Part-Time Hoa ʻĀina

LOCATION: Kīholo Bay, Kona, Hawai'i

DESIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: A minimum of a high school diploma or GED, accompanied by 3 years of related work experience in a team setting.

APPLICATIONS DUE BY: October 20, 2023

PROJECTED START DATE: November 1, 2023

Hui Aloha Kīholo’s Mission is to protect, perpetuate, and enhance the cultural and natural landscape of the Kīholo Bay area through collaborative management and active community stewardship.

SUMMARY:

This part-time Hoa ʻĀina position, also known as “friend of the land,” requires working 20 hours per week on both Saturday and Sunday at Kīholo. There may also be occasional weekday shifts. Hoa ʻĀina are responsible for working outdoors to monitor and protect natural and cultural resources, maintain facilities, engage with visitors, and manage permitted camping at Kīholo State Park. By actively caring for the land and sharing a stewardship ethic with visitors, kamaʻaina, and partners, Hoa ʻĀina ensure that Kīholo continues to flourish both culturally and environmentally.

The right candidate will work at Kīholo Bay to support the safety of visitors and the preservation of the biocultural resources including plants, animals, and cultural sites.

Duties include:

  • Represent Hui Aloha Kīholo by wearing the uniform and maintaining professionalism at all times.

  • Monitor and report on the condition of park resources and their use.

  • Greet and engage visitors, emphasizing the explanation of park rules.

  • Note and mitigate potential public safety and environmental risks, such as blocked trails.

  • Assist with huakaʻi (field trips) for groups and community members.

  • Collaborate with others to develop new interpretive documents.

  • Check camping permits and parking passes.

  • Monitor gate usage, car entries, protected species, and rule violations.

  • Use a mobile device to report illegal activities and violations.

  • Participate, when needed, in planning and organizing special events, like educational camps.

  • Alert authorities and provide support for emergency situations, as trained.

  • Clean luaus (restrooms), haul rubbish, and maintain campsites and trails.

Travel Required

  • Occasional travel to partner work sites may be necessary.

Key Requirements

  • U.S. citizenship

  • Successful completion of a background investigation

  • Valid state driver's license

  • All supporting documents must be submitted by the application deadline

  • Provision of a Social Security Number for application processing

Minimum Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or GED, accompanied by 3 years of relevant work experience.

  • Capability to lift 50 lbs and work safely outdoors, traversing uneven surfaces, and carrying tools, equipment, backpacks, and other loads in a hot, dry environment for up to 10 hours daily.

  • Availability to work from 9 AM to 7 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.

  • Proficiency in using mobile applications to submit text and photos.

  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team.

  • Reliable transportation access.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with Kīholo and the kehaka wai ‘ole region.

  • Knowledge of coastal plant and animal species found in leeward Hawaiʻi.

  • Understanding of moʻolelo, place names, ‘oli, and mele associated with Hawaiʻi Island’s Kona coast.

  • Effective verbal communication skills.

  • Proficiency in pidgin English, American English, and Hawaiian.

  • Experience in education, interpretation, natural resource management, Hawaiian studies, conservation science, forestry, applied science, public speaking, community coordination, regulatory compliance, remote operations, or related fields.

  • Proficient swimming, snorkeling, and free diving skills.

  • Possession of a Red Cross Advanced First Aid Certificate OR First Responder Certificate.

  • Red Cross or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.

Physical Demands

Work is primarily conducted outdoors. It involves extensive periods of standing and walking, sometimes over rough surfaces or inclines, and carrying items such as backpacks, tools, equipment, or other loads. Staff might partake in strenuous activities, including lifting or transporting equipment weighing more than 50 pounds across considerable distances. It's essential for staff to be self-sufficient and capable of assisting others during emergencies.

Work Environment

Staff members work outdoors, either at campgrounds or on trails, which can vary from level to steep and slippery terrains. They may encounter challenges such as inclement weather, insects, and other discomforts. In some instances, they might face hazards associated with rough terrain. During emergencies or high-risk operations, they may need to work at any time of the day or night, sometimes for extended durations without breaks. Such conditions expose staff to potential dangers, necessitating a range of safety precautions and measures.

Benefits

Working for Hui Aloha Kīholo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, health insurance, and mileage reimbursement.

Questions: contact Chad - chad@kiholo.org or 808-756-2080.