PAID INTERNSHIP

Preference given to Kauai residents

 

Job Type: Seasonal / Casual Hire

Locations: Kōkeʻe and Waimea Canyon State Parks and Alaka’i Wilderness Preserve (Kaua’i, Hawai’i)

Duration: June to August 2023 (9 week consecutive weeks. Exact dates to be confirmed)

Compensation: $12.00 per/hour

Closing Date to Apply: March 31, 2023

 

An application, resume, and 2 letters of recommendation must all be sent in to be considered for a position. Must be 18 years of age when the internship begins. Housing is not provided.  

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Development opportunities for the intern include:  Opportunity to learn and gain experience in the taxonomy, function and management of Hawaiian flora and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as the threats to these native forests and what can be done about them.  Receive safety training and training in resource management methods. Spend time in one of Hawai`i’s finest State Parks. 

 

Internship Job Description

Purpose:  To perform vegetation management activities in Kōkeʻe, Waimea Canyon, and Nā Pali State Parks, involving primarily alien invasive plant (weed) removal but also sometimes including other management actions such as trail clearing, fencing of rare plants, and out-planting of natives and their subsequent care.

 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Identify native plants in work areas, so as not to damage them

• Identify target weeds and remove them manually by pulling or treat with herbicide 

• Hike in rough terrain, through dense vegetation, in possibly slippery, steep areas

• Follow all instructions and safety precautions of KRCP staff; be mindful of the safety of others and yourself; must wear long pants, long sleeved shirts, hiking boots with socks, gloves.

• Remote camping work trips in native forest. Length of stay is typically 4-days but could be scheduled for up to 12 days.  

 

Suggested Qualifications (but not required):  

• Interest or training in botany and ecology

• Commitment to preservation of native Hawaiian ecosystems 

• Ability to perform strenuous hiking and carry 35 lb backpack

• Comfortable and responsible in wilderness conditions, understand healthy camping

• Willingness to perform hard physical work and use herbicides

• No allergies, back problems, or other medical conditions

• Team player, safe worker 

• Ability to accept instructions and put them into practice

 

Supervised by:  Staff of KRCP during field hours.

Work days: Monday-Thursday 7a-5p. Weekend will be scheduled as needed. 

 

Support:  Equipment Provided:

• Safety gear such as gloves, safety glasses, compass and map

• Machetes, clippers, machete belt & pouches as needed, Tally meter for counting weeds

• Equipment for special projects such as weedwhackers and their relevant safety equipment (ear protection, face shields/helmets, chainsaw chaps) for trail clearing. 

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