FARM MANAGER
The Hawai'i Institute of Pacific Agriculture
Kapa'au, HI
.............................................................
Aloha! The Hawai'i Institute of Pacific Agriculture (HIP Agriculture) is seeking a dynamic, motivated individual (or couple) with farm
experience to join our team! Ideal candidates will bring an in-depth understanding of tropical
permaculture,
sustainable farming practices and living and working in community.
HIP Agriculture is located along the beautiful, historic coast of North Kohala, on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Our main campus, Halawa Farm, is a 7-acre living and learning environment where we cultivate a diverse collection of
native hawaiian and polynesian plants, tropical fruit orchards and
perennial vegetable crops, in addition to raising small scale poultry and livestock. The farm is the base of operations for our residential training programs and educational workshops, and provides a steady supply of food and medicine to those on the
land as well as our
local farmers market. We also maintain a public education garden site nearby, where we host our youth field trip programs.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to personal growth and awakening that empowers individuals to be activated leaders for change. Through the empowerment of our island's youth, we are working to create the next generation of farmers, teachers, and community leaders.
This coming year is going to be an exciting time of growth for us, and we are looking for the right people to join the adventure! Experience is preferred, especially in the areas of tropical
permaculture and farming, but we are open to training the right candidate in some areas. We ask that you bring a kind and generous attitude, a desire to work hard, and a high level of accountability. Excellent communication and time-management skills a must.
The position is 40 hrs/week for one person, and 60 hrs/week for couple. 1 year commitment required. The position is open starting August 1, 2014, and will remain open until filled.
Responsibilities:
- Work with HIP Ag staff to manage all farm operations (agroforestry, field systems, orchards, row cropping, soil fertility programs, etc.), keep daily schedules, and meet planting/harvesting deadlines
- Help to train/manage a work crew of 5-15 interns and apprentices living on the land (
class sizes changes depending on course in session)
- Oversee home
dairy operations (maintain milking schedule and deliveries, animal care, fencing/maintenance)
- Oversee annual macadamia nut harvest (processing, packaging, getting to market)
- Maintain plant & tree nursery
- Manage weekly farmer's market activities (harvesting, training/leading crew, sales)
- Participate in a weekly farm meetings and community events
Compensation:
Housing - Private cottage with main living area, office area, full kitchen, bathroom, W/D. Centrally located to the rest of the farm, self-contained. Ocean views from the living room.
Food- All farm crops grown and designated for community use, including an abundance of fresh garden vegetables and starch crops including taro, sweet potatoes, breadfruit, yams, cassava, and plantains. Varying by season we also enjoy fresh fruits such as banana, papaya, avocado, lemons, limes, oranges, tangerines, mango, starfruit, lychee, soursop, jack fruit, rambutan, guava, passion fruit,
dragon fruit and many other exotic tropical fruits. We provide organic bulk grains, legumes, oils, spices and teas. When available we provide local
milk, eggs, meat, and fish. (During our larger residential courses, there is often a chef on site to help prepare meals!)
Stipend- We are offering a weekly stipend of $100, as well as full access to HIP Ag events, classes, trainings, and reading materials. There is also the possibility of additional income through farmer's market sales or off-site landscape/planting work. We are open to making this situation work for the right person, and would be able to offer higher compensation after the first year, as the farm grows in capacity.
Please take a moment and browse through our website:
http://hipagriculture.org/ If you think that we might be a good fit, send us a note and tell us a little about yourself -- what are you doing right now? What are your passions/interests? Why are you excited about working with an organization like HIP Agriculture? Please include a resume/summary of your
permaculture and farming experience, along with 3 personal references (and a photo, if you can - it helps us to get to know you!).
Mahalo!
http://hipagriculture.org/jobs 
