Processing Mahiʻai

Reports To: Processing and Quality Control Manager

Organization:

MAʻO Organic Farms (MAʻO), located in Lualualei Valley, Waiʻanae, is a social enterprise of the Waiʻanae Community Re-Development Corporation, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Established in 2001, MAʻO grows organic food and new leaders for a sustainable Hawaiʻi. Today, MAʻO manages 280 acres of organically certified land producing over 400,000 pounds of food per year with operations co-managed by young leaders learning a trade and going to college. The ʻāina provides many opportunities to increase overall health and well-being in Waiʻanae and Hawaiʻi through two interconnected activities:

• Production, sales and distribution of high quality, certified organic fruits and vegetables for grocery stores, farmer's market, natural food stores, and restaurants; and,
• Training, mentorship and development of young adults within a pathway of college and workforce edu-preneurial programs.

Currently in the midst of a 10-year Māʻona expansion plan, our kuleana is to manage the land and water of Lualualei with aloha ʻāina and aloha kekahi i kekahi- to radically increase the production of nutritious local organic food, while empowering a new generation of leaders to serve Hawaiʻi nei.

Job Summary:

The Processing Mahiʻai role supports the washing, sorting, packaging and packing of organic fruits and vegetables before distribution to co-producers.

Detailed Responsibilities:

1. Uphold organic standards, food safety practices, and food quality expectations.
2. Thoroughly wash and process vegetables efficiently by hand or using equipment.
3. Accurately bunch and package units and build cases to order specifications.
4. Model mutual love, respect and a willingness to work, thus reinforcing organizational and programmatic policy and values in a positive and formative manner that supports the mission, goals and activities of WCRC and MA'O wherever possible.

Scheduling & Availability

Must be available to work on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 3pm.

Experience Required:

We're looking for a person with the desire to learn and lead at the same time. The successful candidate will need a 110% commitment to social justice for Hawaiʻi's food system, be a team player and an excellent communicator, and be willing to embrace hard work. The candidate will need to motivate/inspire young adults in a hands-on organic farm environment, where an attention to detail and accuracy is critical. A good sense of humor will really help. Minimum experience we're looking for includes:

• High School Diploma and some college completed;
• At least two years farm, garden and/or related experience with tested communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work independently;
• Knowledge of and/or interest in Hawaiian cultural traditions with a commitment to the Hawaiʻi's rural communities and the Leeward Oʻahu region.

Compensation:

$17.00 - $19.25 per hour based on experience and education.