Youth Biocultural Conservation Education Associate

Who We Are
The Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the protection
and promotion of Hawai‘iʻs natural and cultural resources. We focus on biocultural education,
biocultural restoration, and sustainable livelihoods as a way to realize our vision of vibrant forest
communities alive with the voices of Hawai‘i from one generation to the next. To learn more about
our organization, please visit www.akakaforests.org.

Duties
Assists in planning and directing the activities and services of the Teaching Change youth
conservation education program. Assists with organizing and running single day and overnight
experiential, place-based field courses for local K-12 students on native forest ecology, climate
change, phenology, and biocultural resource management. Assists with organizing and running
annual BioCulturalBlitz events. Assists with organizing and running annual Teacher Training
Workshops. Assists with financial and reporting requirements for the overall program.

Primary Qualifications
Education / Training: Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in
Hawaiian Studies, Natural Resources, Biology, Botany, Ecology, or Environmental Science.

Experience
At least one (1) year of demonstrated experience in biocultural education and/or experience in the
development and implementation of outdoor, experiential education opportunities, particularly for
youth (K-12). Demonstrated experience with biocultural resource management and/or Hawaiian
lifeways and malama ‘āina practices.

Abilities / Knowledge / Skills

Familiarity with forest ecology in Hawai‘i, including basic ecological concepts and identification of
native and nonnative plants and with malama ‘āina practices and protocal. Demonstrated organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to understand oral and written documentation and
communicate effectively in a variety of formats and situations. Working knowledge of computer
software including Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word for data management, spreadsheet
development, and report writing. Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract
(and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver’s
insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance) and maintain throughout the
duration of employment. Post Offer/Employment Condition: Must be able to pass a post offer
criminal background check.

Physical / Medical Requirements
Ability to work in adverse field conditions (hot and dry and/or cold and wet) and hike over rough
terrain. Ability to lift and carry up to forty (40) pounds unassisted. POLICY AND/OR
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS: As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all
applicable Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests policies and procedures. Violation of Akaka
Foundation for Tropical Forest policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws
and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination
of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).

Application Requirements
Please email the following to kokua@akakaforests.org: 1) Cover Letter, 2) Resume, 3) Salary
History, and 4) Supervisory References. All applications must be submitted/received by the closing
date (5:00 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time).