Kupu, Hawaii’s leading conservation and youth education nonprofit, is seeking applicants for the Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps Summer Program, which offers an intensive, hands-on experience into the world of conservation.
Kupu is inviting applicants to apply for positions on Hawaii Island, Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Oahu. Deadline to apply is Feb. 16.
According to a press release, selected participants are partnered within a dynamic team of like-minded individuals to serve at a different partner site each week during the program, which runs from June 3 to July 21. The diversity of host sites provides a unique perspective on what conservation entails and what is being done to protect and restore the islands. Participants will learn about a variety of ecosystems, natural resource management techniques and cultural practices unique to Hawaii.
“Kupu was able to give me the more hands-on, field type of experience I wanted before completing my education and joining the workforce fully,” said Sydney Ueda, who was a Hawaii Island participant last year. “It helped me really identify my love for working outdoors and doing field work that contributes to research or conservation efforts in Hawaii.
“Being able to work with different agencies helped me identify the types of work cultures I want to contribute to and encouraged me to return to Hawaii after school to pursue a career.”
Ueda was able to learn hands-on at host sites: Hawaii Experimental Tropical Forest, The Nature Conservancy Kiholo Fishpond, and Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance.
There are two different positions available: Team member and team leader. Team members must be 17 by the start of the program. Members are typically students ages 17-20, and have little or no prior environmental or job experience.
Team leaders must be 21 by the start of the program, and will benefit from additional training to ensure the safety and success of their teams. Team members and Team leaders need to have a positive attitude, desire to learn, willingness to be outdoors and get dirty, and a commitment to strengthening their community through service.
At the completion of the program, team members receive a $1,500 monetary stipend and $1,459.26 AmeriCorps Education Award (similar to a scholarship).
Team leaders are paid a $16 per hour wage, as well as overtime where applicable.
All participants will receive first aid and CPR certification and gain valuable experiential environmental education, build close relationships with their peers, and make connections with professionals in the green jobs industry.
To apply online, visit kupuhawaii.tfaforms.net/308.
For more information visit kupuhawaii.org/hycc-summer.
For questions, email hyccsummer@kupuhawaii.org or call (808) 735-1221 ext. 2001.