Mahiʻai Akahi

Reports To: Farm 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 Mahiʻai Akahi role is an introductory staff role in organic fruit and vegetable farm management and can be pursued while attending college. Through the training model of ma ka hana ka ʻike (learning through doing), Mahiʻai will be immersed in a fast-paced learning environment. Working alongside a team of Managers and youth interns, the Mahiʻai Akahi will rotate through three tracks: (1) Production; (2) Harvest; and (3) Processing and Quality Control.

Detailed Responsibilities

1. Work in partnership to manage organic farming operations including field preparation, fertilization, planting, crop fertility and care.
2. Assist sales, harvests, and distribution of product and helps to drive the economic performance of the business.
3. Nurture existing business relationships, networks and alliances to grow the capacity of MAʻO and the "MAʻO" brand.
4. Support the training and evaluation of the farm's youth crews.
5. Uphold organic standards, food safety practices, and food quality expectations.
6. 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.

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 (we start most days at 5am). 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;
• Driver's license, comfortable driving heavy trucks and equipment, able to work or long periods in a hot environment and lift up-to 50 pounds; and,
• Comfortable working with computers, especially Microsoft Excel and Word.

Compensation:

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

Benefits include: Medical and dental coverage; Paid vacation, sick and holiday time; Employer sponsored 401K Plan; fresh, Organic fruits and vegetables