PRIORITY DEADLINE: March 1, 2024
FINAL DEADLINE: April 26, 2024
Kupu ʻĀina Corps invites you to be a part of an impactful one-year initiative dedicated to wildfire recovery and strengthening the resilience of landscapes across Maui and Hawaiʻi Island. This initiative is made possible through the support of the State of Hawaiʻi, in collaboration with a range of partners who will host participants during their term. As a KAC participant, you'll be at the forefront of conservation and sustainability efforts, doing work that may include to restoring lands with fire-resistant native species, removing fire-prone invasive species, or supporting farmers, ranchers, or others impacted by the firestorm.
Responsibilities
The KAC Wildfire Recovery Initiative Participant role is an entry- to intermediate-level position for individuals who want to serve their communities through wildfire prevention and relief. Participants are placed in a sustainability focused role with a host site (one of Kupu’s partner organizations) for one year. Kupu and its host site partners will provide Participants with opportunities for professional development, training, and mentorship. Participants must have a desire to learn and a passion for the well-being of Hawaiʻi's natural environment and culture. Throughout their term, Participants will develop their skillsets and work to ensure that Hawaiʻi’s natural environment is maintained and bettered for future generations. Position responsibilities vary depending on host site placement but may include one or more of the following duties:
- Restoration of land and communities impacted by the wildfires, including through outplanting of fire-resistant plant species
- Removal of fire-prone invasive plants to reduce future fire risks
- Assisting with cultural and historic preservation elements of wildfire recovery
- Assisting ranchers, farmers, or other businesses impacted by the wildfires
- Receiving fire response training experiences to increase wildfire response capacity
Participants are also expected to meet the following program requirements:
- Serve up to 40 hours per week (full-time); or up to 20 hours per week (part-time)
- Attend required Kupu events (orientation, training, hōʻike)
- Submit accurate data reports and timesheets biweekly
- Complete mid-term evaluation with supervisor
- Complete exit procedures at end of term
- Abide by host site and Kupu policies (attendance, conduct, etc.)
- Maintain open and consistent communication with site supervisor and Kupu program staff
Benefits
- $20 hourly wage (paid biweekly)
- Retention Bonus ($400 for part-time positions and $800 for full-time positions; paid in two installments during twenty-first pay period and upon program completion)
- Paid Time Off (12 hours total for part-time positions and 24 hours total for full-time positions)
- Kaiser HMO 201 medical insurance (for employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week)
- For individuals pursuing careers in environmental science, forestry, firefighting, and related fields – this is an excellent first step to gain valuable hands-on experience
- Make significant contributions to the safety of our communities and resilience of our environment by preventing and managing wildfires
Applicant Requirements
- Applicants must be between the ages of 17 to 38 for the duration of the program term to be eligible for participation.
- Applicants must be a US Citizen, US National, US Permanent Resident, or otherwise legally allowed to work in the United States.
- Applicants must be responsible for their own personal housing and transportation arrangements on-island.
- Applicants are not required to have previous experience in wildfire prevention or relief.
Physical & Behavorial Requirements
Positions range from indoor office work to outdoor field work. Physical requirements will vary depending on job placement. Applicants’ work environment preference will be noted in the application and considered when being matched to potential host sites. For all Participants, Kupu holds high expectations for appropriate and respectful behavior. In some field-based placements, Participants must be comfortable serving in rugged environments and performing physically demanding duties (i.e., camping, hiking, operating basic hand tools). Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request for those with disabilities.
Work Schedule
Both part-time and full-time positions are available. While work schedules vary depending on the host site, full-time Participants are typically expected to work an average of 40 hours a week, Monday through Friday, and in some cases weekends and evenings.
Questions?
Visit our webpage at www.kupuhawaii.org/kupu-aina-corps
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week
Benefits:
Work Location: In person