Intern, LT Ranch

Job Purpose

The LT Ranch Intern supports LT Ranch programs across all pathways, including 'āina, animals, and arts/ceramics. This internship provides hands-on experience in culturally grounded, trauma-responsive youth programming while building foundational workplace skills in a supportive, learning-centered environment.

Learning Objectives

• Gain exposure to LT Ranch pathways and understand how they support kamalei growth, healing, and connection to self and others
• Build communication, teamwork, and time-management skills through hands-on program support
• Learn basic program operations such as preparation and organization
• Strengthen cultural awareness through engagement with Hawaiian values, practices, and Queen Lili'uokalani.
• Develop confidence, responsibility, and professional habits in a real-world work setting

Essential Responsibilities

LT Ranch Intern will support daily operations across LT Ranch pathways under the guidance of program staff. Responsibilities include:

• Assist with program setup, facilitation, and clean-up across 'āina, animals, and arts/ceramics pathways

• Support kamalei during activities by modeling positive behavior, following safety guidelines, and offering appropriate encouragement
• Help prepare materials, tools, and spaces for daily programming (e.g., gathering supplies, setting up work areas, feeding or care routines as directed)
• Participate in opening and closing piko, reflections, and cultural practices as appropriate
• Communicate respectfully with staff and kamalei; ask questions and seek guidance when unsure
• Support basic administrative tasks as assigned (e.g., attendance support, organizing materials, light cleaning or inventory)
• Demonstrate reliability by arriving on time, following schedules, and completing assigned tasks

This position is designed as a learning experience. Duties may evolve to support the intern's growth, interests, and readiness while meeting program needs.

Other Duties

• Participate in orientation, training, and learning opportunities provided by LT Ranch
• Support special events, workdays, or community activities as needed
• Assist with other program-related tasks as assigned, based on learning goals and program needs
• Uphold LT Ranch values, policies, and expectations at all times

Qualifications

This role is intended for individuals interested in learning and growing in a supporting, hands-on environment.

Required:

• Comfortable spending time outdoors and participating in moderate physical activity (standing, walking, lifting light items)
• Interest in working with youth, 'āina, animals, and/or creative arts
• Willingness to learn, follow direction, and ask questions
• Ability to communicate respectfully with youth and adults
• Dependable attendance and ability to follow schedules
• Ability to follow safety guidelines

Preferred:

• Interest in Hawaiian culture, values, and community-based work

Work Schedule & Location

• Estimated timeframe: June-July 2026
• Weekly schedule: 35-40 hours per week
• Location: LT Ranch, Waimea

Job Competencies

• Aloha: awareness and approach to the work with compassion, empathy, and kindness.
• 'Imi Na'auao: a constant desire for seeking knowledge; lifelong learner.
• Po'okele: desire to perform in excellence.
• Wiwo'ole: maintain a courageous, brave, and fearless mindset.
• Pono: understand the appropriateness of time, place, reason, people, and tools
• Kuleana: bring a deep sense of responsibility and accountability

Organization Competencies

• Alignment with Queen's legacy: Understanding and appreciation of Queen Lili'uokalani's story, her legacy, and the Hawaiian culture is foundational to staff's commitment to working with our Hawaiian children, families, and communities. Demonstrates respect for and appreciation of Hawaiian values, history, and culture, and understands their implications in one's work, relationship-building, and connection to the community served.
• Ho'omau i ka 'Imi Na'auao (Continuous Learning and Improvement): Committed to creating and reinforcing an environment of continuous learning and improvement.
• Hō'ike i Nā Mana'o Pono (Effective Communication): Communicates with those we serve and with colleagues in a manner that results in mutual understanding, harmony, and action.
• No'ono'o Loa (Critical Thinking and Problem Solving): Actively and skillfully understands, conceptualizes, applies, analyzes, synthesizes, and/or evaluates information and develops fact-based analyses and recommendations.
• Ho'okumu A'e / 'Imi Hakuhia (Innovation): Identifies and integrates creative ideas into new or existing services and promotes effective problem-solving.
• Pilina Ho'ohana a me ka Hana Hilina'i (Building Relationships and Creating Trust): Manages relationships to create optimal opportunities and move the organization forward.
• Alu Like i ka Hana (Teamwork): Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others throughout the organization in alignment with organizational objectives.
• Ho'onui i ka 'Ike (Capacity Building): Encourages personal growth by exhibiting trust and belief in the capacity of others

Mental and Physical Demands

• Ability to lift 25lbs pounds. Requires frequent sitting, bending, standing...

Terms and Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to LT's policies and procedures.

Job Title: LT Ranch Intern

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Program: LT Ranch

Reports to: Program Director, LT Ranch

Aligned Executive: President & CEO

Department: Kamali'i Support and Healing

Lili'uokalani Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to recruit, train, and retain innovative talent from a diverse candidate pool. All employment decisions will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, ancestry, genetic information, citizenship, marital/civil union status, arrest and court record, domestic or sexual violence victim status, credit history, disability or veteran/military status or other applicable legally protected characteristics.