Wao Kele o Puna
The Land Specialist assists in the development and implementation of a Comprehensive Management Plan for Wao Kele o Puna, as well as relevant work for any other conservation, Legacy, and/or Programmatic lands owned by OHA on the Island of Hawai`i. The Land Specialist is also responsible for engaging the community about and implementing the day-today management of the project(s).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Land Management
a. Assists in developing and implementing the Comprehensive Management Plan for Wao Kele o Puna and any other Legacy and Programmatic properties as assigned, as well as coordinating efforts of the Land Management program and other partners.
b. Develops and creates a Conservation Management Program or its equivalent as assigned for Wao Kele o Puna within the framework of Hawaiian values and
belief systems. The Program represents the implementation arm from the Comprehensive Management Plan and is an on-the-ground management program.
c. Ensures that all conservation management programs and activities conducted comply with all federal, state, and county laws, regulations, and policies, as well
as OHA goals and policies.
d. Assists in the review, negotiation, and process of land and management agreements.
e. Seeks, completes, and submits grant applications relevant to natural and cultural resource programs; oversees the implementation of grants and document results; conducts budgeting for grants and manages funds associated with activities to be performed; tracks projects, including field inspections and contractor oversight.
f. Recommends and helps facilitate and implement research, surveys, and other programs, based on observation and other studies. Coordinates contracts to fulfill the Comprehensive Management Plan and general property maintenance, including assessments and inventory of natural and cultural resources, historic
sites, risks, threats to resources, interpretive values, and economic development potential.
g. Works to enhance beneficiary participation in and benefit from Land Management activities. Helps to facilitate a Wao Kele o Puna Advisory Council that provides input on the development and completion of the WKOP Comprehensive Management Plan.
2. Risk Management
a. Maintains good working relationships with Puna Communities, OHA lessees, managers, beneficiaries and other partners.
b. Monitors and takes actions to protect Hawai`i lands from damage by human abuse, invasive species, and fire.
c. Conducts site inspections and risk assessments, and takes actions to mitigate any risks, with approval of the Land and Property Manager.
d. Mitigates and manages emergency situations such as fires and injuries.
3. Public Outreach and Education
a. Develops and maintains relationships with communities on the boundaries of Wao Kele o Puna to insure OHA and its designees can access to the forest to conduct native forest health and watershed management.
b. Conducts and attends public meetings and hearings for land-related projects.
c. Responds to public concerns, comments, and suggestions.
d. Serves as liaison to related organizations and associations.
e. Prepares and presents media briefings, brochures, and presentations.
f. Organizes and coordinates with schools and non-profit organizations field trips and educational work trips.
g. Gives public talks and demonstrations.
h. Assists with critical Land Management outreach and education projects.
i. Attends related conferences and other similar meetings as directed and as funding allows.
4. Regular attendance on a daily basis is required for this position.
5. Performs other duties as assigned by the Program Manager.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies, Conservation Biology, Hawaiian Studies, Planning, or related field. Master’s degree in above or related fields is preferred.
2. Three and one-half (3 ½) years of progressively responsible experience in the field of land or conservation/preservation or cultural resources management in Hawai`i.
3. Current Hawai`i Driver’s License.
4. Must be able to attain the following certifications within the first year:
How To Apply
To apply for this position, download, complete, and submit the application form here: http://19of32x2yl33s8o4xza0gf14.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/OHA-Employment-application-5-14-14.pdf
The position will remain open until enough qualified applicants have applied. Please apply ASAP for primary consideration.
Send application form along with a resume and cover letter with salary history and requirements to:
OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS
560 N. Nimitz Highway, Suite 200
Honolulu, Hawai`i 96817
Attention: Human Resources
Or via email: ohahr@oha.org
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