Diversified Agriculture Technician – Ka'a‘awa

Location: On-Site - Kaneohe, HI.

Relocation Package: None

Application Closing Date:

Schedule: Full-time; open availability including weekends and holidays is required.  Work will be conducted primarily outdoors in a variety of environmental conditions.

Position Summary

The Diversified Agriculture Technician supports the day-to-day operations of the agricultural site in Ka‘a‘awa, focusing on crop production, small livestock management, aquaculture, and land stewardship. This role requires hands-on fieldwork, equipment operation, and adherence to best practices for planting, harvesting, pest management, and irrigation. The ideal candidate is hard-working, detail-oriented, and passionate about sustainable agriculture and Hawaiian farming traditions.

Key Responsibilities

Crop Production & Field Operations

• Execute daily agricultural tasks, including planting, transplanting, fertilizing, irrigating, weeding, and harvesting.
• Assist in the production and maintenance of various crops, including ginger, ‘olena (turmeric), papaya, banana, and other specialty crops following established SOPs.
• Monitor crop health, identify pest or disease issues, and implement appropriate management strategies.
• Ensure proper post-harvest handling, including washing, drying, sorting, and packaging produce for sale and distribution.

Livestock & Aquaculture Management

• Support small livestock operations, including feeding, health monitoring, and habitat upkeep.
• Assist with turkey production, following protocols for breeding, brooding, pasture management, and humane processing.
• Maintain aquaculture ponds and/or lo‘i (taro patches), ensuring water quality and plant health.

Irrigation & Infrastructure Maintenance

• Set up, monitor, and maintain irrigation systems, including drip lines and sprinklers, to optimize water efficiency.
• Perform general site upkeep, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and safety within the agricultural area.
• Operate and maintain power tools, hand tools, and light agricultural machinery safely and effectively.

Pest, Disease & Weed Control

• Implement safe and proper application of herbicides, pesticides, and organic control methods as needed.
• Follow biosecurity protocols to minimize the spread of pests and plant diseases.
• Conduct weed management using manual, mechanical, and chemical control methods.

Operational Support & Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the Diversified Ag & Small Livestock Manager and team members to execute daily tasks efficiently.
• Assist in collecting and recording agricultural data, including crop yields, soil conditions, and pest activity.
• Support educational and community outreach programs as needed.
• Follow all safety protocols, including proper use of PPE and adherence to equipment operation guidelines.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform intensive manual labor for extended periods under various weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and rain.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Requires frequent bending, kneeling, digging, and repetitive hand movements.
• Comfortable working with small livestock, including handling animals safely.
• Ability to safely operate power tools, hand tools, and light agricultural machinery.

Minimum Qualifications

• Previous experience in agricultural operations, including irrigation, herbicide/fertilizer application, weeding, planting, and harvesting.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a physically demanding environment.
• Proficiency in the safe operation and basic maintenance of landscape power and hand tools.
• Strong observational skills to monitor crop health and identify potential issues.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with diversified farming operations, including specialty crops and livestock.
• Familiarity with Hawaiian agricultural practices and traditional land stewardship.
• Knowledge of irrigation system setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
• Experience in aquaculture or lo‘i kalo (taro farming).
• CPR and First Aid certification.