is to uplift the lives of our Tribal Members, preserve our traditions, and drive innovation for a thriving future. If you are passionate about serving with purpose and authenticity while fostering trust, unity, and growth, we welcome you to join us on this meaningful journey.

Overview
In our hourly positions, we look for dedicated individuals who value respect, take pride in accountability, and embrace a culture of collaboration and excellence. As an integral part of our team, you will contribute to a positive and supportive environment where every effort is appreciated, and every role is essential. Your commitment to upholding our values and maintaining a strong work ethic will help us achieve shared success.

Primary Objectives
The Garden Assistant is a key line-level position responsible for assisting the Garden Program in the planting, harvesting, inspection, maintenance, landscaping, and management of various types of garden vegetable plots, pollinator plants, fruit and nut trees, and greenhouse activities on the designated Creek Community Garden property. This job description is not an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of this position. PCI Employees are expected to perform all duties and responsibilities necessary to meet the goals and objectives of applicable programs and departmental objectives, as assigned.
This role plays a strong commitment to understanding and embracing the Poarch Creek Indians Values of Perseverance, Opportunity, Accountability, Respect, Culture, and Honesty.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for implementing garden activities.
• Propagates, maintains, and nurtures young plant stock in various locations.
• Monitors garden, nursery, and greenhouse plant stock for pests and diseases.
• Mixes and/or applies pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides through sprays, dusts, vapors, incorporation into the soil, or application of chemicals into trees, shrubs, and lawns to stimulate growth and prevent or control weeds, diseases, or insect infestation.
• Maintains records of chemical usage and adheres to the proper storage of chemicals.
• Adheres to the Worker Protection Standard adopted by the Tribe.
• Operates multiple types of garden machinery and performs basic preventive maintenance.
• Assists the Supervisor with implementing seasonal projects by completing tasks with other temporary helpers.
• Assists the Supervisor with planning work and planting schedules.
• Completes landscaping for the garden area and around the garden facilities.
• Implements landscape designs by planting a variety of plant materials (vegetables, trees, shrubs, flowers, etc.) related to the garden and agriculture plan.
• •Operates the loader and mixer to prepare soil mixes and amendments.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the appropriate person.

Job Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Two (2) years of farm and garden experience in active crop farming preferred.
• Must complete Worker Protection Standard training and obtain certification at the earliest certification class scheduled by the supervisor.
• Ability to work odd and irregular hours, as needed.
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license and insurable driving record according to Tribal insurance guidelines.
• Must successfully pass the required criminal and character background check.
• Ability to travel and participate in required training, leadership development, and other events.
• Ability to perform all duties and responsibilities of this position adequately and successfully.

Core Competencies Required

• Knowledge of basic plant identification.
• Knowledge of maintaining and planting vegetables, trees, flowers, and shrubs.
• Knowledge of pest control.
• Ability to use basic gardening/horticultural tools.
• Ability to operate dump trailer, tree spade, skid steer loader, tractor, power auger, tiller, and other garden machines.
• Ability to work in a safe and efficient manner.
• Knowledge of pruning, perennials, lawn and garden equipment (tillers, weed trimmers, mowers, chippers, etc.), and food preservation.
• Able to understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions.
• Must be willing to work independently and be reliable.
• Must be in good physical condition with the ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, and twist for an extended period of time as well as climb, lift, hold, and move objects weighing a minimum of fifty (50) pounds.
• Ability to remain engaged until assignments are completed and overcome obstacles.
• Takes accountability for performance and results.
• Open and honest communicator and follows policies and procedures.

Compensation and Benefits

• The starting pay will depend on factors such as experience level and skillset.
• Voluntary full-time benefit offerings include the following - medical, dental, vision, and life insurance and other voluntarily insurance options. We also offer an Employee Assistant Program (EAP), paid time off, paid holidays, 401K with matching, bonuses, and COLA increase.

Every applicant must complete an application provided by Human Resources. A resume will not be accepted in the place of an application.

**Please note ALL individuals selected for employment are required to complete a background investigation. Individuals being placed in positions designed as child-sensitive or data-sensitive must successfully complete a background check prior to employment.

INDIAN PREFERENCE, SPOUSAL PREFERENCE, OR FIRST GENERATION:

In the event more than one applicant meets the requirements, as stated in a job description, preference shall be given in the following order: (1) Tribal Member (2) First Generation Descendant of a Tribal Member (3) Spouse of Tribal Member (4) Indian (5) Non-Indian

In the event that a position of employment is funded in whole or in part my any federal grant and/or contract or other public funding, preference shall be given in the following order: (1) Indian (2) Non-Indian

In order to receive preference, the appropriate documentation must be submitted.