Agriculture Conservation Specialist
About the role
The Conservation Specialist will be a member of the Healthy Agroecosystems program team. The primary role of the Conservation Specialist is to provide technical assistance to agricultural producers and land practitioners in Oʻahu who are participating in conservation incentive projects to address natural resource concerns on their properties.
Responsibilities
Apply principles of soil, agricultural science, and GIS to support the conservation priorities of Hawaiʻi’s farmers, ranchers, and conservation organizations.
Prepare Conservation Plans for farmers and ranchers to address their natural resource concerns in accordance with the NRCS and City and County regulations.
Collect, manage, and analyze GPS field data and integrate spatial datasets into GIS platforms, including ArcGIS, to develop conservation planning maps for clients.
Evaluate site conditions and land use systems to recommend conservation practices and certify full implementation of conservation practices through field inspection.
As needed, support the NRCS field office with federal program applications.
Conduct outreach and attend community events.
Develop and maintain knowledge of county, state and federal regulations affecting soil and water conservation and ensure procedures and reporting are in compliance.
Familiarize yourself with federal cultural resource compliance requirements. Prepare required reports.
Contribute to strengthening working relationships with partner organizations.
Identify grant opportunities for organization and clients.
Training Requirements Once Hired: Complete all required training, including Privacy and Cybersecurity training. Successfully obtain NRCS conservation planner certifications.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
2+ years of agricultural, agroforestry and/or natural resource management experience in Hawaiʻi.
Certification(s) or proficiency in GIS software suites.
1+ year of project management experience and competency balancing multiple projects simultaneously.
Experience with technical writing for research style reports.
Very comfortable facilitating in front of small and large groups.
Outstanding people skills and ability to work collaboratively with team members, partner agencies, and clients.
Competency with Google suite and/or Microsoft 365.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $57-65K (Depending on experience)
Benefits: Healthcare, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Leave, Paid Holidays (14), Hawaiʻi Pregnancy Leave, 401(k) Retirement Match after one year
And More!
Professional Development Opportunities: NRCS conservation planner certification pathways and technical training support. Exposure to state/federal conservation programs (EQIP, CSP, watershed initiatives). Opportunities to attend workshops, conferences, and specialized trainings.
Mentorship in conservation planning, grant-funded project implementation, and federal compliance processes.
Perks: Opportunity to work with a growing nonprofit with a diverse team committed to supporting environmental conservation and Hawaiʻi’s farmers & ranchers. High degree of variety across projects, clients, and outdoor field sites rather than desk-only work. Opportunity to work closely with farmers, ranchers, and land stewards carrying out impactful conservation efforts.