Hybrid ‘Āina Operations Manager at Keawewai bei Keawewai

JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE: The ‘āina operations manager is responsible for overall maintenance and operation of land (60 acres) and facilities at Keawewai, once a 520-acre ‘ili ‘āina nāhele in the ahupua‘a of Kawaihae, in order to return native forest regeneration and community food production to this ‘āina. Native forest regeneration at Keawewai includes multiple outplanting units, one greenhouse, naturally regenerating native plants, and ‘āina-based trials. Physical facilities at Keawewai include two workshops, three houses, a partially enclosed meeting space, and storage areas. In addition, the ‘āina operations manager is a key team member preparing Keawewai, staff, and guests for respectful engagement while on-site. This includes educational workshops, volunteer workdays, leadership retreats, community events, and other hostings. This position will bring the relationships, knowledge, and experience of working daily with ʻāina towards these goals to sustain Keawewai for many generations. The ideal candidate will be deeply connected to Kohala and have a minimum of six years of operational management of staff, facilities, and ‘āina-based projects. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Ho‘olauna (outreach and invitation)

• Strengthen existing and create new relationships with other ‘āina, organizations, and kama‘āina and kupa‘āina of Kawaihae, Waimea, and Kohala.
• Ensure respectful policies, procedures, and standards at Keawewai are followed and revise as needed to create a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Kilo (research and development)

• Connect to understand what ‘āina needs in ways that determine hana that supports total well-being of ‘āina and kānaka.
• Facilitate the research, design, implementation, maintenance, monitoring, and resourcing of ‘āina-based trials focused on food forests through communal efforts.

Hana (daily ‘āina practitionership)

• Supervise mahi‘āina specialist efforts towards long-term development and daily care of native forest seeds, seedlings, and outplantings.
• Maintain all infrastructure, manage the use and maintenance of equipment, and oversee all aspects of safety and security at Keawewai.
• Plan and implement a broad range of tasks essential to land and facility operations at Keawewai:
  1. Water system
     • domestic and agricultural pumps (operation, monitoring, and maintenance)
     • domestic water purification system (strainers, filters, ozone, UV lamps)
     • agricultural water filtration and dispersal systems
     • reservoir (monitor water level, adjust consumption, clean dam; floating supply lines, and spillway intakes)
     • ‘auwai care (clean, perform diversionary irrigation, reestablish use)
  2. Pasture management and animal care
     • stewardship of native and non-native animals (monitor health, provide routine care, treat minor injuries) when applicable; coordinate outside veterinary care or removal when necessary
     • irrigation: promote land recovery, minimize wildfire risk
     • fireweed control (maintain reasonable level of control achieved through extensive fireweed control program)
  3. Domestic land, infrastructure, and equipment management:
     • domestic landscaping (ensure well-maintained appearance)
     • grounds keeping (control spread of fireweeds and other invasive plants/promote health and propagation of native trees and plants)
     • monitor and maintain domestic infrastructure (PV system, automatic entry gate, buildings, ranch hand tools, power tools, and motorized equipment
• Maintain inventory of all TKC equipment and facilities at Keawewai, advising as to replacement and purchase of needed equipment.
• Maintain quality control in the implementation of new systems.
• Under the general direction of the president and CEO, identify issues resulting from degradation over time or initial execution, and develop plan for correction.
• Work with supervisor to ensure the financial sustainability of Keawewai, including resource development, budget and action planning and management

Mo‘olelo (assessment for learning and perpetuation of practices)

• Work with TKC’s ‘Āina Accountability team to ensure project development and implementation is accountable to ‘āina, captures mo‘olelo, and can be respectfully shared with our communities.
• Assist president and CEO and other staff with data collection, surveys, recordkeeping, outcomes, and indicators in ways that appreciate and strengthen community investments and impact.
• Develop ways to support continuous learning and the generational sharing of knowledge to a broad range of communities who visit Keawewai.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATES, OR LICENSES: 

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) required in business management, agriculture, ethnobotany, horticulture, agroecology or agroforestry, or related field. Supporting coursework or degree in Hawaiian studies a plus.
• A minimum of six years of relevant experience as a ranch, farm, and/or ʻāina-based education site manager.
• Demonstrated experience successfully overseeing staff, interns, and/or volunteer teams.
• Possess valid and current State of Hawai‘i driver license and clean driving record.
• Must have reliable personal transportation for use in traveling between work sites.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Strong knowledge of ranch and general property management processes and procedures. 
• Strong organizational, project management and time management skills.
• Strong communications skills.
• Pilina with Waimea, Kohala, Hawai‘i Island, and familiarity with ancestral Hawaiian knowledge strongly desired.
• Beginning-level proficiency in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i.
• Demonstrated effective decision-making.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills. 
• Ability to work across groups with diverse backgrounds and achieve multiple objectives.
• Ability to work with and in rural diverse community settings.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Wilderness first aid certification.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed outdoors with the potential for inclement weather conditions. 
• This position requires long periods of standing, walking over uneven terrain, and conducting manual labor. 
• 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.

EQUIPMENT USAGE: 

• 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).
• Lawnmower.
• Mule/ATV
• Computer and standard office equipment.