Indigenous Agriculture Conservation Specialist (IACS)

Indigenous Agriculture Conservation Specialist (IACS)

Oʻahu RC&D is seeking a highly-motivated team member with passion, hands-on experience, and expertise in indigenous cropping systems and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in Hawai’i. The primary responsibility of the IACS is to provide conservation technical assistance to producers of indigenous crops and agricultural systems in the moku of Waialua and Koʻolauloa, Oʻahu. The IACS will serve as the liaison and advocate within the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Oʻahu field office, enabling producers using indigenous cropping systems to successfully navigate federal programs, qualify for financial assistance, and implement conservation practices to fulfill program guidelines. On the job training will be provided to prepare and empower the IACS to fulfill the federal program components of the job. This is an excellent opportunity for the right candidate with a steadfast commitment to ʻāina and community who is seeking professional growth and experience working with USDA federal programs.

The position is funded through a five-year award under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) for Oʻahu North Shore Working Wetlands. The initiative will demonstrate indigenous agriculture and biocultural restoration techniques to manage and restore working wetlands in the project area, including the removal of invasive species, establishment of riparian vegetation, and other practices that improve native waterbird habitat. Oʻahu Resource Conservation & Development Council is an independent non-profit entity with a 25-year track record of partnership with Hawaiʻi’s farms and ranches to enhance the stewardship of Hawaiʻi’s working lands and advance sustainable agriculture.

Duties and Responsibilities:

● Advocate for the conservation priorities of producers and practitioners of indigenous crops by articulating linkages between their practices and the NRCS soil and water conservation framework.

● Develop conservation plans for producer sites within the project area that use indigenous agricultural practices.

● Assist producers that use indigenous agricultural practices in successfully navigating federal requirements for Highly Erodible Lands and Wetland Compliance.

● Conduct site assessments for topics including priority invasive species, native plant establishment, etc.

● Collaborate with producers to plan and conduct demonstrations at farm sites that will implement wetland restoration practices.

● Build a trustworthy working relationship with project partners and producers, including active, professional and positive communication.

● Inform supervisor of difficult and/or controversial issues and unique problems in a timely manner.

● Perform all duties in a safe manner; complete mandated training, including Privacy Training and Cyber Security; assist in development of a self-development program; and actively pursue training to develop skills.

● Perform other duties as requested and assist with outreach, projects, and grant opportunities that support Oʻahu RC&D and its mission.

● May be required to work occasionally on evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Required Qualifications:

● Demonstrated commitment to learning, supporting, and perpetuating indigenous agricultural practices.

● Persistence, diplomacy, and attention to detail required to successfully navigate and overcome administrative obstacles.

● Undergraduate degree in relevant fields, including but not limited to agricultural sciences, natural resources management, environmental sciences, community food systems, and Hawaiian Studies, or a track record of successfully delivering in a similar professional capacity.

● Two or more years of relevant experience working in Hawaiʻi.

● Prior experience working with agricultural producers and practitioners.

● Strong project management skills, including record-keeping and competency balancing multiple tasks simultaneously.

● Ability to write and present professionally.

● Excellent collaborative and cross-cultural skills, including Native Hawaiian cultural competency and experience with local protocol.

● Interpersonal collaborative skills and experience working with a wide range of individuals and partners in government, research, and the community.

● Competence with basic computer programs (i.e. email, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Suite etc.). Desired

Qualifications (optional):

● Track record of successfully navigating technical requirements for federal farm bill programs or similar paperwork-forward administrative requirements.

● MS in natural resources, environmental or agricultural science, and 3 or more years of experience working in agriculture and/or natural resource management in Hawaiʻi.

● Prior experience developing conservation plans and/or soil health plans.

● Demonstrated expertise with GIS mapping and data management, GPS and field demarcation and associated software applications.

Location and Working Conditions:

● This position will be based out of the NRCS Oʻahu field office in Honolulu, with site visits to producers on the Oʻahu North Shore and occasional duties at the Oʻahu RC&D office in Kunia or other partner sites.

● Work is performed in outdoor environments with varying conditions and in a shared office space.

● Hybrid work schedule may be approved at discretion of supervisor following a successful onboarding period.

Hours & Compensation:

● 40 hours/week

● $25 - 28/hr based on qualifications and experience

● Summary of employment benefits available here

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional references in a single PDF file to admin@oahurcd.org with “Indigenous Agriculture Conservation Specialist” in the subject line. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled.