Organization: Hui Makaʻāina o Makana
Position: Farm Manager
Deadline to apply: 5 pm HST November 30th, 2021
To apply: Email cover letter and resume/CV to: info@huimakaainanaomakana.org
SUMMARY/OVERVIEW:
The Hui has created a small farm operation in the ancient cultural landscape found in Hā'ena State Park on the island of Kaua‘i. The Hui is recognizes the need to professionally manage this small farm to increase the quality and quantity of products being grown there and is recruiting for a full-time farm manager. The farm manager’s responsibilities include developing a farm management plan, hiring and supervising farm staff, overseeing the planting, growing and harvesting of crops (including kalo, native medicinal plants, fruits and vegetables), purchasing agricultural supplies, preparing budgets and reports, and ensuring maximum farm efficiency and production on 5 acres of land in Ha’ena State Park. He/she/they should be able to maintain professional networks and keep abreast of developments in agricultural science. The candidate needs a thorough understanding of the ahupua’a system and symbiotic relationship between upland resources (mauka) and ocean resources (makai).
He/she/they should be detail-oriented but also able to keep the bigger picture in mind. Outstanding candidates are keen problem solvers who are focused on efficiency and take a hands-on approach to management and are able to communicate and collaborate efficiently and effectively with all farm staff, all Hui staff, Hā’ena Education Specialist, Hui Executive Director, CFO, Hui Board of Directors, and ‘Ohana Council to accomplish strategic plan goals and outcomes.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Analyzing existing operations, staff, and financial documents and recommending improvements.
- Preparing plans and schedules for planting and harvesting and ensuring staff understands expectations.
- Develop a farm harvest distribution plan and coordinate the actual distribution to the community with input from the Hui Board of Directors.
- Recommending to the Hui BOD the equipment required to manage the farm efficiently.
- Being present on site to inspect crops and perform tests on soil and water.
- Ensuring seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other supplies are regularly restocked and applied.
- Scheduling repairs, maintenance, and replacement of equipment and machinery.
- Maintains and manages the water intake and transmission and distribution system as well as reporting monthly on our water use to the State Commission on Water Resource Management.
- Managing all farm staff and ensuring they adhere to health and safety regulations.
- Assisting with the recruitment and training of new farm staff members.
- Collaborating with Hui Executive Director and/or Hui CFO to prepare budgets and financial reports.
- Providing and communicating the current work plan to the Hui Board for the twice monthly volunteer “workdays” and being present on these workdays.
- Provide monthly reports to the Board of Directors.
- Building professional networks and keeping abreast of developments in agricultural science.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:
- Knowledge of the intrinsic interrelationship (ahupua’a system) between upland resources (mauka) and ocean resources (makai) and what the relative or potential impacts of the cultivation and development of the land will have on these environments.
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, environment, or equivalent required.
- Additional courses in business management or administration are recommended.
- 5+ years extensive experience in a farming-related field required.
- 5 years management experience preferred.
- The ability to make decisions in stressful environments.
- Superb communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
- Willingness to work overtime as required.
- A passion for agriculture and ability to build lasting relationships with Hā'ena community.
- A working knowledge of Hawaii’s local and native culture and practices with an attitude of “mālama ‘āina” (caring for the land) is necessary.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Interested candidates may apply for this position by emailing info@huimakaainanaomakana.org a cover letter explaining why they want this position and what make them the ideal candidate based on the above job description. A resume or CV should be attached to the application letter demonstrating past experience as well as education relevant to this job. Only online application will be accepted. All applications must be received by the Hui no later than 5:00 pm on November 30, 2021.
