The Kohala Center Employment/Opportunities/Events

Employment

The Kohala Center is hiring two positions
The Kohala Center is currently accepting applications for two positions on Hawaiʻi Island: mahi‘āina specialist (Kohala-Hāmākua), and native forest nursery supervisor (Kawaihae Uka). 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.

Kohala Food Hub (KFH) is hiring a full-time associate
KFH is seeking a full-time, entry-level associate to perform a range of on-site and off-site tasks. KFH is an aggregator, distributor, marketer and online marketplace of locally grown and produced food based in North Kohala. This position will be hired through Kupu ʻĀina Corps. Applicants must be between 17-36 years of age. Visit the job description for more information or call (808) 896-3179. Email resume and cover letter to director@kohalafoodhub.com to apply.

Touching the Earth farm is hiring an orchard manager
Touching the Earth farm is hiring an orchard manager to oversee orchard operations, including planting, cultivation, harvesting, maintenance of fruit trees, sales, and marketing. This role requires a combination of horticultural expertise, leadership skills, and a strong commitment to achieving high standards of quality and productivity. Visit their website for a full job description. Send resume, cover letter, and application to manager@touchingtheearthfarm.com

The Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems is hiring a Hawaiʻi indigenous food systems research specialist 
The Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems is accepting applications for a Hawaiʻi indigenous food systems research specialist. The position will build and strengthen partnerships with Native Hawaiian food system organizations and stakeholders, conduct outreach to indigenous communities, and support food systems-related research priorities. More information about the position can be found on their website, or by contacting Carly Wyman at carly.wyman@asu.edu.

Hawaiʻi Island Pacific Agriculture (HIP Ag) is hiring two positions
HIP Ag is currently seeking passionate and skilled individuals for two opportunities: a nursery technician and a farm-to-school garden coordinator. HIP Ag is dedicated to practicing and teaching regenerative agriculture through farm-to-school education, farmer training, and ecosystem restoration. For more information visit their website or email Kenika Lorenzo-Elarco at institute@hipagriculture.org.

Piko Provisions is hiring an operation specialist
Piko Provisions is hiring an operations specialist. Visit their website to learn about the job posting and to apply.

Opportunities

UH-CTAHR seeking public input on tissue culture service demand via survey
UH-CTAHR’s Cooperative Extension is seeking input to determine tissue culture service demand within the State of Hawaiʻi. This survey will help gauge and inform efforts to increase tissue culture lab capacity. Submissions must be completed by October 25. Forward this survey to any relevant contacts that may have an interest in providing input. For more information email Russell Galanti at rgalanti@hawaii.edu.

Hawaiʻi Island Meat Cooperative (HIMC) seeking membership and input from local producers and consumers
Hawaiʻi Island Meat Cooperative (IMC) serves as a hub for local change, operating as a producer-owned and operated cooperative that provides humane, high-quality slaughter services to island ranchers. By increasing the availability of fresh, locally-sourced meats for consumers, HIMC integrates regenerative agriculture and aloha ʻāina values into its business model, prioritizing the care and well-being of animals raised for processing. HIMC invites membership and input from both producers and consumers who support these regenerative goals. For more information, contact Jack Spruance at hawaiiislandmeat@gmail.com.

Waikoloa Community Market (WCM) seeks farmers and producers
The WCM is looking for produce vendors and seeking to support small farmers. WCM takes place on the first Saturday of each month at the Waikōloa Plaza in Waikōloa Village, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. This is an opportunity for new farmers to explore selling at markets and for established farmers looking to add another market to their roster. Contact Ann Wurden, market manager, at waikoloacm@gmail.com for more information.

State of Hawaiʻi Department of Education (DOE) procurement grant open
The DOE is seeking proposals from qualified intermediary organizations to implement the USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) cooperative agreement program. The primary goal of this initiative is to support local, regional, and underserved communities across the state by sourcing fresh produce from local farmers, ranchers, and food businesses. This program aims to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s local food systems, enhance food security, and provide nutritious food options to communities with limited access. The LFPA grant also promotes economic opportunities for local producers by establishing sustainable market channels that benefit both suppliers and the communities they serve. Contact Albert Perry for further information.

Kupu ʻĀina Corps 2024-2025 applications being accepted
Kupu ʻĀina Corps (KAC) is inviting participants (ages 17-38) and host site applications for the 2024-2025 Program Year from across the Hawaiian Islands. KAC is a workforce development initiative established through the State of Hawaiʻi’s legislation for a Green Jobs Youth Corps. The year-long program employs individuals seeking experience in Hawaiʻi’s agricultural, environmental, and green energy sectors. Part-time and full-time position options are available. Visit their website for more information and to apply.

Events

Training in modern agricultural technologies and practices webinar
Wednesday, October 23 • 3–5 p.m.
The Network for Developing Conscious Communities is offering as part of their underserved farmers webinar series, a webinar offering training on modern agricultural technologies and practices. The two-hour webinar will offer an overview of modern agricultural technologies including trends and innovations in the agricultural sector.
»Register

Kahua Paʻa/Firm Foundation climate-smart agriculture seminar series
Wednesday, October 23 • 3–4 p.m.
Wednesday, October 30 • 3–4 p.m.
Wednesday, November 6 • 3–4 p.m.
The Hawaiʻi Climate-Smart Partnership with the UH Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management is offering a seminar series called the Kahua Paʻa/ Firm Foundation to support the weaving together of institutional and indigenous ways of knowing toward climate-smart agriculture. The mission of this series is to build community relationships and data-driven decision-making for socially just and climate-smart agriculture. All weekly webinars will take place on Zoom (meeting ID 87591117584 and passcode NREM).

• October 23: Carbon and community resilience, speaker Hayley Peter-Contesse
• October 30: Soil health, speakers Tai Maaz and Kawika Winter
• November 6: Circular economies, speaker to be determined

Future of Food: The future of agriculture in Hawaiʻi in the era of climate change
Friday, October 25 • 5–7 p.m.
Civil Beat Headquarters, 3650 Waialae Ave, Ste 200, Honolulu, Oʻahu (map)
In this Future of Food event, Civil Beat reporter Thomas Heaton will discuss the effects of climate change on agriculture with UH Professor Susan E. Crow and banana mahiʻai, Gabe Sachter-Smith. The panel will explore how climate change impacts Hawaiʻi’s agriculture and how both researchers and producers are attempting to address these challenges. Topics will include climate-smart and organic farming practices, cropping system diversity and climate change adaptation, carbon sequestration and its role in soil quality, farming system resilience, and the potential markets for such commodities. Doors open at 5 p.m. for booths and complimentary pūpūs, with discussions from 6–7 p.m.

Protect your farm: Agricultural theft prevention webinar
Monday, October 28 • 5–7 p.m.
GoFarm is offering a free webinar on how to protect farms from theft and trespassing. Participants will learn practical strategies to secure their crops, equipment, and property, and what to do when theft occurs. The webinar will feature a panel of experts from law enforcement, the insurance industry, and local farmers to offer more information about legal rights and insurance coverage options including how to file claims. For more information email info@gofarmhawaii.org.
»Register

Calabash Network (CN) “How we did it!” webinar series
Tuesday, October 29 • 12 p.m.
Tuesday, November 12 • 1 p.m.
CN has launched its first “How We Did It” webinar series, designed to provide information about major grant opportunities the Network has sought with farmers and food producers and highlight successes and challenges in the grant writing process. This series is intended for those who are curious about technical assistance services, grant writing best practices, and what benefits USDA grant programs offer.

• October 29: MDA Healthy Soils Competitive Fund. Learn how CN helped eight Maryland farmers secure funds to help regenerate soil.

• November 12: Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grant. Learn from CN’s experience applying to a highly competitive program for urban farmers with Acres4Change and Matson Consulting.

»Register

Waiverse fresh water webinar
Wednesday October 30 • 12–1:15 p.m.
The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Natural Environment team in partnership with Kamehameha Schools and co-hosted by Funder Hui will offer its final webinar in the Fresh Water “Waiverse” Series. This webinar will highlight the role of watershed partnerships and community-led efforts in safeguarding Hawaiʻi’s water resources. From stormwater management to green infrastructure, this session will explore innovative collaborations between government agencies, nonprofits, and community leaders, ensuring long-term resilience and water security. Recordings of previous webinars in the series are available here.
»Register

Biannual Hawaiʻi Agriculture Conference 2024
November 7–8
Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu, Oʻahu (map)
The Hawaii Agriculture Conference (AG2024) provides a place for the agricultural community to explore, learn and network with each other, agricultural leaders and specialists, and affiliated stakeholders. AG2024 will host a range of opportunities for developing unified strategies to build a vibrant agricultural sector, food security, healthy communities and a thriving environment can inform and guide change. Participants can help brainstorm, shape and implement agricultural plans at local and state levels and play a role in reconnecting to Hawaiʻi’s core value of mālama ʻāina to build a healthier and unified community. See the AG2024 website for more information and to register.

2024 Climate Future Forum and Youth Climate Summit
Saturday, November 16 • 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Hawaii State Capitol, 415 S Beretania St, Honolulu, Oʻahu (map)
The Climate Future Forum and the state of Hawaiʻi Climate Commission invite all youth and their families to participate in a day of networking and policy engagement. The mission of the Climate Future Forum is to inspire young people to be active and engaged participants in the 2025 legislative session on climate policy and legislation. The event will bring together youth (ages 14-26), educators, policymakers, and supportive organizations to evaluate and discuss climate action priorities and provide tangible steps to empower youth and give them agency in policy. The Youth Climate Summit will connect interested youth of all ages with various organizations who work in the sustainability and/or climate change sectors. For more information and to register, visit the Climate Future Forum website.