Farm Lead / Cultural Educator

Company Overview:

Keiki O Ka `Āina Family Learning Centers (KOKA-FLC) is dedicated to serving the Native Hawaiian community by providing educational resources and support for families. Our mission focuses on educating children, strengthening families, enriching communities, and perpetuating culture through advocacy for literacy and empowerment. As an organization, we work to nurture a love for learning, cultivate cultural understanding, and provide meaningful opportunities that contribute to a thriving and resilient community.

Job Summary:

The Lead will be responsible for coordinating daily operations, managing on-site personnel, and ensuring the smooth execution of projects at KOKA Nā ʻĀina Hui and KOKA Farms, under the guidance of the Program Manager and the KOKA Farms Board of Directors. This hands-on leadership role involves facilitating communication, overseeing daily farm operations, and supporting cultural education programs. The Lead will play an integral role in team collaboration, farm maintenance, equipment upkeep, and the implementation of both short-term and long-term farming and cultural initiatives. Additionally, this position will require active participation in cultural projects, safety management, and the maintenance of KOKA Farms’ facilities, ensuring all tasks are completed with attention to detail and alignment with the organization’s cultural and educational values.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate work schedules and manage on-site personnel based on direction from the Program Manager and Board of Directors.
• Communicate effectively with co-Farm Leads, supervisors, and team members to ensure smooth operations.
• Lead daily check-ins with on-site teams and maintain regular communication about task changes or project updates.
• Document farming activities, including inventory and progress logs for indoor and outdoor classrooms, irrigation, fertilization, and maintenance tasks.
• Attend weekly meetings with supervisors and contribute to planning and executing both short-term and long-term farm projects.
• Provide hands-on training to staff regarding job responsibilities, safety procedures, and cultural practices.
• Perform physical labor on cultural projects, including maintenance of lo`i, mala, poi pounding, and other traditional work activities.
• Ensure proper care and maintenance of Kalei grounds, buildings, and other facilities.
• Monitor team progress and report findings to the Program Manager or Board.
• Support cultural education and outdoor classroom activities, including field trips, Hawaiian language practices, and cultural protocols.
• Maintain safety protocols, equipment, and farm supplies, including inventory management and routine maintenance.
• Collaborate with local organizations to strengthen farm initiatives and community engagement.

Essential Duties:

• Establish and maintain timelines for farm production, cultural projects and activities, property maintenance, and repairs.
• Gather and order supplies needed for cultural events.
• Operate various equipment, including but not limited to:
• Blower (handheld and backpack)
• Hand grinder
• Push and riding mowers
• Power drill
• Power washer
• Chainsaw, chop saw, reciprocating saw, skill saw
• Scaffolding
• Stick edger
• Weed trimmer
• Water pump
• Use tools such as:
• Broom, hammer, hand saw
• Ladder, safety harness
• Pruning shears, rake, shovel, sickles, pick, hoe, pitchfork
• Assist with setting up and breaking down projects and workshops.
• Drive vehicles to various locations for work, if authorized.
• Wear required PPE, including covered shoes, pants, chaps, and other necessary gear.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a passion for cultural education, and hands-on experience in farm and facilities management. A deep respect for Hawaiian culture and values is essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and communities. The candidate should be safety-conscious, organized, and able to manage multiple tasks while fostering an environment of learning and respect. Experience in agricultural, cultural, or educational settings, particularly within Native Hawaiian communities, is highly valued.

How to Apply: For more information or to apply, please send your resume to hr@koka.org. You may also contact the office at 808-843-2502 for further inquiries.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: On the road

Salary : $20 - $24