Job Detail

Job Details

YSFP / NACC seedkeeper & programs liaison
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Job ID	22348
Employer	Yale Sustainable Food Project
Employer Type	On Campus
Category	Peer Leadership
Job Type	On-Campus Jobs
Job Description	About the Role The YSFP–NACC Seedkeeper & Programs Liaison is a student leadership position rooted in relationship: relationship to land, to seed, to history, and to community. This role is designed for a student who is interested in deepening their engagement with Indigenous Ecological and Relational Knowledge while cultivating meaningful collaboration between the Yale Sustainable Food Program and the Native American Cultural Center. The Seedkeeper serves as a bridge between the Yale Farm and the NACC, stewarding gifted seeds—particularly the Three Sisters (corn, beans, squash)—and helping to plan and run programming that honors Indigenous foodways, sovereignty, and community knowledge. This position offers space for both continuity and creativity: you will carry forward the work of previous student leaders while shaping the role through your own interests, traditions, and ideas. About the Programs The Yale Sustainable Food Program grows food-literate leaders on the Yale Farm, in the classroom, and beyond. The Farm serves as a living laboratory for interdisciplinary teaching and learning around food and agricultural systems. The Native American Cultural Center at Yale sustains a visible and vibrant Indigenous presence on campus. It supports Native students through mentorship, programming, and community-building while strengthening relationships with Indigenous nations and communities. Core Commitments The Seedkeeper will generally work approximately 3 hours per week (about 84 hours across the academic year). The rhythm of the work follows the agricultural and academic calendar, so hours will be lighter at some points in the semester and heavier during peak planting, harvest, and event periods. Seed Stewardship & Land-Based Practice Steward the Three Sisters plantings at the Yale Farm. Participate in seasonal cycles of planting, tending, harvesting, and seed saving (guidance and assistance will be provided by past seedkeepers and current Yale Farm staff). Store and care for saved seed during winter months and help plan spring planting dates (typically early May). Research and responsibly source additional seeds when appropriate. Share the stories, cultural context, and meaning of gifted seeds with the broader community. Indigenous Knowledge & Education Integrate Indigenous Ecological and Relational Knowledge into farm practice in collaboration with staff and faculty. Support courses engaging Indigenous foodways (e.g., Indigenous Food Sovereignty, ER&M 3016). Contribute thoughtful perspectives on food sovereignty and contemporary food systems issues. Maintain and strengthen relationships with regional tribes and Indigenous partners, building on prior student outreach. Community Programming & Events Help plan and host an annual Fall Feast featuring culturally relevant foods and recipes. Create opportunities for NACC students and stakeholders to meaningfully shape and participate in programming. Assist in developing events such as Indigenous Peoples’ Day gatherings, workshops, storytelling sessions, or creative projects. Participate in NACC House staff meetings and Yale Farm workdays, especially when Indigenous plantings are involved. Student Leadership & Collaboration Serve as a liaison between YSFP and NACC, identifying collaborative opportunities and helping carry them forward. Work with student peers, Indigenous leaders at Yale, local Indigenous communities, faculty, and other partners. Provide periodic updates to supervising staff and help ensure strong communication between both units. Shape an independent or creative project that reflects your interests (art, podcast, research, community organizing, etc.).
Job Requirements	Who Should Apply Please consider applying if you are a student who: Has a strong interest in Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and seed stewardship. Feels called to work at the intersection of land, food, culture, and community. Is comfortable working independently while also engaging collaboratively. Is excited to learn from and contribute to both the Yale Farm and NACC communities. Values relationship-building with land, with peers, and with Indigenous communities beyond campus. Supervision & Compensation The Seedkeeper & Programs Liaison reports jointly to: The Assistant Director of the Native American Cultural Center The Yale Farm Manager Payment via SEO’s student rate: $17.50 per hour
Compensation	$17.50/hour
Job Level	CY26: Level II
Hours	1.0 to 8.0 hours per week
Primary Contact	Jeremy Oldfield
Primary Contact's Email	jeremy.oldfield@yale.edu
Work Location	Two locations: 1) Yale Farm; 345 Edwards Street 2) NACC; 26 High Street
Phone Number	203-432-2084
Fax Number