Hoa ʻĀina
LOCATION: Kīholo Bay, Kona, Hawai'i
DESIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or GED, accompanied by 3 years of related work experience in a team setting.
HOURS: Part-time, 20 hours per week, primarily on weekends
PAY: $18-20 per hour depending on experience
START DATE: As soon as available
About Hui Aloha Kīholo
Hui Aloha Kīholo is a Native Hawaiian organization rooted in kuleana to ʻāina. Our mission is to protect, perpetuate, and enhance the cultural and natural landscape of the Kīholo Bay area through collaborative management and active community stewardship.
Position Summary
This part-time Hoa ʻĀina position, or “friend of the land,” position is a physically active, place-based role ideal for someone grounded in kuleana for Hawai‘i’s ʻāina, people, and stories. Working primarily outdoors, Hoa ʻĀina help care for Kīholo by monitoring and protecting natural and cultural resources, maintaining facilities, engaging with visitors, and managing permitted camping at Kīholo State Park Reserve.
By actively caring for the land and sharing a stewardship ethic with visitors, kamaʻāina, and partners, Hoa ʻĀina ensure that Kīholo continues to flourish both culturally and environmentally.
This position requires working 20 hours per week on both Saturday and Sunday at Kīholo. There may also be occasional weekday shifts. While most work occurs on-site at Kīholo Bay, occasional travel to partner work sites within the North Kona region may also be required.
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.
Key Responsibilities
Greet and engage visitors, emphasizing the explanation of park rules.
Monitor and report on the condition of park resources and their use.
Assist with huakaʻi (field trips) for groups and community members.
Note and mitigate potential public safety and environmental risks, such as blocked trails.
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.
Alert authorities and provide support for emergency situations within scope of training.
Clean luas (restrooms), haul rubbish, and maintain campsites and trails.
Represent Hui Aloha Kīholo by wearing the uniform and maintaining professionalism at all times.
Participate, when needed, in planning and organizing special events, like educational camps.
Occasional travel to partner work sites may be necessary.
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.
Valid state driver's license
Proficiency in using mobile applications to submit text and photos.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a team.
Effective verbal communication skills.
Desired Qualifications
Familiarity with Kīholo and the Kekahawai‘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.
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 Wiggins - chad@kiholo.org or 808-756-2080.
Hui Aloha Kīholo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.