Program Information:

• Based on Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, O’ahu

• Entry- to intermediate-level positions for individuals who want to build a career in the green jobs sector

• Part-time or full-time for one year

KAC Host Sites

KAC Participants are matched with a Host Site organization that is best aligned with their goals and interests!

Benefits:

• Opportunities to receive resume-building certifications and network with potential future employers

• $18 - $20 per hour, depending on placement

• Medical insurance (for employees working 20+ hours)

• Retention bonus

• Paid time off (120 hours total for full-time positions and 40 hours total for part-time positions)

Qualifications

• Applicants must be between the ages of 17 to 38 for the duration of the program term to be eligible for participation.

• Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, U.S. Permanent Resident, or otherwise legally allowed to work in the United States.

• Applicants must be responsible for their own personal housing and transportation arrangements on-island.

• Applicants are not required to have previous experience in the environmental sector, although prior experience may be preferred for some positions.

Contact us at kac@kupuhawaii.org for more information.

Participant application here!

KAC Host Site Application: https://kupuhawaii.tfaforms.net/320

Host Sites can be: 

• For-profit organizations 

• Non-profit organizations 

• State and county government agencies 

Host Sites’ focuses may fall under the following categories: 

• Agriculture & Food Systems  

• Aquatic Resource Management  

• Community Outreach & Education  

• Environmental Technologies & Renewable Energy 

• Invasive Species Removal  

• Native Hawaiian Cultural Stewardship  

• Native Plant/Wildlife Conservation  

• Trail Restoration  

• And much, much, more! 

Benefits

• Organizations can increase their capacity at a highly subsidized rate 

• Majority of the employment costs (i.e., wages, benefits, employment taxes, etc.) will be covered by Kupu ʻĀina Corps 

• Increase the capacity of the Hawaiʻi green jobs sector through your organization! 

Host Site Fees:

• KAC Host Site Fees TBD July 2024

• Subsidized Host Site Fees are available for organizations impacted by the 2023 Maui wildfire disaster.

Host Site's Role:

Host Sites serve as direct supervisors and mentors to the participants. Participants should report to the site’s designated supervisor daily. Site supervisors are expected to provide support and mentorship to all program participants, including but limited to the following: 

• Provide historical and cultural background on site as applicable 

• Act as role models and provide hands-on mentorship, instruction, and guidance 

• Assist in preparing necessary training, tools, equipment, and logistics for projects 

• Be conscientious of participants safety and safety conditions. 

• Provide an educational, healthy, and safe environment for the participants

• Conduct timely and open communication with Kupu Staff

• Provide safe projects that are reasonable to the skill level/comfort level of participants 

• Provide meaningful projects that are assisting Hawaii’s Green Job economy as well as contributing to participant growth 

• Conduct performance evaluations for each participant, approve participant timesheets and offer supervision. 

Kupu’s Role:

Host Sites will be assigned a Kupu Program Coordinator, who will be your point of contact and help you successfully complete your program duration. They will be available as a coach and advisor to both you and participants.

How to Apply:

• Complete the online application

  • Please note: If your organization only has one direct supervisor overseeing the requested participants/teams, you may submit one application form. If your organization is requesting multiple participants/teams and they will be overseen by separate supervisors, each individual direct supervisor at your organization needs to submit their own application. 

  • Emergency Action Plan – provide site-specific procedures so participants know what is expected and what to do in the event of an emergency. Sample Emergency Action Plan can be found here. 

• Contact kac@kupuhawaii.org for application questions

Key Objectives

• Provide paid, career-building employment: Opportunities for individuals who are seeking alternative career opportunities in the green jobs sector.

• Improve credentials: Strengthen participants’ skills and add important credentials to their resumes.

• Make a difference! Kupu ‘Āina Corps aims to help Hawaiʻi’s amazing government, non-profit, and for-profit entities receive essential work and expand the capacity of our green economy.