THE KOHALA CENTER: Employment/Opportunities/Events

Employment

Hawaiʻi Food Hub Hui is hiring a managing director
Hawaiʻi Food Hub Hui is hiring a part-time managing director to engage in member facilitation and governance, partnership development, program development and capacity building, and financial and administrative management. This position is a hybrid role based in Hawaiʻi with inter-island travel. View the job description here and apply by December 31.

Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative is hiring a production manager in Kona
Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative (HUC) is looking for a production manager to oversee agricultural processing at their headquarters in the Honalo Marshaling Yard, Kona, Hawaiʻi Island. Key responsibilities include implementing HUC’s Food Safety Plan in accordance with state and federal regulations, overseeing and directing employees, training staff, and maintaining production quality, safety, and efficiency. Read the position description here and apply by emailing your resume and cover letter to operations@eatbreadfruit.com.

Nā Ala Hele is hiring a part-time community outreach assistant in Hilo
Nā Ala Hele is looking for a part-time (20 hrs/week) community outreach assistant to support outreach and education efforts, assist with interpretive material development, lead volunteer trail workdays, and promote stewardship through direct public outreach. The position is based in Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island. Apply online.

Forest Solutions is hiring two positions on Hawaiʻi Island
Forest Solutions is looking for a field forester and administrative assistant at various locations on Hawaiʻi Island. Read the position descriptions and apply here.

Opportunities

Scholarships for 12-week ‘Āina to Mākeke course
ʻĀina to Mākeke is a 12-week course by UH Leeward Community College that examines what it takes to become a successful food business entrepreneur. Hawaiʻi Ag & Culinary Alliance is offering $1,000 scholarships for Cohort 7 of the course, running February 9–April 29. Classes are virtual on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30–7:30 p.m., with one in-person showcase at the end. Apply online by December 31.

NIFA AFRI Foundational and Applied Science program accepting applications
The NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) is accepting applications for their Foundational and Applied Science grants. A total of $300 million is available to be awarded to agricultural production research, education, and extension projects for more sustainable, productive, and economically-viable plant and animal production systems. Review the RFA here and apply online by December 31.

Grants for farm animal welfare and systems change
FACT is offering two types of Fund-a-Farmer grants: 1) $3,500 welfare improvement grants for improving animal welfare, pursuing certification, or projects for certified farmers and 2) $10,000 systems change and innovation grants for conversion to a pasture system, adoption of alternative breeds, development of a cooperative or other shared marketing system, or other systems change. Apply online by January 3.

Applications for first batch of NRCS programming due January 15
NRCS has announced a batching deadline of January 15 for the first round of major programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), and Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA). Applications continue to be accepted continuously, but those who wish to participate in the first batch of programming should apply by January 15.

Events

Workshop: Suicide prevention for farmers
Monday, January 12 • 4–6 p.m. (via Zoom)
Join UH CTAHR’s Seeds of Wellbeing project for a virtual workshop around recognizing signs of suicide, offering support, and responding with cultural sensitivity. Current Ag Peer Mentors as well as other farmers and agricultural workers are encouraged to attend.
»Register online

Course: Introduction to beekeeping
Friday, January 16–Friday, May 15 • 9 a.m.–12 p.m. every Friday
Zoom and Hanakēhau Learning Farm, 96-131 Waiawa Rd, Pearl City, Oʻahu (map)
UH Leeward Community College is launching a new course open to students and community members to learn how to care for honey bees and their role in pollination, food security, and a thriving ʻāina. The course is on Fridays with Zoom sessions and in-person learning at the Hanakēhau Learning Farm. The course fee is $100 for 16 weeks. Community members can register by January 16.
»Register online