The Kahalu‘u Bay Education Center (KBEC) is a partnership of The Kohala Center (TKC) and County of Hawai‘i Department of Parks and Recreation. The County looks to KBEC to provide education for all visitors in the following subjects: park rules, safe and appropriate use of the park, the respectful behaviors expected of all who enter the water and utilize the beach park, limited natural resources, cultural and natural history. The Kohala Center shall manage/operate concessions at Kahalu‘u Beach Park, with all profits to be used for educational purposes and for the restoration of the park. Outreach will include working with community members, schools, camps, visitors, etc. to educate them about the intrinsic values of the ecological and cultural contributions of the bay. Volunteer training will include working with new and current volunteers to assure an open line of communication and that TKC guidelines are being followed. Marine science education will include teaching workshops and classes to youth and adults on various marine ecosystems in Hawai‘i, including Kahalu‘u Bay. The incumbent will serve as The Kohala Center staff member assisting in all aspects of the education center and management of the park, and working closely with the KBEC Director to ensure that the education center and volunteers are served properly.
Essential Job Functions
Under the general supervision of the KBEC Program Director, assists in:
- Marine Science Education
- Responsible for providing in-class and on-site ReefTeach/Reef Etiquette Training for staff, volunteers, and groups of youth and adults.
- Train Citizen Scientists to collect water quality data; run tide pool investigations lessons
- Develop marine science educational programs and activities for a variety of audiences, including youth camps, school field trips, university groups, and other groups interested in learning about and protecting Hawai‘i’s marine resources.
- Volunteer Coordination
- Monitor on-site activities of volunteers and provide support to new and current volunteers. Volunteers should clearly understand their responsibilities as ReefTeachers and Citizen Scientists.
- Train interested volunteers to assist with daily operations at KBEC.
- Schedule ReefTeach and Citizen Science volunteers daily and monthly.
- Operations
- Maintain a pleasant attitude to all visitors and staff at all times and serve as an Aloha Ambassador.
- Daily retail operations of KBEC including set-up and break-down, cash and credit card reconciliation and daily deposits.
- Maintain daily and monthly retail/rental sales goals.
- Work closely with KBEC manager to ensure lines of communication and information flow are open and work is completed in a timely manner.
- Assure sales/rental procedures are followed. Make recommendations for improved workflow.
- Keep abreast of ReefTeach and Citizen Science inventory and update KBEC retail center master inventory list.
- Program Assistance and Development
- Propose programs that will increase KBEC bottom line and engage volunteers, community, visitors in the process
- Successful completion of work assigned through grants, or through special projects.
- Park Oversight
- Monitor activities in the park and refer to appropriate agency when necessary. Examples: incidents of damage, defacement, and destruction of park property should be referred to park supervisor. Vendors without permits should be referred to police department. The only permitted vendor at Kahalu‘u is the Kahalu‘u Snack Wagon.
Additional duties may be added by the Program Director.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Demeanor
- Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science, Zoology, and/or Environmental Sciences
- Knowledge of Hawai‘i‘s shoreline marine environment.
- Diplomacy, and excellent judgment.
- Ability to work under pressure and problem-solve.
- Excellent time management, scheduling and organizational skills.
- Retail sales, marketing skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to multi-task and work with a range of people in a fast-paced environment.
- Understanding of simple bookkeeping, inventory, cash/credit card handling.
- Ability to ensure all equipment (including Education Center truck) is maintained in excellent condition.
- Excellent listening skills.
- Respectful and humble attitude.
- Public speaking skills.
- Ability to lift items up to 50 lbs. for set-up and break-down of education center purposes and other activities.
- Computer skills in Excel, Word.
Desired Knowledge Skills and Abilities
- 2+ years Community Outreach and Education
- 2+ years in management position
- 2+ years in customer service
Working Conditions
- Must be able to work weekday and/or weekend schedule.
- Work takes places in an outdoor, shoreline environment.
- Must have access to reliable, insured vehicle.
How to Apply
Please download and fill out the employment application form and submit with your cover letter and resume to Cortney Okumura at cokumura@kohalacenter.org. No phone calls, please.
