TO APPLY: Visit https://koha.la/careercenter. No phone calls, please.
PRIMARY LOCATION: Waimea and Moku o Kohala, Hawai‘i Island
FLSA STATUS: Full time, Exempt
COMPENSATION: $48-55,000 per annum + benefits
REPORTS TO: Kohala field supervisor
JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE: The Kohala mālama ‘āina specialist is responsible for strengthening pilina with ‘āina across cloud and coastal forests in the moku of Kohala. The mālama ‘āina specialist holds kuleana for supporting Kohala’s native forest ecosystems by turning ancestral knowledge and place-based research into daily ‘āina-based preservation and propagation practices. This work is based across multiple stewardship sites including: the native cloud forests of Kohala Mountain, the dryland and mesic forests of Kawaihae, and the coastal forest and hala groves of Niuli’i. The ideal candidate is an experienced mālama ‘āina practitioner who is strongly connected to Kohala and enjoys working hard, developing thriving ‘āina and kānaka together as one, while engaging respectfully, being highly accountable to ‘āina, and meeting and exceeding standards of excellence.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Ho‘olauna (outreach and invitation)
- Extends and responds to invitations that strengthen relationships with many whose work includes native forest regeneration, native nurseries, conservation, and ‘āina-based education for and from Hawai‘i Island, as well as with kama‘āina of Kohala.
- Supports creating conditions (e.g., hosted site visits, huaka‘i, hoa‘āina days) that include, welcome, and orient diverse community members to ‘āina and ulu lā‘au; natural cycles of place including pō mahina and weather patterns; and The Kohala Center.
Kilo (research and development)
- Conducts research informed by Hawai‘i’s indigenous culture and language alongside other diverse cultural values and traditions to meet intended outcomes for regenerative, Hawai‘i-based forestry systems.
- Connects with, listens to, and kilo kumu of all kinds through water quality, stream flow, vegetation, ungulate, and bird surveys, photo point and weather monitoring; to understand what ‘āina needs in ways that support total well- being of ‘āina and kānaka.
- Supports the development and delivery of methods for all learners to build a stronger foundation in Hawaiian cultural principles, identity, histories, and practices (e.g., ‘ohana, mo‘olelo, kilo, forestry systems).
Hana (daily ‘āina practitionership):
- Holds kuleana and specialized knowledge and experience for preservation and propagation practices in (i) Kohala’s native cloud forests, (ii) Kawaihae mesic and dryland forests, and (iii) Niuli‘i coastal forests as ke kumu ‘āina – a sacred source of spirituality, knowledge, native habitat, and water. Activities may include:
- Construct, inspect, and maintain ungulate exclusion fences.
- Manage feral ungulates, predators, and non-native plants using a variety of methods.
- Collect, propagate, and outplant native seeds and plants.
- Work with the raw materials of hala, hau, niu, and other native plants utilizing them to craft items, lei, tools, food, and medicine.
- Develop and plan for soil fertility management, seeds, seasons, water, and weather to determine optimal growing conditions and indicators of health for each native species.
- Support the inventory and maintenance of all vehicles, facilities, equipment, field gear/supplies utilized for Kohala field work.
- Supports seed collection and storing, species identification, germination, outplanting, watering, weeding, and monitoring efforts.
- Supports community food production, seed adaptation, and soil conservation trials at Niuli‘i.
- Co-creates conditions that ensure the safety and health of ‘āina and kānaka of Kohala.
Mo‘olelo (evaluation for continuous learning and knowledge transmission):
- Assesses for learning the impact of mālama ‘āina on ecosystems, the development of regenerative practices, and conditions and indicators of a state of pono in the context of forested lands.
- Manages recordkeeping, outcomes, and indicators reporting, story-catching, and other forms of evaluation in ways that appreciate, energize, and strengthen community investments and impact.
- Supports the development of community engagement, educational, and applied research projects in alignment with TKC’s vision, mission, and strategies.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of three years of experience in forest protection, ecosystem restoration, natural resource, or conservation-related fields.
- Minimum of five years of experience (and/or demonstrated understanding) as a mālama ‘āina practitioner with Hawai‘i’s native and canoe crops and/or native forest plants.
- Past experience studying under Native Hawaiian conservation and/or agricultural practitioners.
- Ability to perform physical work in remote rugged landscape, adverse conditions, and during inclement weather for extended periods of time.
- Ability to work in and around helicopters; trained in basic helicopter safety and external sling loads.
- Demonstrated experience with ungulate tracking and control techniques, including strategic hunting with dogs, using firearms, trapping, and snaring.
- Ability to safely use herbicides for removing non-native invasive plants.
- Able to perform heavy physical work and safely operate heavy equipment.
- Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds (130 pounds with a partner) over uneven terrain for distances in excess of one mile.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Outstanding sense of workplace responsibility to ensure personal safety as well as safety of other staff and inexperienced learners.
- Proven ability to interact positively with a wide variety of people in groups and one-on-one to co-lead classes and lectures and represent TKC in professional gatherings.
- Ability to work positively in a fast-paced, demanding, and collaborative organization.
- Ability to maintain composure, breath, sensitivity, and flexibility during peak periods and challenging situations.
- Ability to apply knowledge of Hawaiian and Pacific Island cultures and historical perspectives. Alternatively, an international/global perspective along with a background in cultural diversity is a plus.
- Basic proficiency in ‘ōlelo Hawai’i, working use of ‘ōlelo Hawai’i desired.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Kohala and/or Hāmākua-based knowledge and relationships.
- Wilderness First Aid certified.
- Helicopter safety and sling load training.
- Hawai’i hunting license.
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree in biology, ethnobotany, horticulture, agroecology or agroforestry, soil or environmental science, agriculture, or related field. Supporting coursework or a degree in Hawaiian studies is a plus.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Reliable personal transportation required for use in traveling between work sites.
- Valid Hawaii Driver License (or ability to obtain one) required with a clean driving record.
- Work is performed outdoors in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult terrain, and under physically demanding conditions.
- Extended, overnight camping trips (up to four nights), weekend and evening work, and working four, ten- hour days in one week may be required every four to six weeks.
- Inter- and intra-island travel on occasion.
EQUIPMENT USE
- Manual and automatic 4x4 vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, and riding mower both on and off-road.
- Conservation tools (e.g., rock drill, chainsaw, weed whacker, and power tools).
- Plant preparation and propagation equipment (e.g. irrigation systems).
- Two-way radio, compass, and GPS.
- Computer and standard office equipment.
