Employment and Opportunities Kohala Center

Employment

The Kohala Center is hiring several positions ma uka to ma kai
The Kohala Center is currently accepting applications for the following positions on Hawai‘i Island: mahi‘āina specialist (Kohala-Hāmākua), native forest nursery supervisor (Moku o Kohala), Kohala nānā‘āina technician (Moku o Kohala), and coastal stewardship specialist (Kahalu‘u Bay and Beach Park). For a full description of each of these positions including responsibilities, qualifications, and salary ranges, and to apply, please visit the links to each position or our online career center.

Touching the Earth Farm is hiring a farm hand
Touching The Earth Farm in Kohala, Hawaiʻi Island is hiring a farm hand to install and implement systems that nourish the wellbeing of their farm using regenerative, natural and organic practices. The position includes routine groundskeeping tasks such as mowing, weed wacking, tree-trimming, pruning, mulching, chipping, and composting throughout the 20 acres of the farm. Visit their website for more information and to apply.

Hāmākua Agricultural Cooperative (HAC) seeks part-time cooperative manager
HAC seeks candidates for the part-time position of cooperative manager. The cooperative manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of HAC including collecting lease payments, bookkeeping, record keeping, and communications with farmer members. Quickbooks online proficiency preferred. Email resume and cover letter to hamakuaagcoop@gmail.com.

Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance (HGFA) is hiring an ʻAiaola, Food is Medicine program manager on Oʻahu
The ʻAiaola Program Manager at HGFA will play a pivotal role in developing and overseeing innovative food security programs, initiatives, and educational opportunities aimed at increasing food equity and food literacy, with a specific focus on improving the health outcomes of Native Hawaiian and historically underserved populations. The incumbent will collaborate closely with community partners, government entities, and stakeholders to advance the organization’s mission within the local context. More information is available here. Send a resume and cover letter to Hana@hawaiigoodfoodalliance.org.

Piko Provisions is hiring several positions
Piko Provisions is hiring a director of sales and marketing, a farmers market and special events manager, and an operations specialist. Visit their website to learn about the job postings and to apply.

Sustʻāinable Molokai is hiring two positions
Sustʻāinable Molokai is hiring several positions that include a grants manager and farmersʻ training manager. To learn more and apply for these positions, visit their job posting. Resume and cover letter can be sent to Human Resources at info@sustainablemolokai.org. Preference given to applications received by June 15.

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Opportunities

New Queens’ Culinary Market now accepting vendor applications
The Queens’ Culinary Market launched in June in partnership with Waikoloa Market at the Queens’ Marketplace in Waikōloa Village on Hawaiʻi Island. Farmers and specialty vendors offering culinary products grown and made on Hawaiʻi Island are invited to contact Ann Wurden at waikoloacm@gmail.com for more information and to request a vendor packet.

Micro-grants for food security program applications now accepted
The Micro-Grants for Food Security Program assists to increase the quantity and quality of locally grown food through small-scale gardening, herding, and livestock operations. The Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture competitively distributes the funds through subawards to eligible entities. Sub-awardees applying as individuals will be awarded up to $5,000, and sub-awardees applying as organizations will be awarded up to $10,000. This link provides access to full instructions, the application, and an informative webinar on the micro-grants program that is encouraged viewing prior to application submission. Applications are due on August 12 at 12 p.m. HST. Contact hdoa.md.microgrants@hawaii.gov with any questions.

New commercial kitchen for rent at Kohala Food Hub
Kohala Food Hub is providing affordable commercial kitchen space for rent to North and South Kohala farmers, value-added producers, private chefs, and community members to support sustainable economic development and grow Kohala’s regional food system. The commercial kitchen features restaurant-grade commercial cooking equipment. Kohala Food Hub’s staff also offers technical assistance to support those looking to start or grow a culinary or agricultural business. Visit their website to learn more and inquire.

The Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership (JCLRP) project accepting proposals for 2025
The JCLRP enables USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Forest Service to work with private, state, and tribal landowners to conserve forests and agricultural lands alongside federally managed lands while safeguarding communities. The project aims to support partnerships that can help reduce wildfire threats to communities, protect water quality and supply, and improve wildlife habitat for at-risk species. NRCS and Forest Service national offices are now accepting proposals submissions for the JCLRP 2025 projects and are due by September 13. For more information on the proposal development process, evaluation criteria, or collaboration opportunities, visit the JCLRP website and contact clint.cross@usda.gov or matthew.vandersande@usda.gov, or find your local Hawaiʻi NRCS office or Forest Service contact.

Kupu Mai Ka Lehua Maui grants
The second round of the Kupu Mai Ka Lehua Maui grants is accepting applications. This grant is provided by the Feed the Hunger Fund and Kaiser Permanente Hawaiʻi, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs on their journey to rebuilding, fostering resilience, and growth toward stability. During the first round of Maui grants, $45,000 were distributed to a number of small businesses and entrepreneurs that were affected by the August 2023 fires. Grant applications will remain open until all funding has been disbursed.
»Apply

Pakini loan fund for small businesses
The new Pakini loan fund program offers loans from $1,000 to $30,000 for small businesses in Hawaiʻi. While the Pakini fund prioritizes serving Native Hawaiians living and working in the Waiʻanae Moku on Oʻahu, the program fund is open to all eligible small businesses in Hawaiʻi. Visit their website for more information.

Office of Hawaiian Affairs introduces new Mahi ʻAi Agricultural Loan Program
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund is introducing a new program to support Native Hawaiian farmers on Hawaiʻi Island and across Hawaiʻi. In addition to low interest rates, new borrowers have the option of deferring their loan payments for the first six months without incurring additional interest. For more information on the Mahi ʻAi Agricultural Loan Program, visit their website, email NHRLF@ohaloanfund.org, or call the OHA office in East Hawaiʻi (Hilo) at (808) 933-3106 or West Hawaiʻi (Kona) at (808) 327-9525.

Hawaiʻi Farmers Union United membership
Calling all farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and local food supporters: support the HFUU by becoming a member. The mission of HFUU is to collectively create food security, food sovereignty, and rebuild ʻāina for a better future. Visit their website to learn how to become a member.

USDA funding opportunities
To discover and follow U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development funding opportunities, resources, events, and learning exchanges, visit their website and subscribe to their mailing list.