Hawai'i
Kupu is a 501c3 nonprofit organization which aims to empower youth to serve their communities through character building, service learning, and environmental stewardship. Kupu aims to train and equip young adults in Hawaiʻi and throughout the Pacific Rim with work skills, life skills, and knowledge to help them become successful as individuals and as part of the greater community. Kupu is staffed by people with a heart to better Hawaiʻi while working as a team with a purpose of doing what is pono and doing what is best for Hawaiʻi and its people. Kupu is a team-focused, vibrant, and synergistic organization whose culture is dynamic and seeks to make a larger impact on Hawaiʻi. Kupu Mission "To empower youth to serve their communities through character-building, service-learning, and environmental stewardship opportunities that encourage integrity (pono) with God, self and others."
PROGRAM INFORMATION:
The Conservation Leadership Development Program (CLDP) has been developed for individuals who are looking for an intensive entry-level experience in preparation for a career in the conservation field. In the Conservation Leadership Development Program, individuals work at a single worksite/agency that best matches the individual's interests. Applicants must be comfortable working in rugged environments, and be able to perform physically demanding work (see physical and behavioral requirements below*).
As previously mentioned, participants in the Conservation Leadership Development Program work with a single environmental agency for the duration of the term of service (approximately eleven months). CLDP members typically work one-on-one with a mentor/supervisor to gain a more in-depth understanding of the agency as a whole, as well as the type of environmental work and research the agency is involved in. Members may participate in a variety of conservation activities and work across various landscapes, depending on the agency they are selected by. This may include fieldwork, research projects and presentations, leading/assisting with volunteer groups, etc.. Participants will gain valuable experiential education throughout the program, and will have the opportunity to build close relationships with conservation field experts. Members will gain skills in the areas of leadership, organization, and decision-making, work in some of the most interesting and beautiful natural areas in Hawai'i and have an opportunity to make a positive impact in those areas.
Although a site-specific Position Description will be provided by the Host Site, CLDP members typically begin working at their site immediately after the program starts and participate in program activities Monday through Friday. The program will involve all weekdays (with work times ranging between 7am-5pm) with possible weekends, evenings and/or camping. Members may have extensive camping requirements throughout the program depending on the work needs of the host-agency. Due to the individual nature of the Conservation Leadership Development Program and the length of the term of service, members are held to a high degree of personal responsibility. On a monthly basis, CLDP members are expected to check in with their program coordinator, keep a record of their work efforts and ensure timesheets and other paperwork are turned in on time.
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 x2002.
AVAILABILITY:
One or more positions are available on the following islands with the specified host-organizations:
• O'ahu: Ko'olau Mountain Watershed Partnership, Kupu HYCC Community Program (Wai'anae), Department of Land and Natural Resources-Division of Aquatic Resources.
• Maui: National Tropical Botanical Garden, The Nature Conservancy, Department of Forestry and Wildlife Natural Area Reserves System (NARS), East Maui Watershed Partnership
• Hawai'i: Hawai'i Forest Industry Association, Ka'upulehu Restoration Project
BENEFITS:
• Up to $1,440 monthly living allowance* and a $5,815 Education Award- through Kupu's largest supporter, AmeriCorps
• Opportunity to gain extensive knowledge about a single/handful of worksites (as members work with one agency for the duration of the program)
• An extremely in-depth learning experience and further awareness of specific environmental issues
• Opportunity to work side-by-side with a supervisor and potential employer who works in an environmental field you are interested in
• Child care, health care, and loan deferment available for eligible applicants
• Week-long Service Trip with other Kupu CLDP participants
• Valuable job and life skills
• 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 eleven months. Should, in special cases, the position last less than eleven months, the living allowance will be prorated appropriately. Living allowances are awarded at the above stated amount and are not dependent on hours worked.
PROGRAM DATES:
January 8th 2018 - November 24th 2018 (approximately 11 months). Exact start and end dates TBD.
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:
1. Age - Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the start date of the term of service (due to AmeriCorps regulations).
2. Diploma - Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
3. Citizenship - Applicants must be one of the following: a US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien (due to AmeriCorps regulations).
4. Criminal History Check - Applicants are subject to a criminal history check.
5. Housing/Transportation - Applicants must have their own personal housing and transportation arrangements on-island.
6. 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 work 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 work and camp in remote locations with minimal facilities
e. Able to work closely, interact according to Kupu's core values and expectations, and camp with agency field crews for consecutive days and weeks
HOW TO APPLY:
1. Complete the Online Application: The application can be filled out at the following direct link: https://kupuhawaii.tfaforms.net/30 , or on our website at kupuhawaii.org/conservation using yearlong application link. Please read ALL instructions and answer questions to the best of your ability.
2. Deadline to Apply: November 12th 2017
Please note that you will need to upload your resume and list 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. Application and all required materials must be received by the application deadline of November 12th 2017.
GUIDELINES FOR Job References:
• All job references should come from professional sources such as coaches, bosses, teachers, groups you've volunteered with, or anyone who has known you for at least a three months. Job references should not include immediate family members or close friends.
• Job References should be able to speak to your personal and professional attributes
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