- Miscellaneous Positions
POSITION TITLE: Graduate Wāpemen Researcher
LOCATIONS: College of Menominee Nation – Keshena Campus. TERM: Full time at SDI late May to 16 August 2024, 12 May to 15 August 2025, 11 May to 14 August 2026; plus additional part time work in April, September, and October of each year. This is a part time position that will run through 31 December 2026 via USDA NIFA funding.
APPLICATION DUE: 17 May, but will remain open until filled.
Summary and Description
CMN's Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) is collaborating with research partners across the country on a NIFA-funded project, Renewing Our Relationships with Northern Flint Corn. As a continuation of our research to build a more complete understanding of traditional Menominee methods of agriculture, we will evaluate varieties of northern flint corn (wāpemen) in a participatory way, and explore ways of relating with this important sustainer. This project has a strong focus on research for the benefit of Indigenous communities, and we hope to be able to bring fresh seeds to communities looking to grow this wonderful crop. We also hope to build new relationships with other Indigenous communities and research teams across the region as we increase research capacity of CMN staff and students. The Graduate Wāpemen Researcher will collaborate with CMN faculty and SDI staff to complete project objectives for three years. This will involve leading seed increases, organizing and leading training of interns and Sustainable Development Institute staff on maize seed increase techniques, leading nutrient quality evaluations, and taking a key role in regional, participatory evaluation of maize varieties. We hope that this Researcher will also play a leading role in data analyses, partner in delivery of a webinar for the project, and partner on a publication in the Tribal College and University Research Journal as a co-author. This project could become the basis for the Researcher’s thesis or dissertation so long as sensitive information that belongs to the Menominee and other Indigenous people remains within our communities. We will work with our Researcher and their degree advisors to clarify these issues and roles to the benefit of all involved if this is a desirable option.
Objectives and Responsibilities
- Develop a collaborative relationship with Sustainable Development Institute staff and interns throughout
- Attend FALCON conferences (October) along with SDI staff and interns throughout
- Lead flint corn seed increases in 2024
- Train interns on controlled corn pollinations of a range of varieties in 2024, and onward if needed
- Assist with seed corn harvest in 2024, and onward if needed
- Lead nutrient quality evaluations of traditional varieties of northern flint corn in 2024
- Lead evaluation of natural techniques for strengthening germination and early growth of northern flint corn in 2025
- Ship seeds to regional partners for replicated variety trials in 2025 and 2026
- Lead establishment of replicated trials at CMN in 2025 and 2026
- Collaborate in regional participatory evaluations of northern flint corn plants and grain in 2025 and 2026
- Lead preparation of samples of grain from CMN trials for nutrient quality evaluations in 2026
- Lead data analysis for all experiments in the project, and collaborate on outreach in 2026
What We Offer:
We have a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion, while promoting professional development. We serve the Menominee and other local Indigenous communities, and will engage with those who are ready to learn new things while working to benefit the wellbeing of our communities.
Program Requirements / Qualifications:
- Must be working toward a Master’s or PhD in agriculture.
- Ability to carry out physically demanding work in the out of doors is required.
- Strong communication skills and ability to address project objectives are required.
- Abilities to work with and educate a research team with varying knowledge and experience are required.
- Willingness to protect sensitive data and knowledge shared among Indigenous communities is required.
- Knowledge of Indigenous agriculture and crop varieties is desired, but we will learn more together!
Application Procedures:
Graduate Wāpemen Researcher requires the following:
- SDI Application Form
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but we would like to begin evaluating applications after 3 May. Submit all information to the Sustainable Development Institute, College of Menominee Nation, N172 State Highway 47/55, PO Box 1179 Keshena, WI 54135 as soon as possible. You may also email application materials to sdi@menominee.edu. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. If you have questions about the position, please contact Frank Kutka at fkutka@menominee.edu or 920-495-0503.
Timeframe and Salary: The Graduate Wāpemen Researcher will be paid $20 per hour throughout the length of the part time position, which ends on 31 December 2026.