Foraging Field Assistant

Maui Nui Botanical Gardens is in search of a part time Foraging Field Assistant to work with Savage Kitchen https://sunnysavage.com/savage-kitchen/. 

The Foraging Field Assistant assists Maui Nui Botanical Gardens partner Savage Kitchen with tasks related to foraging, field collection, food preparation, and the operations and outreach of Savage Kitchen. S/he performs the creation of content for outreach and digital media specifically on the identification, collection, processing, and preparation of non-native and native plant species. The Foraging Field Assistant may liaison with the community through the presentation of educational workshops at the Maui Nui Botanical Garden or with Savage Kitchen. The Foraging Field Assistant reports to the Executive Director, but Savage Kitchen may assign tasks as necessary to the partnership that are not specifically described in this job description.

Duties include: Off-site identification and collection of edible invasive and non-native plant species. Harvesting and processing plants, algae, and mushrooms using a variety of preservation and storage techniques. Cooking and recipe development, cataloging of wild food plants through photos and online documentation, and the creation of educational materials and stories of wild food plants in Hawaiʻi. Off-site management of a farm integrating disturbance ethnobotany, and communications with community members about wild foods.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to observe and identify plants. Ability to pay close attention to detail, be receptive to feedback and able to respond in an efficient and accurate manner. Ability to communicate accomplishments and problems to the team. Must have basic familiarity with computers and smartphones, as well as a current driver’s license and working personal vehicle. Willing to be trained in edible wild foods, with a focus on invasive plant, algal, and mushroom species and the unique handling of their reproductive material and processing into food.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities

Knowledge of Native Hawaiian, Polynesian-introduced, and non-native plant species along with  Hawaiian environments and/or ecosystems. Knowledge of Hawaiian culture, traditions, practices, and language. Previous experience gardening, cooking, hiking and using computer software.

Hours: This is a part-time (19 hours weekly) position, Thursdays and Fridays preferred in person, with additional hours remotely.

Please send a cover letter, your resume, and 3 professional references that include a name, email, and phone number to tamara@mnbg.org. Professional references should be people who have supervised you as an employee, contractor, or volunteer.

Applications open 9/6/23 with interviews beginning Thursday, September 14.