What are the responsibilities and job description for the Individual Placement - Oahu Nā Ala Hele Trails Position position at Student Conservation Association, Inc?
Position Summary
PLEASE READ: Housing is not provided. Candidates must already have or be able to find their own housing in Oahu. Position will be based out of Honolulu (Makiki Valley). Candidate must either have personal transportation or take public transit to and from the office. Transportation from office to and from field worksites will be provided.
Come join our Nā Ala Hele staff as a trail crew member in Oahu, Hawaii. Nā Ala Hele is the State of Hawai‘i Trail and Access Program, created to manage public resources related to hiking. The program manages trail access and conducts trail maintenance to provide important public services including recreational opportunities, experiences related to history and historic trails, and economic opportunities where possible for commercial trail vendors. Nā Ala Hele trails are also important for access into natural areas for management, research, hunting, and wildfire response.
This position will assist in enhancing the sustainability of Oahu’s trails and improving trail conditions for users.
Location
Honolulu, HI
Schedule
February 9, 2026 - December 14, 2026
*Dates are flexible. Please inquire during interview. Position is 44 weeks long.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Work with a team to perform a variety of trail work and forestry projects throughout the island of Oahu. This position is hands-on and projects can be physically demanding. Work may include:
- Vegetation management: Weed whacking, removing brush overgrowth, and clearing blowdowns and removing fallen trees
- Trail construction and improvement projects: maintaining and repairing existing hiking trails and access roads, rerouting and constructing new trail, building trail features (retaining walls, steps, bridges, gates, fences, etc), and installing drainage features and erosion control measures (i.e. grade dips)
- Survey and assess trail conditions: documenting trail damage, identifying and mitigating hazards
- Inventory and upkeep of signage: maintaining and installing trail and hazard signs
- Maintain tools and equipment including weed whackers, chainsaws, hand tools and other equipment.
The work week will be 5 days, 8 hours per day, typically M-F but may include occasional evening and weekend work. Conditions often require working outside in inclement weather and may require walking long distances over rough terrain while carrying equipment each day.
Marginal Duties
Support facilities and grounds maintenance work.
May be asked to interact with the public through informal trailside conversation and updates on trail conditions and projects.
May assist in leading volunteers in trail maintenance.
Required Qualifications
Must be able to work outside in adverse conditions and inclement weather, and be physically fit enough to walk long distances over rough terrain while carrying loads of up to 25 lbs.
Flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment.
Candidate must provide their own housing in Oahu, as well and be able to get to/from office in Honolulu (Makiki Valley). Public buses are an option for those without a vehicle.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous trail maintenance or related work experience, such as farming, fencing, carpentry, field work, etc.
Previous experience in the outdoors and/or hiking.
Familiarity with local trails.
Hours
40 per week
Living Accommodations
No housing is provided.
Compensation
$800 - weekly living allowance
Health insurance is offered for 11 calendar months
All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information
Recommended
Additional Benefits
Health Insurance
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.