What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mahi‘āina Specialist position at The Kohala Center?
LOCATION: Keawewai, Kohala Mountain Road, Kawaihae-uka, Hawai‘i Island, Hawai‘i
FLSA STATUS: Full time, Exempt
REPORTS TO: ‘Āina Operations Manager, Keawewai
JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE
The mahi‘āina specialist is responsible for the long-term development and daily care of a 60-acre ‘ili ‘āina nāhelehele, or native forested land division. Based in the uplands of the ahupua‘a of Kawaihae, this position supports The Kohala Center’s (TKC) native seed bank, nursery, and planting efforts to include hosting learning and stewardship experiences, providing ongoing facilities operations and maintenance, and mālama ‘āina responsibilities. This position co-leads efforts to (re)establish Keawewai as a native food forest by returning to ‘āina and ancestral knowledge as daily practice. The ideal candidate has native plant nursery experience and has strong relationship and responsibility to Kawaihae and/or native dryland and mesic forest plants learned from many kumu and years of practice.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Ho‘olauna (outreach and invitation)
- Connect with, listen to, and kilo kumu of all kinds (teachers and trees) to understand what ‘āina needs in ways that support total well-being of ‘āina and kānaka in balance.
- Strengthen existing and create new relationships, networks, and alliances with other Hawai‘i-based native nurseries, planters, conservation organizations, and kama‘āina and kupa‘āina of Kawaihae and Kohala.
Kilo (research, development and education)
- Support the creation of conditions (e.g., hosted site visits, huaka‘i, Hoa‘āina Stewardship Days) that include, welcome, and orient diverse TKC staff and community members to native dryland and mesic forest ecosystems including their many relations, elements, and cycles of transitions.
- Conduct research and the collection of qualitative and quantitative data that leads to native reforestation. This includes data tracking, collection and analysis of place-based propagation practices, native dryland and mesic forest plant species, threats to reforestation (e.g. fires, disease, invasive species), etc.
Hana (daily ‘āina practitionership)
- Support seed collection and storing, species identification, germination, outplanting, watering, weeding, and monitoring efforts.
- Care for the water and nutrient cycles to include programming and maintenance of irrigation system, supplies purchasing, equipment repairs and maintenance, cleaning and organizing of facilities, etc.
- 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.
- Help control and remove non-native plants and species in respectful ways to ensure the health and well-being of ‘āina and kānaka.
- 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.
- Prepare native forest “starter kits” to seed smaller areas of land for our community to scale native forest restoration efforts.
- Support the inventory and maintenance of all facilities, equipment, and tools at Keawewai.
- Support community food production and food-forest trials.
- Co-create 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 mahiʻai with Hawai‘i’s native ecosystems and/or 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- or Waimea-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.
Salary : $50,000 - $58,000