Opportunity: Wahi Kūpuna Stewardship in Natural and Cultural Resources Internship
Organization: Visitor Services Manager (VSM) of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex
To Apply Visit: https://www.huliauapaa.org/opp.html
Deadline to Apply: December 14th, 2021
Location: Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex (Hanalei, Kīlauea Point, and Hulē‘ia National Wildlife NWR, Kaua‘i)
Begin Date: Early January 2022
Duration: Flexible time period and part-time or full-time depending on term desired
Housing: Available as part of internship/professional opportunity
Compensation: Commensurate with skills, experience, and qualifications
This position will work under the leadership of the Visitor Services Manager (VSM) of the Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which consists of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-managed Kīlauea Point, Hanalei, and Hulē‘ia National Wildlife Refuges (NWR). Focused on Hanalei NWR, and to a smaller degree, Hulē‘ia and Kīlauea Point NWRs, the intern will research and synthesize the cultural mana’o and ‘ike necessary to incorporate Native Hawaiian perspectives into stewardship (defined as management and interpretation) of the refuge complex.
Requirements
- Consistent access to personal computer
- ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i skills strongly preferred
Main Duties Include:
- Review and synthesize archaeological and other cultural resources documents concerning Hanalei, Hulē‘ia and Kīlauea Point, particularly within the NWRs.
- Summarize research results in a letter report that includes a timeline of relevant major events and connections, and compilation of wahi pana associated with the Hanalei, Hulē‘ia and Kīlauea Point NWRs
- Develop a next-steps report with recommendations for future work utilizing information acquired during the review and synthesis.
- Identify people willing to share Hanalei and NWR use-of-lands history for interview purposes. Assist with facilitating, recording, and/or conduct dictation of the interviews.
- In preparation for and celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hanalei NWR in 2022, assist with project/s focus and facilitation
- Document cultural stories and characteristics for focal biological resources within the refuge, including birds, invertebrates, and mammal species, etc., and other natural resources or locations of historical and cultural significanceIdentify priority sites for protection, restoration, further documentation, and recording using GIS, description forms, etc.
- Conduct on-site visits to these priority areas to determine current condition and recommendations for future work
Knowledge/ Skills/ Abilities Preferred:
- Ōlelo Hawai‘i skills
- Hawaiian Studies education/background
- Ability to work with a diversity of ages and perspectives
- Basic understanding of Western natural resources conservation and habitat management
- Skills in research, writing, and oral history documentation
- Skills in GIS data and mapping and/or archaeological documentation
- Knowledge of the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge system, and purpose of the three refuges that make up the Kaua‘i National Wildlife Refuge Complex
- Ability to connect this mission with communities-based and Native Hawaiian values/perspectives
- Skill in written/oral communication to effectively work with others to accomplish tasks
- Attention to detail
- Flexible and able to maintain professionalism
- Passionate about weaving Native Hawaiian and Western stewardship strategies together to build support for wildlife, ʻāina, and environment
- Positive can-do attitude and excellent facilitation and cooperative partnership/relationship/community engagement skills and team-building
Work Schedule and Conditions
Schedule:
- Flexible duration and work schedule
- Generally available Tuesday – Saturday as those are days the VSM is scheduled
Conditions:
- Housing may be covered as part of the internship/professional opportunity, if needed/desired.
- Applicant must have consistent access to a personal computer. Work is partially outdoors and partially indoors. Outdoor conditions are hot, humid, rainy, and windy at times. Temperatures can range from 60-90 °F.
- Intern is expected to work with the biological and habitat restoration programs to better understand potential career paths
- The work may not be physically demanding but does require patience and the ability to work responsibly with a variety of ages and perspectives, and ability to think and respond quickly while remaining calm.
- Intern will be required to pass a background check, obtain and use a PIV security card, drive a government vehicle, and possess a valid driver’s license
