Oahu
Summary of Position
The Dredge and Special ʻĀina Projects Technician supports MLEFʻS mission “to perpetuate the Native Hawaiian culture through education, land stewardship and community building while sustainably restoring our precious natural resources.” This position supports the Kulaiwi Nani Restoration Program and Mālama Loko ea Fishpond. The Dredge Technician is responsible for operating dredging equipment to restore and maintain Loko ea. This role involves working closely with MLEF staff, cultural experts, and community stakeholders to ensure that dredging activities are conducted in a culturally sensitive and ecologically responsible manner.
Key Responsibilities:
Operate Dredging Equipment:
Operate various types of dredging equipment, including cutter suction dredgers, trailing suction hopper dredgers, and mechanical dredgers.
Adjust controls to manage the dredging process, including the speed, depth, and angle of the dredge.
Cultural and Environmental Sensitivity:
Collaborate with cultural experts and environmental scientists to ensure dredging activities respect and preserve site and local ecosystems.
Follow guidelines and protocols designed to protect culturally significant areas and native species.
Monitor Operations:
Continuously monitor the dredging operation to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
Use y-si-water quality testing, sonar, GPS, and other monitoring equipment to track the progress of the dredging operation and ensure compliance with project specifications.
Inputting and maintaining Tracking sheets/NRDS land data management
Maintenance and Repairs:
Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on dredging equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Report any significant mechanical issues to the maintenance team and assist in major repairs as needed.
Safety and Compliance:
Adhere to all safety protocols and regulations to ensure a safe working environment.
Conduct safety checks and drills regularly to ensure preparedness for emergency situations.
Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and minimize the impact of dredging activities on the surrounding ecosystem.
Documentation and Reporting:
Maintain accurate records of dredging activities, including daily logs, equipment maintenance records, and incident reports.
Prepare and submit reports on project progress, equipment status, and any issues encountered.
Document the impact of dredging activities on cultural sites and environmental conditions.
Community Engagement:
Engage with local communities and stakeholders to explain the purpose and benefits of dredging activities.
Participate in community meetings and MLEF events to build trust and support for restoration projects.
Collaboration and Communication:
Work closely with other MLEF team members to ensure the successful completion of dredging projects.
Communicate effectively with supervisors and other stakeholders regarding project status and any operational concerns.
Daily kilo practice
Shared MLEF Team Responsibilities:
Performs general Loko Ea fishpond maintenance duties such as: water quality testing, environmental parameter data collection, mākāhā maintenance, tending native plant gardens, clearing invasive plants
Attend and participate in weekly MLEF staff meetings
Acts as an official speaker when called upon, and relays information of MLEF and Loko Ea
Take photos and videos for education and outreach materials including—social media and blog and content for the MLEF website.
Community Engagement - Community being the surrounding Haleʻiwa/Waialua/North Shore Community, Native Hawaiian Community, Loko iʻa Community
Assist in writing grants, grant reports and other fundraising materials
Share with MLEF Staff to advance the organizationʻs strategy and objectives and to ensure efficient and effective communication and operations.
Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Embodiment of Aloha, Mālama, Laulima, ʻImi Naʻauao, Pono, ʻIke pono
Staff have enthusiasm, a sense of humor, patience, integrity, self-motivation, multitasking capabilities and adaptability. They are collaborative, spontaneous, and have a good head on their shoulders. Staff treat others with respect, and work through the tougher moments treating everyone with dignity and grace. They have the ability to work both independently and as a member of a larger staff team. They have good judgment calls, are hard working, self motivated, flexible, enthusiastic and prepared to dive into any and all activities that MLEF offers. Staff are both detail-oriented and organized in developing and implementing project plans. They are able to connect with diverse groups of people and organizations. Staff are positive role models, who are patient, compassionate and genuinely committed to the welfare and development of the community and young people.
Additional skills that are highly valued include:
Knowledge of Native Hawaiian cultural practices and natural resource issues
Program management
Leadership/supervisory experience
Knowledge and/or experience with MLEF, its mission, restoration and programs
Requirements
Preference will be given to those with any previous experience in Aquaculture
High school diploma or equivalent.
Technical training in heavy equipment operation or a related field is preferred.
Proven experience operating dredging equipment or other heavy machinery.
Familiarity with hydraulic systems, mechanical systems, and marine operations.
Experience with cultural and environmental restoration projects is highly desirable.
Well-developed communication, problem solving and interpersonal skills
Strong teamwork and conflict resolution skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Powerpoint), Google drive, Adobe Creative Suite, and database software
Able to teach and work in an outdoor environments
Ability to do physical labor including carrying a minimum weight of 40lbs
Daily access to computer and internet
Valid Hawaii Driverʻs license
Availability on weekends
Skills:
Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and diagrams.
Proficiency with monitoring and navigation equipment such as sonar and GPS.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Cultural sensitivity and knowledge of local cultural practices and environmental conservation methods.
Physical Requirements:
Ability to work in various weather conditions and in a physically demanding environment.
Good physical stamina and the ability to lift heavy objects.
Working Conditions:
Work is primarily conducted outdoors on or near water.
Shift work, including nights and weekends, may be required depending on project demands.
Travel to various project sites may be necessary.
Safety and Environmental Responsibility:
Follow all MLEF protocol and regulatory safety procedures.
Take proactive measures to protect the fishpond environment and minimize the ecological impact of dredging activities.
Ensure all activities are conducted in a manner that respects and preserves cultural heritage and environmental integrity.
*This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job
*In accordance with Federal Law, MLEF is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability
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