Individual Placement – Nā Ala Hele Community Outreach Placement

The Individual Placement – Nā Ala Hele Community Outreach Assistant at the Student Conservation Association in Kahului, HI, focuses on managing Hawaiʻi's natural resources and promoting responsible recreation. Responsibilities include developing interpretive materials, leading volunteer events, and engaging with the public. Candidates should have an interest in Hawaiian culture and ecology, strong communication skills, and the ability to work outdoors. The position runs from June 16 to September 15, 2025.
Position Summary

Nā Ala Hele is the State of Hawaiʻi Trail and Access Program. The program serves to manage Hawaiʻi natural resources while providing and enhancing recreational, cultural, religious, and subsistence opportunities. Nā Ala Hele’s outreach program educates people of all ages about responsible recreation, hiking safety, and the importance of cultural and natural resource conservation in Hawaiʻi. We integrate ʻāina- and place-based education throughout our work to foster connection between the public and the natural and cultural history of Hawaiʻi.

The Community Outreach Assistant will support outreach and education efforts, assist with interpretive material development, lead volunteer trail workdays, and promote stewardship through direct public outreach.

Location

Hilo, HI

Schedule

June 16, 2025 – September 15, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

· Assist in the creation of interpretive signs, including: researching cultural and ecological content, writing content for signs based on research, designing layouts in Adobe InDesign, utilizing existing templates, and performing other tasks required for sign production.

· Assist with volunteer events for trail maintenance and building, working with groups of up to 20 members of the public.

· Assist with other outreach activities including classroom visits and field trips with K-12 students.

Marginal Duties

· Assist with the creation of other outreach materials including brochures, flyers, shirts, and stickers.

· Enter outreach and volunteer events data into tracking databases.

· Support maintenance activities for recreational and historic trails as needed.

Required Qualifications

· Interest in and basic knowledge of Hawaiian plants, animals, geology, culture, and history.

· Basic experience of hiking trails in Hawaii.

· Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

· Strong computer skills, including experience using the Microsoft Office (or similar software).

· Ability to engage with the public professionally and respectfully.

· Clear and effective communication skills, both oral and written.

· Ability to work on weekends, attend public events, and occasionally camp overnight.

· Comfortable working in a variety of outdoor conditions (rain, wind, cold, hot, dry, sunny, shaded, or high-elevation).

· Ability to hike five miles while carrying 30 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience using the Adobe Creative Cloud programs (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.)

· Completed college-level coursework or previous work experience in natural resources, Hawaiian studies, education, communications, design, or other related fields.

· Experience with graphic design, including but not limited to creating flyers, signs, brochures, educational materials, or other design projects.

· Knowledge of trails within a Hawaiian cultural context.

Hours

40 per week

· Monday through Friday, 7am-3:30pm with occasional after hours and weekend schedules.

· Occasional camping or overnight stays may occur.

Living Accommodations

Housing is not provided. Placement must have their own local housing.

Compensation

$700/week living allowance

Health insurance offered

AmeriCorps eligible ($1,956.35 Award; requires 450 hours)

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits

Defensive Drive Training

Health Insurance

AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.