Program Director, Hoola Aina (Conservation Education and Engagement) Job Listing at Kamehameha Schools in Makawao, Hawaii (Job ID JR-05424)

Description

Job Posting Title

Program Director, Hoola Aina (Conservation Education and Engagement)

Employee Type

Regular

Recruiting Start Date

12-11-2024

Job Exempt?

Yes

Recruiting End Date

01-09-2025

Aloha mai!  Mahalo for your interest in Kamehameha Schools.  If you are looking for an opportunity to utilize your skills and talents and grow in your profession, while serving and strengthening our Native Hawaiian community, we would love to have you join our ʻohana!

Job Summary

The Program Director, Hoʻōla ʻĀina (Conservation Education and Engagement) will lead efforts to foster a deep connection to ʻāina (land) and cultivate a sense of responsibility towards conservation and restoration among students, educators, and the community.  This role will drive the development and implementation of engaging, ʻāina-based learning experiences that inspire active participation in environmental stewardship and the restoration of native species and ecosystems.  Supports educators year-round by providing curriculum resources, training, and guidance to integrate conservation and restoration concepts into their teaching, with a strong emphasis on aligning with the E Ola! Learner Outcomes and delivered through Hawaiian Culture-Based Education.

This role will advance KS Maui's place-based learning approach through ʻāina-based experiences, helping to bridge classroom learning with real-world challenges and community efforts to protect native ecosystems.  By facilitating project-based and place-based learning, the Program Director will help students develop a deeper understanding of the subjects they study, while strengthening their connections to their ʻohana, community, and the natural world.

Essential Responsibilities
 

Program Design and Development

• Plan and implement programs that enhance conservation, restoration, and ʻāina-based learning through real-world problem-solving during both the school year and summer/intersession sessions.  This includes coordinating with partners, developing budgets, and monitoring/reporting on progress.

• Develop and conduct teacher training sessions, create spiraling, age-appropriate curriculum aligned with E Ola! Learner Outcomes for all age groups and identify opportunities in the K-12 curriculum to integrate conservation concepts.

• Coordinate and implement activities such as seminars, teacher trainings, and public events related to KS Maui's conservation initiatives.

• Lead the development of land use plans for various programs and coordinate access and instruction on various ʻāina sites across Maui in partnership with key stakeholders.

Teaching and Facilitation

• Support and encourage conservation and restoration efforts by faculty, staff, and students, fostering new ideas and identifying resources to enhance existing programs.

• Design and assess curriculum and programs, mentor K-12 educators, and develop professional development opportunities.

Research and Innovation

• Research and acquire teaching materials and resources for K-12 teachers, monitor program effectiveness, and recommend improvements.

• Lead strategic exploration of new program areas, ensuring best practices, safety, and quality in all initiatives.

• Collaborate with teachers, schools, and community groups, with a passion for conservation, restoration, and sustainability.

Program Operations and Administration

• Coordinate field study sessions, manage ʻĀina-Based Learning Centers, and ensure alignment with campus conservation efforts.

• Increase student and community participation in conservation initiatives and communicate program activities to leadership, teachers, and parents.

• Recruit, train, and oversee volunteers and staff, manage performance reviews, and handle administrative duties such as budgeting, reporting, and maintaining permits.

• Collaborate with the key strategic partners to secure funding for conservation education initiatives, while striving to further KS' mission and values.

• Engagement with land tenants to ensure collaborative access to ʻĀina Pauahi.

• Provide excellent service and maintain positive relationships with ʻĀina Pauahi, community partners and contacts, while adhering to safety protocols and confidentiality standards.

Position Requirements
 

Minimum Qualifications - An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the requirements listed.

• Bachelor's degree in Conservation, Restoration, or related discipline, or equivalent proven experience and performance.

• Minimum of 5 years of full-time equivalent work in the fields of conservation, restoration, ʻāina-based learning, and/or education.

• Proven and progressive experience in management or leadership.

• At least one year of teaching experience at the K-12 level.

• State of Hawaiʻi hunting license and State of Hawaiʻi hunter education course and certificate of completion.

• Wilderness First Aid certification (completed within 9-months of hire).

• Certification validating completion of a firearms training and ability to display full competence in use of firearms, including firearm safety.

• Experience in ʻāina restoration and conservation methods, to include fencing systems and bioremediation concepts.

• Demonstrated program leadership and administration skills including highly effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a wide variety of people, including staff, faculty, principle executive liaisons, community partners, and the public. 

• Demonstrated strong organizational and critical thinking skills, and ability to manage budgets, handle grants, and solve problems related to change and conflict resolution.

• Ability to maintain professional demeanor under stressful conditions.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively, take initiative, facilitate robust discussion, influence stakeholders, and work independently in a dynamic environment.

• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication, with proficiency in Google applications and Microsoft Office.

• Possesses a high level of personal integrity, and knowledge of Hawaiian culture and language.

• Knowledge of educational standards (e.g., Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards) and experience in curriculum development and implementation.

• Competency in ungulate control and native species conservation.

• Current water safety and complete First Aid, CPR, AED, and Wilderness First Aid certifications.

• Demonstrated ability to be water competent in an ocean environment and able to anticipate, avoid, and survive common crisis situations, as well as to recognize threats and assist those in need.

• Proficient in use of small tools and power tools, including but not limited to, chain saw, weed eater, mechanical fence post driver, etc.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays as well as working in austere and off-grid conditions to include various weather systems and conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related discipline or equivalent proven experience and performance.

• Full-time work experience in the fields of conservation, restoration, environmental education/consulting, or policy development with schools.

• Previous work experience with large education entities and familiarity with conservation education specifically with concentration on Native Hawaiian ecosystems, flora, fauna, and the communities in which they occur.

• Strong familiarity with concepts and science, technology, engineering, and math applications in conservation and restoration.

• Knowledge in the use of ArcGIS Story Maps for habitat suitability monitoring, managing species inventories, tracking animals, and mapping biodiversity.

• Ability to acquire FAA Remote Pilot Certificate.

• Expert knowledge of Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards and experience with curriculum development, implementation, and monitoring.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently sits, perform desk-based computer tasks and grasp light or fine manipulation, talk and hear.

• Frequently stands and/or walks, write by hand.

• Frequently lifts and/or carry, push and/or pull objects that weigh up to 100 pounds.

• Frequently twists, bends, stoops, squats, kneels, crawls, climbs, reaches, or works above shoulder, or grasp forcefully.

• Frequently operate and maintain power tools, including but not limited to, chain saw, weed eater, mechanical fence post driver; various small tools.

Working Conditions

• This position may involve traveling to various locations, including neighbor islands to conduct business.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Work is conducted in an office/school environment and off-grid austere locations with exposure to various weather systems and conditions and uneven terrain.

• Work is typically conducted Monday through Friday at normal business hours, but evening and weekend hours are often required to meet goals and objectives.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required. The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.  Please contact us at hr@ksbe.edu or 808-534-8040 if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.  Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

Work Year

12

Pay Range

112,200.00 - 160,200.00 Annual

Compensation and Benefits

Based on the compensation range provided below, salaries are commensurate with job-related experience, skills and competencies, education, internal equity, length of work year, and other organizational needs.

At Kamehameha Schools (KS), we recognize that compensation is just one facet of a fulfilling employment experience. Our commitment lies in fostering a positive work environment and equipping employees with the necessary resources to excel every day. Our Total Rewards Program embodies KS's dedication to the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our employee ʻohana. Explore our comprehensive Benefits Summary for more information.

Primary Location

Maui Campus

City, State

Makawao, Hawaii

Additional Locations

 Apply on company website