About Tanka Fund:

Tanka Fund is a 501c3 non-profit organization with the mission to return buffalo to the land, lives, and economy of Native people. Tanka Fund is the sister program to Native American Natural Foods that developed the Tanka Bar brand of buffalo snack products.

Position Description:

Tanka Fund is looking to hire a highly motivated person to be the direct support person for Native Buffalo Caretakers on reservations across South Dakota. The Technical Assistance Coordinator will support Native Buffalo Caretakers to develop business plans, complete soil testing, apply for funding opportunities, and support the caretakers with the long term sustainability of their buffalo ranchers. The Technical Assistance Coordinator will work in partnership with the Tanka Resilient Agricultural Company (TRAC) to support Native Buffalo Caretakers to participate in that company. Ultimately the goal is to make sure these buffalo caretakers are sustainable and have greater access to capital and markets.

Currently, the person will work from a home office. Computer, printer, cell phone and partial internet and partial cell phone cost will be provided by Tanka Fund. Travel will be reimbursed at government rate, with use of personal vehicle. This position will report directly to the Executive Director of Tanka Fund.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work closely with agencies to begin the process of securing grass-fed or humanely raised certification for Native buffalo ranchers.
• Meet with ranchers monthly to assess goals, implementation of regenerative grazing plans, and review of the certification process.
• Continue assessing soil, plant and animal/herd health bi-annually (spring and fall) with ranchers and providing technical assistance and support for testing and documenting soil health.
• Provide technical assistance to ranchers to apply for FSA loans and loans from Native CDFIs in 2023 once entering the value-added market through certifications is achieved.
• Provide financial planning assistance to accommodate credit payments and modify business plans as needed.
• Assist ranchers in securing bids, selecting contractors, and financing critical infrastructure needs.
• Provide technical assistance in applying for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) grants or other capital for infrastructure needs.
• Coordinate with local and regional food markets for buffalo and beef.
• Host meetings and trainings for Native Buffalo Caretakers on USDA and Value-Added programs.
• Work on local food hubs for meat distribution and develop local packing facilities.
• Work with contractors on feasibility studies for local and regional meat production.
• Work with Native Buffalo Caretakers on financing options.
• Work with buffalo caretakers on certification and product branding.
• Assist buffalo caretakers in establishing individual business plans.
• Equip buffalo caretakers with skills to successful herd management.

Qualifications:

• BS Degree or higher in Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Business, Natural Resources, Range Sciences, Meat Sciences or related field.
• Must have valid driver’s license and be willing to travel 30-50% of work time.
• Must demonstrate good communication skills through written and oral communication.
• Experience with grant management, foundations, fundraising and business management is a plus.
• Priority given to tribal member or person with experience working with Native people and programs.
• Experience working with USDA programs or other federal programs related to agriculture production.

Salary:

$55,000 to $65,000 based on education and experience.

How to Apply:

Send a resume and cover letter via email to: info@tankafund.org
For more information or questions, please contact Executive Director, Trudy Ecoffey, directly at (605)441-0358.