Hoa ʻĀina (Part-time)
LOCATION: Kīholo Bay, North Kona, Hawaiʻi
DESIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or GED, plus experience working or caring for land, community, or people, whether through employment, volunteering, cultural practice, or subsistence activities.
HOURS: Part-time, 20 hours per week, including weekends.
PAY: $18-20 per hour depending on experience.
START DATE: As soon as available.
Application Closing Date: Open until filled; early applications encouraged.
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, 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. While most work occurs on-site at Kīholo Bay, this role may include off-site trips to transport recycling, as well as occasional travel to partner work sites within the North Kona region.
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. The right candidate will work at Kīholo Bay to support the safety of visitors and the preservation of biocultural resources including plants, animals, and cultural sites.
Hours
This is a 20 hour per week position built around Kīholo's busiest days. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are peak visitor days and include camping check-in with visitors. The Tuesday shift ensures Kīholo has consistent stewardship coverage midweek. Proposed shifts are 2:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday. We know this is a specific schedule and are open to discussing adjustments for the right candidate. If this schedule is close to what works for you, please apply and share any availability constraints in your application.
Key Responsibilities
Represent Hui Aloha Kīholo by wearing the uniform and maintaining professionalism at all times.
Greet and engage visitors, emphasizing the explanation of park rules.
Verify camping permits and parking passes, and make sure campers understand park rules, camping guidelines, and their responsibilities during their stay.
Close the park each evening, stopping new entry after 6:30pm, notifying visitors of the 7:00pm closing, and giving them time to pack up and leave.
Maintain campsites and trails, including clearing debris and reporting hazards.
Monitor and report on the condition of park resources and their use.
Note and mitigate potential public safety and environmental risks.
Use a mobile device to report illegal activities and violations.
Alert authorities and provide support for emergency situations within scope of training.
Perform site upkeep and sanitation, including cleaning and restocking luas (restrooms); emptying trash and transporting it to the on-site dumpster by UTV; and sorting and transporting recycling to an off-site facility.
Assist with huakaʻi (field trips) for groups and community members.
Participate, when needed, in planning and organizing special events, like educational camps.
Collaborate with others to develop new interpretive documents.
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or GED, plus experience working or caring for land, community, or people, whether through employment, volunteering, cultural practice, or subsistence activities.
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.
Availability to work a part-time schedule that includes weekend and afternoon/evening shifts.
Valid state driver's license.
Access to reliable transportation to and from Kīholo.
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 Kona.
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.
Current CPR certification and Red Cross Advanced First Aid or First Responder certification.
Physical Demands
Work is physically demanding and conducted primarily outdoors. It involves extended periods of standing and walking, including over rough or inclined surfaces, and carrying backpacks, tools, and equipment. Staff must be able to lift 50 lbs, move safely across uneven terrain, be self-sufficient, and assist 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. 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 includes paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, health insurance, and vehicle allowance.
Hiring Process
This position will remain open until we find the right candidate. We will begin reviewing applications and scheduling interviews as they arrive, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible.
Our hiring process includes an interview followed by a paid shadowing shift at Kīholo (approximately 2:00-7:00pm) so you can experience the role firsthand and we can get to know each other in the field.
Interested applicants may apply via our website: http://www.huialohakiholo.org/apply-now
You will be asked to upload your resume and a cover letter (1 page max) briefly addressing the following questions:
1. Why do you want to work with Hui Aloha Kīholo?
2. How are you connected to North Kona communities, cultural sites, and/or ecosystems?
3. What skills and experience can you bring to the Hoa ʻĀina position? This can include experience gained outside of formal employment, such as outdoor, cultural, community, or land-based experience.
Questions
Contact Monika Frazier at monika@kiholo.org.
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.