Job Description

Opening Date: May 11, 2026

Closing Date: May 25, 2026

Job Title: Orchard Steward

Salary/Wage: $22.45/hr

Tribal Level: TL 111

Location: Siletz, Oregon

Classification: Part-time, non-exempt

Job Posting Number:

INTRODUCTION:

The Seasonal Orchard Steward will be part of the Food Sovereignty Program team that works in partnership with the Siletz Farm, a Farm Committee, tribal administration, tribal members, and community members to support the development of orchard landscapes. This position provides plant and landscape stewardship services to the Siletz Farm and surrounding Siletz communities by supporting harvest, planting, cultivation, and care of orchard fruit trees.

DUTIES:

• Assist in the implementation of comprehensive orchard plans including the planting and cultivation of orchards, berries, fruit trees, cultural plants and foods.
• Make regular inspections to ensure that all orchards and fruit trees are being properly maintained, cultivated, and disease-free.
• Maintains harvest procedures of orchards and community gleaning efforts within Siletz and surrounding communities.
• Maintain plant database and identification signs throughout the orchards.
• Assist in all planting, harvesting, pruning, watering, cultivation, grafting and other tasks associated with orchard plants.
• Properly maintains equipment and hand tools and assures safe and proper storage.
• Operate small equipment including two-wheel tractors, cultivators, and lawnmowers, as well as small equipment tools such as chainsaws, string trimmers, and chippers.
• Assist with all aspects of gardening, habitat restoration, events, and other farm support tasks.
• Perform custodial duties within assigned work areas.
• Continual learning commitment to cultural competency.
• Perform other Food Sovereignty Program functions as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS:

High school diploma/GED –AND- six month’s experience with a community garden or commercial farm/garden -OR- six month’s experience in horticulture.

Knowledge of:

• Working with indigenous/native communities.
• Basic gardening skills, pruning, and produce harvesting techniques.
• Irrigation and water systems.
• Safe handling and storage requirements of produce.

Experience in:

• Safely working with machinery, tools, mowers, cultivators, saws, or other farm-related equipment.
• Working outdoors for extended periods.
• Planting, harvesting, pruning, and grafting fruit trees.

Ability to:

• Demonstrate strong communication skills—written, verbal, and in one-on-one interactions—and be comfortable working in/with groups.
• Prioritize duties to develop the program’s value as a resource to tribal members.
• Be highly organized, able to work independently, and make accurate estimates of timing and growing conditions required of plants grown by the Food Sovereignty Program.
• Be able to perform physical work required for orchard, field, tool, irrigation, and other property maintenance.