Farm Coordinator

Farm Coordinator

Title: Farm Coordinator

Location: Haleʻiwa, Hawaiʻi

Reports to: Farm Director

About the Organization: Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation (KHF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2003 that supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawaiʻi. KHF’s mission is to provide opportunities that enhance appreciation for and understanding of the environment to inspire lifelong stewards of the earth. Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation programs include ʻĀINA In Schools, 3Rs School Program, Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation Field Trip Grants, Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation Project Grants, Plastic Free Hawaiʻi, Kōkua Learning Farm Youth Internship, Kōkua Learning Farm Field Trips and the Kōkua Compost Program. Since 2019, KHF has cared for 8 acres of land in the heart of Haleʻiwa establishing agricultural, educational, and retail activities that benefit the community and promote local food, waste reduction, and environmental stewardship. The property encompasses three mission-aligned businesses (Kōkua General Store, Kōkua Vintage, ʻĀINA Farm Stand), the Kōkua Community Center, the Kōkua Learning Farm, and KHF support offices. 

Farm Coordinator will assist with:

1. Ongoing farm maintenance in all the zones of the Kōkua Learning Farm: nursery, orchard, wetland, loʻi, production rows, ʻĀINA Demonstration Gardens, Hawaiian Garden, bioswale, Lei Garden, Kalo Library, Banana Patch, and Backyard Garden
2. Growing food for our community; Amending, tilling, seeding, transplanting, and weeding the production rows
3. Harvesting, washing, packing, and weighing produce
4. Propagating, planting, and caring for native plants
5. Installing, maintaining, and repairing irrigation
6. Pest Management – spraying with organic fertilizer and pesticide, companion planting, and targeted pruning
7. Digitally tracking plantings, harvest, and giveaways for community members and KHF programs
8. Compost system maintenance and support
9. Weed wacking on occasion for large on-site event beautification 
10. Support volunteer workdays and field trips, for students K-12, gaining ability and confidence to independently lead stations over time.
11. Educational and Community Events and Workdays on the Farm include: 
    1. Morning farm volunteers on Tuesdays 
    2. Kōkua Learning Farm Youth Internship on Wednesdays
    3. Kōkua Learning Farm Field Trips on Thursdays 
    4. Community & Private Workdays on Saturdays 
    5. Farm Fun Days twice a year 

Desired Traits, Skills, and Experience:

• Experience growing produce in Hawaiʻi desired
• Knowledge of and experience working with Native Hawaiian Plants and Canoe Crops preferred
• Willingness to learn and operate machinery including the tractor, BCS, and weed wackers
• Open-minded, collaborative, team player
• Neat, clean, and organized
• Able to be a positive, stable, and attentive worker and leader at all times
• Able to effectively take direction and give direction 
• Experience working with children and teachers in an outdoor setting preferred
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with a wide range of staff and volunteers
• Experience working with and leading volunteers preferred
• Proactive and timely responses to texts and emails
• Minimum 3 years residency in Hawaiʻi
• Place-based knowledge, including Hawaiian names, basic ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi or interest and commitment to deepen knowledge and language  abilities 
• Proactive and able to work both independently and in a collaborative work environment
• Able to lift up to 50+ pounds and work outdoors, in the heat for extended periods of time 
• Able to work on weekends and some evenings
• Must have own mobile phone for communications with KHF
• Must have reliable access to transportation 

Hours: Part-Time, 20 hours per week, 3 days per week, including Saturdays

Pay: $20/hour 

To Apply: Please email cover letter and resume to jobs@kokuahawaiifoundation.org.