Show Mahiʻāina Specialist

The Kohala Center is an independent, community-based nonprofit focused on research, education, and ‘āina stewardship for healthier ecosystems.

Mahi‘āina Specialist
FULL TIME

The Kohala Center, Kamuela, HI, US

Salary Range:$45,000.00 To 55,000.00 Annually

LOCATION: Waimea-Kohala-Hāmākua, Hawai‘i Island

FLSA STATUS: Full-Time, Exempt

JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE: The Kohala Center’s mahi‘āina specialists are responsible for strengthening pilina with ‘āina across food and forest ecosystems (including conservation and agriculture) in Kohala, Waimea, and Hāmākua. Our mahi‘āina specialists hold kuleana for supporting waihona (e.g. nurseries, seed banks, soil health, databases, libraries) for native forest and indigenous food plants by returning ancestral knowledge and place-based research into daily propagation and stewardship practices. This work is based across multiple stewardship sites at The Kohala Center (TKC) including our native forest nursery at Keawewai on Kohala Mountain, our native agroforestry pilot in Pu‘u Kapu, Waimea, and our indigenous canoe crop nursery at Nāmoku in Honoka‘a. The ideal candidate is an experienced planter with mahi ‘ai experience who is connected and highly accountable to ‘āina, meeting and exceeding standards of excellence, and engaging respectfully with a strong relationship to Hawaiʻi.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Ho‘olauna (outreach and invitation)

• Extends and responds to invitations that strengthen relationships with many whose work includes hana mahi ‘ai, ‘āina-based education, agriculture, nutrition, native forest regeneration, food security for and from Hawai‘i Island, native nurseries, and conservation, as well as with kama‘āina of Kohala, Waimea, and/or Hāmākua.
• Supports creating conditions (e.g., hosted site visits, huaka‘i, hoa‘āina days) that include, welcome, and orient diverse community members to ‘āina, ‘ai pono, and ululāʻau; natural cycles of place including pō mahina and weather patterns; and TKC.

Kilo (research, development and education)

• Conducts research informed by Hawai‘i’s indigenous culture and language alongside other diverse cultural values and traditions to meet intended outcomes for regenerative, Hawai‘i-based food and forestry systems.
• Supports the development and delivery of methods for all learners to build a stronger foundation in Hawaiian cultural principles, identity, histories, and practices (e.g. ‘ohana, mo‘olelo, kūmokuhali‘i, mahi ‘ai, kilo, nānā‘āina, kaulana mahina, aloha ‘āina).
• Connects with, listens to, and kilo kumu to understand what ‘āina needs in ways that support total well-being of ‘āina and kānaka.
  Supports the development and delivery of methods for all learners to build a stronger foundation in Hawaiian cultural principles, identity, histories, and practices (e.g., ‘ohana, mo‘olelo, kilo, forestry systems).

Hana (daily ‘āina practitionership)

• Holds kuleana and specialized knowledge and experience for cultivation operations at (i) Nāmoku as an indigenous canoe crop nursery, (ii) Keawewaiʻs native forest nursery and propagation site for native dryland and mesic forest plants and (iii) Pu‘u Kapu native agroforestry pilot as a convergence of both food and forest ecosystems.
• Activities may include:
  • Monitor and water nursery plants to include programming and maintenance of irrigation systems;
  • Develop and plan for soil fertility management, seeds, seasons, water, and weather to determine optimal growing conditions and indicators of health for each native species;
  • Establish and maintain seed, seedling, and outplanting inventory including species, dates, protocols, planters, kaulana mahina, and other key data points to support learning and propagation of native knowledge;
  • Support the inventory and maintenance of all facilities, equipment, and tools at Nāmoku and Kilohana Nursery.
  • Supports community food production, seed adaptation, and soil conservation trials.
    Supports seed collection and storing, species identification, germination, outplanting, watering, weeding, and monitoring efforts.
  • Co-creates conditions that ensure the safety and health of ‘āina and kānaka of Kohala.

Mo’olelo (evaluation for continuous learning and knowledge transmission)

• Assesses for learning the impact of hana mahi ‘ai/‘āina on ecosystems, the development of regenerative practices, and conditions and indicators of a state of pono in context of kula and forested lands.
• Manages recordkeeping, outcomes, and indicators reporting, story catching, and other forms of evaluation in ways that appreciate, energize, and strengthen community investments and impact.
• Supports the development of community engagement, educational, and applied research projects in alignment with TKC’s vision, mission, and strategies.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of three years of experience in agriculture, forestry, natural resource, or conservation-related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience (and/or demonstrated understanding) as a mahi ʻai with Hawai‘i’s native and canoe crops and/or native forest plants.
• Demonstrated experience studying under Native Hawaiian agricultural and/or conservation practitioners.
• Working knowledge of nursery and heavy farm equipment operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Outstanding sense of workplace responsibility to ensure personal safety as well as safety of other staff and inexperienced learners.
• Proven ability to interact positively with a wide variety of people in groups and one-on-one to co-lead classes and lectures and represent TKC in professional gatherings.
• Ability to maintain composure, breath, sensitivity, and flexibility during peak periods and challenging situations.
• Basic proficiency in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, working use of ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i desired.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Kohala, Waimea, and/or Hāmākua-based knowledge and relationships.
• Wilderness First Aid certified.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, ethnobotany, horticulture, agroecology or agroforestry, soil or environmental science, or related field. Supporting coursework or degree in Hawaiian studies a plus.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Reliable personal transportation required for use in traveling between work sites.
• Valid Hawaii Driver License (or ability to obtain one) required with a clean driving record.
• Able to work occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Able to perform heavy physical work and operate heavy equipment.
• Able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Able to work outdoors as well as in a variety of community settings.
• Inter- and intra-island travel on occasion.

EQUIPMENT USE

• Conservation and agriculture tools (hand tools) and machinery (e.g., ATV, tractor, tillage implements, power tools).
• Plant preparation and propagation equipment (e.g. irrigation systems).
• Computer and standard office equipment.