Technical Coordinator - Hawaii Climate Smart Commodities Partnership

Lynker Technologies is hiring a Technical Coordinator for the Hawai'i Climate Smart Commodities Partnership in Hilo, HI. The role involves implementing climate-smart agricultural practices, overseeing data management, and providing technical assistance to producers statewide. Responsibilities include monitoring compliance with environmental standards, preparing reports, and engaging with community stakeholders. The position requires travel across Hawaii and may involve outdoor work, making it a mix of office and field-based activities.
About the position

Lynker Technologies is seeking a highly motivated Technical Coordinator for the Hawai'i Climate Smart Commodities Partnership, a project aimed at incentivizing producers to implement climate-smart agricultural practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance soil health. The Technical Coordinator will play a crucial role in ensuring the successful implementation, measurement, monitoring, and verification of these practices by farmers and ranchers across Hawaii. This position requires a passion for climate-smart agriculture and soil science, as the coordinator will provide technical assistance to a network of partner organizations and producers statewide. The Technical Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing data management and practice verification monitoring, which constitutes 65% of the role. This includes ensuring adherence to the Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MMRV) Plan, developing training materials, and providing quality control for data entry and site mapping. The coordinator will also prepare quarterly reports detailing practice implementation status, acreage, and cost reports, and assist in the development of compliance protocols for NRCS Conservation Practice Standards (CPS). In addition, the coordinator will support the Producer Engagement Team, which accounts for 35% of the role. This involves collaborating with partner organizations and producers to develop technical assistance strategies aimed at increasing soil carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The coordinator will engage with producers and conduct community outreach, as well as assist in soil and greenhouse gas sampling at various agricultural sites. The position requires flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced environment, with occasional evening and weekend hours. The work environment includes home office settings, outdoor conditions, and community interactions. The coordinator will need to travel to various locations, including neighbor islands, for professional development and technical assistance, using their personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement provided.

Responsibilities
• Ensure the implementation of the HiCSC Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MMRV) Plan and develop relevant training materials.
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• Provide quality control and assurance for data entry, site mapping, and sampling plans of producer and practitioner data using NRDS software.
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• Prepare quarterly reports detailing producer and site information, acreage, practice implementation status, sampling status, and cost reports.
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• Ensure compliance with NRCS Conservation Practice Standards during the development and finalization of scope of work agreements between producers and PET partners.
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• Assist with the review and submission of environmental compliance documents and Farm Service Agency eligibility requirements.
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• Develop and verify compliance protocols for NRCS CPS implementation.
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• Collaborate with partner organizations, researchers, extension professionals, and producers to develop technical assistance strategies for climate-smart practices.
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• Build relationships through producer interactions and community outreach as part of the HiCSC project.
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• Assist with the collection of soil and greenhouse gas samples at partner sites according to MMRVs and Standard Operating Procedures.
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• Assist with other HiCSC project needs and duties as assigned.

Requirements
• Master's degree in agricultural sciences, environmental sciences, or related field; or a Bachelor's degree plus >5 years of relevant work experience.
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• Experience working in tropical or semi-tropical agricultural systems with a deep understanding of climate-smart agriculture and forestry concepts.
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• Strong computer skills, communication, writing, and presentation skills; experience using GPS, database software, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office.
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• Familiarity with cultural norms and values in Hawaii and respectful engagement with diverse communities is essential.
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• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience working with individuals in government, private sector, and agriculture, especially in Native Hawaiian communities.
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• Commitment to responsible scientific conduct and ethical practices.

Nice-to-haves
• Relevant experience working with agricultural producers and practitioners.
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• Capacity to conduct field work, including soil and greenhouse gas sampling under various conditions.
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• Familiarity with NRCS Conservation Practice Standards (CPS), particularly for the Pacific Island Area.

Benefits
• Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost covering medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision.
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• Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays.
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• Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks.
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• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
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• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
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• Flexible spending accounts.
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• Employee assistance program (EAP).
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• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
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• Life and accident insurance.
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• Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year.
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• Spot bonuses for exceptional performance.
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• Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses.
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• Employee Referral Program.
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• Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System for personal development.
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• Personalized career growth plans for every employee.