Job Description

Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge is seeking a motivated and conservation minded Habitat Technician Placement to support habitat restoration and invasive species management across one of Hawaiʻi’s most important wetland ecosystems. This internship offers hands on training and experience in field biology, natural resource management, and public engagement while contributing directly to the protection of endangered species and native habitats. Interns will work closely with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff to survey, map, and control invasive species; restore native vegetation; and support ongoing ecological monitoring. This position is ideal for early career professionals interested in wildlife biology, ecology, environmental science, or conservation work in Hawaiʻi. Hawaii’s tropical dry forests are a critically endangered habitat type that has declined by significantly in the last 100 years due to clearing and burning for agriculture and development. While most of the remaining tropical dry forests on Maui are in montane areas, the Kealia Pond restoration site is located in the low lying coastal areas of Maui’s Central Valley, adjacent to one of the most important wetlands in the state. This placement is a unique opportunity to be involved in a restoration project from the design and planning stages through implementation that will have long lasting impacts on the refuge and across Maui.

Hosting Organization

Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge

Bret Wolfe: bret_wolfe@fws.gov; (808) 763-9641

Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge: Visitor Services Placement (1 )

Location

Kihei, HI

Schedule

August 3, 2026 - April 16, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities

· Controlling invasive plants (both mechanical and chemical control methods)

· Propagating native plants in a nursery

· Out-planting a follow up care of plants

· Monitoring outplant success

· Repairing fences

· Cleaning and maintaining equipment including tools and vehicles.

· Conduct field surveys to identify, map, and monitor restoration activities.

Marginal Duties

· Work alongside refuge staff to support ongoing conservation projects.

· Weekend or evening shifts may be required to support visitor center hours and special events.

Required Qualifications

· Strong interest in conservation, ecology, biology, natural resource management, environmental science or related fields.

· Ability to work in outdoors in hot, humid, and variable weather conditions.

· Willingness to learn plant identification, field techniques, and safe herbicide handling.

· Strong communication skills

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· Willingness to learn about Hawaiian ecosystems, cultural context, and refuge operations.

Preferred Qualifications

· Interest in pursuing a career in conservation, resource management, biology or similar fields.

· Ecological survey and mapping experience a plus

General Physical Requirements

• Able to understand, adhere to, and communicate with others regarding hazards, procedures, and safety policies.
• Able to independently manage known medical conditions with the resources available throughout the position or program.
• Able to wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, N95 or other approved face mask or shield, and appropriate footwear.
• Able to refrain from behaviors and actions that disrupt the work and safety of others.
• Able to cooperate with others to complete daily group tasks, responsibilities, and project work under potentially difficult conditions, variable daily routines, and with limited personal time.
• Able to self-regulate or co-regulate emotions and actions when distressed or uncomfortable, with or without the support of others.
• Able to self-manage outdoor and environmental exposure (e.g., temperature, wind, sun, etc.) in a variety of weather conditions.
• Able to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration throughout program time.
• If using prescription medications, able to self-administer medications by following the prescribed dosage, usage, and timing without supervisor assistance. If prescription medication is administered via injection, able to self-administer the injection.
• Able to independently carry a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight over varied, loose, inclined terrain for up to a maximum of 15 miles per day with adequate breaks.
• Able to lift a backpacking pack weighing approximately 30% of body weight with minimal assistance from others.

Working Conditions

• Work schedules and projects may change on short notice or be ambiguous.
• Work settings require the ability to positively interact with people of varying perspectives.
• Work settings may be located in natural environments and regionally significant locations that require respect for the land and local peoples.
• Work environment may be in inclement and severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flash flooding, gusty and strong winds, foggy or decreased visibility, lightning events, and/or decreased or inclement air quality conditions due to wildfire smoke or smog.
• Work may take place in warm temperatures and adverse heat conditions which could include temperatures in some regions up to 110°F or hotter.
• Work settings may involve exposure to natural and environmental hazards, such as poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac; harmful, poisonous, or disease-carrying ticks, mosquitos, insects, snakes, bears, and other wildlife.

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

Private bedroom in trailer with shared kitchen and living space.

Compensation

Living Allowance = $800/week

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.