All Islands
Kupu is looking for individuals that want to become dedicated to improving and preserving Hawaii’s natural resources and cultural landscape. Successful applicants applying to this role will be connected with like-minded young leaders, making progressive steps to positively influence the environment.
POSTION OVERVIEW
The HYCC Summer Program is designed for young adults who are interested in exploring environmental work and education. It is an outdoor summer experience in which individuals work together as teams to complete hands-on fieldwork at various host sites across their respective islands.
As a team leader (TL), your primary responsibility is to maximize the learning experience of team members in a safe environment while minimizing the impact of the team on the natural resources. The TL position is a very important position in the HYCC program; TLs are responsible for their team and help to develop an environment that is supportive and conducive to teamwork and learning. TLs are the authoritative figures that travel with the team during the summer. They are responsible for motivating, developing, disciplining, and looking out for the well-being of each of the members. TLs are also responsible for transporting the members to field sites (in program provided vehicles, sometimes off-road), serving alongside their members on field projects, and making sure that their members are prepared for upcoming activities. The TL will also assist Kupu program coordinators in planning and running program-related events. TL applicants must be comfortable working in rugged environments, and be able to perform physically demanding tasks.
On a weekly basis, TLs are required to check in with their program coordinator/manager, keep a record of the team’s progress and fieldwork efforts and ensure timesheets and other paperwork are turned in on time. TLs will participate in program activities with their teams Monday through Friday, generally from 7am-5pm, with the possibility of camping. TLs on the islands of Hawai‘i, Maui, and Kaua‘i may have extensive camping requirements (from Monday through Friday) throughout the program. TLs may also spend up to three weeks on neighbor islands for training and service projects. Program-related neighbor island travel, accommodations, and other miscellaneous expenses will be covered by HYCC. The program does not cover relocation expenses (ex. travel from mainland to program location). Please note that the TL position may involve substantial commitment outside of program activities, on the weekends, including communication with team members/Kupu staff, completing program-related paperwork, planning logistics for the upcoming scheduled week and purchasing and prepping the team’s food and equipment for camping trips (budget and equipment provided by Kupu.)
One or more team leaders will be designated as an alternate leader. Alternate leaders are required to spend each day of the program out in the field with various HYCC summer teams and to replace team leaders on any island in the event that another team leader is not available to lead their teams. As an AmeriCorps member, applicants cannot exceed the maximum allowable terms as set forth by the Corporation for National Community Service. To find out the current regulations regarding eligibility, please visit the AmeriCorps website.
*Kupu is committed to making reasonable accommodations upon request for those with disabilities. For details please contact Kupu at 808-735-1221 x2001.
AVAILABILITY
There will be one or more team leader positions on each of the following islands: Kaua‘i, Moloka‘i, O‘ahu, Maui and Hawaii Island (both Kona and Hilo side). The number of positions and areas in which positions are available are subject to change each year.
BENEFITS
• Up to $4,000 total living allowance and benefits
• $1,289.95 Education Award – provided through Kupu’s largest supporter, AmeriCorps • Opportunity to serve in unique and beautiful places (program travel expenses paid for by the program)
• 8-9 days of total training on O‘ahu: 4-5 days of specialized workshops on leadership, safety and logistics, and program/fieldwork preparation; and 4 days of training with your team members that includes CPR/first aid and an environmental fair (program travel expenses paid for by the program)
• Valuable hands-on learning and awareness of environmental issues
• Opportunity to meet supervisors and potential employers who work in fields related to resource management and conservation
• Valuable job and life skills
• Opportunity to be a positive role model and mentor to a team of youth
• And most of all, the opportunity to protect Hawaii’s natural resources and make a positive impact in your community
*Living allowances are subject to taxes and are paid bi-weekly over eight weeks. Should, in special cases, the position last less than 8 weeks, the living allowance will be prorated appropriately. Living allowances are awarded at the above stated amount and are not dependent on hours served.
PROGRAM DATES
Mandatory orientation on a weekend or weeknight in May (virtual attendance available). June 1st – June 5th, 2020 for team leader training on Oahu, one week prior to the start of their team members, who begin the following week. June 8th – July 24th, 2020 for all participants, followed by a recognition event (exact date TBD).
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:
1. Age - Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by June 1st, 2020 (due to rental car requirements). If you are between 17-20 years of age, please see the HYCC Summer Team Member application.
2. Experience – Applicants must have previous experience in one or more of the following fields: education, conservation/environmental fieldwork, being a leader/supervisor/mentor.
3. Diploma – Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
4. Driver’s License – Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and have the ability to transport team in a company-provided van and/or truck.
5. Citizenship - Applicants must be one of the following: a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien (due to AmeriCorps regulations).
6. Background Check/Driving History/Drug Test - Applicants are subject to a background check, review of driver history, and a drug test. Results must meet Kupu’s terms for employment.
7. Housing/Transportation - Applicants must have their own personal housing and transportation arrangements on-island for non-program time (nights and weekends).
8. Physical & Behavioral Requirements - Due to the nature of this program, the physical and behavioral demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
a. Able to serve extended hours on steep, rugged terrain; under extreme hot and cold weather condition
b. Able to hike long distances carrying a 20 lb backpack
c. Able to lift 30+ lbs, and operate basic hand tools (machetes, shovels, picks, etc)
d. Able to serve and camp in remote locations with minimal facilities
e. Able to serve closely, interact according to Kupu’s core values and expectations, and camp with a small team for consecutive days and weeks
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Experience as a teacher or field crew leader/supervisor
2. An understanding of natural resource management issues and techniques
3. Knowledge of the Hawaiian culture, language, and/or protocols in relation to the land, flora and fauna
4. Experience in planning and coordinating logistics and managing data
5. Experience driving off-road in a 4WD vehicle (preferred – Hawaii Island only)
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
HOW TO APPLY
Complete Our Online Application
Your application must be completed via this direct link: https://kupuhawaii.tfaforms.net/184 or through our website: https://www.kupuhawaii.org/hycc-summer/
Note: The application doesn’t have a save button, so you will need provide all information in one sitting or risk having an incomplete application. The requirements will include uploading your resume and listing a minimum of two job references. Upon submitting your application, please notify your job references that they will be receiving an email containing a link to complete an electronic reference form. It is your responsibility that these forms are submitted; please be sure to allow enough time for your references to complete the online reference form. If they are not received, your application will be considered incomplete.
Physical & Behavioral Requirements
Due to the nature of this program, the physical and behavioral demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable members with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
a. Able to serve extended hours on steep, rugged terrain; under extreme hot and cold weather condition
b. Able to hike long distances carrying a 20 lb. backpack
c. Able to lift 30+ lbs., and operate basic hand tools (machetes, shovels, picks, etc.)
d. Able to serve and camp in remote locations with minimal facilities
e. Able to serve closely, interact according to Kupu’s core values and expectations, and camp with agency field crews potentially for consecutive days and weeks
About Kupu
Established in 2007 as a Honolulu-based 501(c)3 non-profit, Kupu empowers future generations to create a more sustainable Hawai‘i. The organization provides hands-on training programs that educate and mentor youth to become stewards of our culture and environment. Since it has been established Kupu has trained more than 4,000 youth in conservation, sustainability, and environmental education. In 2017 alone, Kupu generated more than $22 million in economic benefits for the state, distributed $662,569 in education awards, removed 10,609 acres of invasive species, and restored 117,864 native plants to their natural habitats.
QUESTIONS? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Page first.
STILL NEED HELP? Call (808) 735-1221 x2001 or e-mail us at hyccsummer@kupuhawaii.org should you have additional questions.
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