Waipa Ahupuaʻa, Kauai, Hawaii
Summer 2024 Kūlia I Ka Nuʻu Internship
Program Date: June 17th-July 19th (Orientation June 13th, 14th)
Mon. - Thurs. 8am - 3pm
Application Due: May 10th, 2024
Pay: $15/hr
Position Description
Waipā is a living learning center that teaches, shares, and inspires Hawaiian values and ahupua'a practices; builds passions, skills and competency in related areas of knowledge; and takes care of its people and communities.
The primary role of an Kūlia I Ka Nuʻu intern is to support and actively participate in the projects and programs of Waipā Foundation. This program aims to develop a strong sense of identity, servant leadership, and ʻāina within our interns through hands-on, placed-based learning.
This internship centers Hawaiian culture and ʻĀina stewardship as a basis for
personal and professional capacity building. Interns gain hands-on experience in
ahupuaʻa operations while growing connections with their cohort, Waipā staff and
community members. With the help of community partners, interns also contribute
to research, restoration work and community food systems across Kauaʻi. This
culminates in a focus project of the interns choice supported by a mentor within our
staff community. Interns are encouraged to integrate their field of study or other
valuable experiences with this mālama ʻāina project.
We welcome young people 18-24 years old, including college students from any concentration, recent graduates, and young adults seeking job experience in Aloha ʻĀina related careers.
A goal of this program is to create an avenue for young adults, some who have left Kauai for studies and others who may not be attending college, to grow roots in culture, ground in community and gain work experience while finding ways to bring purpose to their career path.
Responsibilities
Interns will gain hands-on experience working in Waipāʻs learning sites throughout the ahupuaʻa, including Loʻi, agroforestry sites, gardens, greenhouse, riparian habitats, auwai, fishpond, coastal areas and kai.
Work may include some or all of the following initially, before a focus is selected:
Assisting in poi production
ʻĀina and infrastructure maintenance of various sites
Tasks may include but are not limited: Weed whipping, hand-weeding, pruning, fertilizing, plant propagation and out-planting
Supporting local food systems by farming, post harvest processing of fresh produce, as well as value added production and marketing
Participation and skill development in cultural practices such as oli, mele, hoʻokipa protocol, etc.
Hosting and working with visiting groups
Education and youth development programming
Invasive species control
Hosting and working with visiting/tour groups
Education and youth development programming
Media management and production (website design, photography, etc.)
Program Outcomes
By the end of the program, interns will gain experience in:
Basic ʻāina stewardship training
Successfully complete an independent project with mentor supervision
Network with professionals in their field
Host and conduct Waipā Hoʻokipa Protocol and make lei
Identify interests and connections for potential career paths
Leadership styles, techniques and real world application
Position Requirements
Transportation to and from site (please let us know if this is an issue)
Ability to work/hike outdoors for extended periods in direct sun
Good communication, listening skills and ability to incorporate feedback
Must be professional and courteous with cohort, staff and community
Get Involved. Join Conservation Connections.
