THE KOHALA CENTER EMPLOYMENT, OPPORTUNITIES, EVENTS

Employment

Oʻahu Resource Conservation & Development Council (ORCD) is seeking a policy fellow
The ORCD is seeking a dedicated Policy Fellow to support its mission of advancing sustainable agriculture and conservation in Hawaiʻi by assisting with legislative tracking, policy research, and community engagement. This work is in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) and will focus on monitoring state and federal legislation, organizing community events, and supporting policy initiatives that strengthen Hawaiʻi’s food systems. The policy fellow will work closely with HDOA staff, stakeholders, and government agencies to promote policies that enhance local agriculture, improve resource management, and contribute to long-term food security for the islands. Deadline to apply is December 12. For more information and to apply visit this link.

E Kūpaku Ka ʻĀina is seeking two half-time field technicians
E Kūpaku Ka ʻĀina is seeking two half-time field technicians, one based on Maui and the other on Hawaiʻi Island. This is an opportunity for those interested in traditional Hawaiian food crops and production methods to participate in an ongoing project focused on the application and influence of the Hawaiian lunar/celestial planting calendar on yield and quality in kalo and ʻuala, and to assist Native Hawaiian farmers increase Hawaiian crop cultivar diversity on-farm. Visit their website for the full job description and to apply at ekupaku@gmail.com.

Hawaiʻi Island Pacific Agriculture (HIP Ag) is hiring three positions
HIP Ag is currently seeking passionate and skilled individuals for three opportunities: a program logistics manager, 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.

Opportunities

University of Hawaiʻi College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UH-CTAHR) East Hawaiʻi Master Gardener training openings
The UH-CTAHR 2025 East Hawaiʻi Master Gardener training program is open for applications. Anyone with a passion for gardening and sharing knowledge to become a Master Gardener with the University of Hawaiʻi Extension is encouraged to apply. This 14-week comprehensive training program will provide the tools needed to grow expertise. Training sessions are held from February to May and will consist of weekly lectures/labs. Lectures are given by UH Extension agents about varied topics associated with Hawaiʻi agriculture. To apply, complete this form. Email Laura Rieber with any questions.

Seeding the Future: An Online Seed Production Course for Hawaiʻi’s Growers
Starting in January 2025, the Hawaiʻi Seed Growers Network (HSGN) will lead an online seed production series demonstrating both small-scale cultivation and seed production methods specific to Hawaiʻi’s unique growing environments. Join a team of seasoned seed growers for this ten-week course and learn to grow and save locally relevant seed varieties. An informational meeting for interested applicants for the 2025 Cohort will be held on December 4, 2024. To learn more and to register, visit the HSGN website.

DA BOX Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program open for new farmer contributions
Hawaiʻi Food Basket (HFB) in Hilo is seeking new Hawaiʻi Island farmers of all experience levels to sell produce in their CSA DA BOX program. New and experienced producers are welcome to contribute any quantity of produce, from just a few pounds to larger volumes. While organic certification is not required, HFB prioritizes produce grown with organic or natural methods and minimal pesticide use. Visit the HFB DA BOX website for more information.

Apply for fiscal year 2025 Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) assistance programs
The USDA NRCS in the Pacific Islands area is now accepting applications for fiscal year 2025 assistance programs. Farmers, ranchers, and foresters in the Pacific Islands area interested in fiscal year 2025 funding can apply by January 31, 2025 for technical and financial assistance through NRCS’ Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, Agricultural Management Assistance program, Conservation Stewardship Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Applications and more information are available at your local USDA Service Centers and online.

Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (HDOA) compost reimbursement program accepting applications
The HDOA is accepting applications for the Compost Reimbursement Program for Fiscal Year 2025, which may reimburse agricultural producers (including farming and landscaping operations) for the cost of purchasing compost, including transportation costs. Farming and landscaping operations may apply for reimbursement of up to 50% of cost of compost purchased between July 1, 2024, and May 1, 2025. Reimbursements under this program are not to exceed $50,000 per qualified applicant. For more information and links to the fact sheet, application, and forms, visit their website.

Events

Mālama Da Farmer: Planning to Scale webinar series
Free 5-part webinar series offered by GoFarm Hawaiʻi and the Hawaiʻi Food Basket that is designed to help scale up farm businesses. The series covers new crop opportunities, sales channels, value-added products, tools and equipment, and budgeting and funding. By registering for the entire series and attending at least one webinar, viewers will get access to all content even if they are unable to attend all sessions. Register here for Zoom access.

February 3 • 5:30–7 p.m.: New crop opportunities
February 10 • 5:30–7 p.m.: New sales channels
February 17 • 5:30–7 p.m.: Value added products
February 24 • 5:30–7 p.m.: Tools and equipment
March 3 • 5:30–7 p.m.: Building a budget and finding funding