POSITION DESCRIPTION

Nā Manu ʻElele Steward Program is a statewide program that aims to steward sensitive Department of Land & Natural Resources (DLNR) sites that are impacted by overuse. This program is based on the successful pilot program at Pololū Trail on Hawaiʻi Island to mitigate the impacts of overuse (often by visitors) to the sensitive natural and cultural areas that DLNR manages, and the communities that are so closely connected to these ʻāina. The aim of this Program is to utilize local “stewards” to assist in interpreting the historic heritage, ecological importance, and community expectations of the area as well as mitigate unwanted behaviors and ensure safety. Stewards will work with DLNR programs including Nā Ala Hele Trails and Access Program (NAH), Division of Forestry and Wildlife’s Forestry Program, Natural Area Reserves Program, and Division of Aquatic Resources 

 

Responsibilities 

• Visitor Management  

• Greet visitors throughout the Site  

• Notify visitors of essential area information, including but not limited to the lack of facilities, hazards, limited capacity of the area, and any closure times 

• Educate visitors of the historical, cultural, and ecological context of the area and encourage respectful behavior   

• Inform hikers of the boundaries for state/public access 

• Answer questions about the area and guide visitors to sources of information  

• Assist in the management of vehicles in parking areas   

• Provide customer service to area visitors as needed  

• Safety  

• Respond to safety incidents as needed  

• Provide emergency contact with emergency services in the event of an incident  

• Provide emergency assistance and/or aid as appropriate and trained  

• Complete and submit required safety incident forms   

• Complete required safety trainings   

• Work with local enforcement to maintain safe highway conditions within the immediate vicinity of the parking areas  

• Coordinate with DOCARE and local enforcement of any illegal activities.   

• Trail Maintenance and Data  

• Perform routine trail/area maintenance as needed  

• Report maintenance needs   

• Remove any rope swings, balancing rocks, other inappropriate structures   

• Complete daily use data report and other required reports as needed 

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Preferred Skills/Knowledge  

• Demonstrable knowledge of the Host Site area, including history, geology, ecology.  

• Exceptional interpersonal skills   

• Experience managing wide-ranging interactions with the general public  

• General knowledge of safety procedures and first aid.  

• Experience with basic hand tools (i.e., picks, handsaws, drills, wrenches, etc.).  

• Basic knowledge of Hawaiian plants, animals, geology, culture, and history.  

• Experience or willingness to learn use of herbicide application  

• Ability to hike in varied terrains, especially at the Host Site areas   

• Ability to work well with others and also independently.  

• Knowledge and understanding of the Host Site area, including natural and cultural history, cultural protocols, and community.   

 

Benefits: Hourly rate of $18/hr (paid biweekly), Kaiser HMO 201 medical insurance (for employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week) 

 

Applicant Requirements 

• Applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the start date of the program. 

• Applicants must be a US Citizen, US National, US Permanent Resident, or otherwise legally allowed to work in the United States. 

• Applicants must be responsible for their own personal housing and transportation arrangements on-island. 

 

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.   

• Able to work extended hours on steep, rugged terrain; under extreme hot and cold weather conditions  

• Able to hike long distances carrying a 20 lb. backpack  

• Able to lift 30+ lbs., and operate basic hand tools (machetes, shovels, picks, etc.) 

 

Work Location: Various sites across the state. Each Host Site has specific strategies utilizing the stewards (i.e., some Stewards will be assigned to specific sites, others may float to various sites).  

 

Work Conditions: Stewards should expect to work in all non-hazardous weather conditions and natural environments including rain, wind, cold, hot, dry, sunny, or shaded. Field conditions include cliff areas, forested areas, coastal areas, and other natural terrain. Stewards are expected to exhibit a positive attitude and represent the goals and mission of DLNR and of the place while interacting with the public.  

 

Work Schedule: Full Time (40 hours a week) or Part Time (20 hours a week); times and dates are flexible and dependent on the site needs (i.e., peak visitor times/days, weather conditions, etc.) 
 

Questions? Visit our webpage at www.kupuhawaii.org/manu/. For additional questions, email us at stewards@kupuhawaii.org.