Paid Conservation Internship - KRCP

Kōkeʻe Resource Conservation Program

Job Description

Purpose: To perform vegetation management activities in Kōkeʻe, Waimea Canyon, and Nā Pali State Parks, involving primarily alien invasive plant (weed) removal but also sometimes including other management actions such as trail clearing, fencing of rare plants, and out-planting of natives and their subsequent care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify native plants in work areas, so as not to damage them

• Identify target weeds and remove them manually by pulling or treat with herbicide

• Hike in rough terrain, through dense vegetation, in possibly slippery, steep areas

• Follow all instructions and safety precautions of KRCP staff; be mindful of the safety of others and yourself; must wear long pants, long sleeved shirts, hiking boots with socks, gloves.

• Assist KRCP staff in the supervision of volunteer service projects

• Assist with orienting and training volunteers

• Attend outreach activities such as helping to man an educational booth at public events

• Remote camping work trips in native forest. Length of stay is typically 4-days but in rare cases could be scheduled for up to 7 days.

Suggested Qualifications (but not required):

• Interest or training in botany and ecology

• Familiar with GIS, mapping, gps, data entry, and ArcView

• Commitment to preservation of native Hawaiian ecosystems

• Ability to perform strenuous hiking and carry 35 lb backpack

• Comfortable and responsible in wilderness conditions, understand healthy camping

• Willingness to perform hard physical work and use herbicides

• No allergies, back problems, or other medical conditions

• Team player, safe worker

• Ability to accept instructions and put them into practice

Supervised by: Staff of KRCP during field hours.

Development opportunities: Opportunity to learn and gain experience in the taxonomy, function and management of Hawaiian flora and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as the threats to these native forests and what can be done about them. Receive safety training and training in resource management methods. Spend time in one of Hawaiʻi’s finest State Parks; can also participate in Kōkeʻe Museum projects and programs.

Support: Equipment Provided:

• Safety gear such as gloves, safety glasses, compass and map

• Machetes, clippers, machete belt & pouches as needed, Tally meter for counting weeds

• Equipment for special projects such as weed whackers and their relevant safety equipment (ear protection, face shields/helmets, chainsaw chaps) for trail clearing.