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Job Purpose

The purpose of the Manager, Natural Resources is to set and carry out the strategy, vision, and long-range plan for natural resource stewardship of the Keahuolu ahupua’a. The Manager, Natural Resources leads restoration planning across all managed areas including the plant nursery, dryland preserve, anchialine pools, and near shores, and translates that vision into Annual Work Plans, resource maps, budgets, and seasonal schedules that the Natural Resources team executes. This position leads and develops the Natural Resources team, manages LT’s natural resource data, analysis and reporting. The Manager, Natural Resources works in close partnership with the Director, Land Planning on cultural site management, the Manager, Business Operations on operational needs, and the Manager, Programs to ensure aina-based programming aligns with the natural resource strategy. The efforts of the Manager, Natural Resources will restore, protect, and preserve the health of all ecological environments at Keahuolu for current and future generations.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategy, Vision, and Planning

• Develops and maintains the long-range strategy, vision, and restoration plan for all natural resource areas at Keahuolu, including the plant nursery, dryland preserve, anchialine pools, and near shores; establishes measurable restoration goals and success criteria for each area.
• Develops and oversees an Annual Work Plan for the Natural Resources team, including scope, sequencing, staffing, equipment, and budget needs; reviews and adjusts the plan throughout the year based on monitoring results, weather, funding, and organizational priorities.
• Directs restoration planning, including restoration phasing, invasive species treatment areas, outplanting areas, monitoring areas, and infrastructure; ensures maps are current and used to guide field work.
• Establishes the schedule and cadence of the full propagation cycle based on restoration needs: seed collection, propagation, and outplanting.
• Recommends stewardship priorities and adaptive management approaches to leadership, grounded in monitoring data, cultural values, and the Trust's land use objectives.

Data Management, Analysis, and Reporting

• Develops the design, integrity, and management of the Natural Resources data, including field data standards, GIS/GPS data management, quality control, and long-term data preservation.
• Analyzes monitoring and restoration data, including water quality, anchialine pool, intertidal, fisheries, vegetation, and outplanting survivorship to evaluate progress against restoration goals and to inform management decisions.
• Prepares and delivers reporting that tells the story of Keahuolu's ecological health, translating findings into clear narrative, visuals, and recommendations for varied audiences.
• Prepares and submits required reporting to state and federal agencies andpartner organizations, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of all compliance and permit deliverables.
• Reports regularly to LT leadership on natural resource strategy, work plan progress, ecological outcomes, risks, and resource needs.

Team Leadership and Supervision

• Supervises the Natural Resources team, including hiring, onboarding, work assignments, coaching, performance management, and job training and professional development.
• Establishes and enforces field safety standards and practices, and models adherence to cultural protocols in all natural resource work.
• Fosters a team culture grounded in the Trust's values and in the responsibility of caring for Keahuolu on behalf of the Queen.

Partnerships, Contracts, and Resources

• Builds and sustains conservation partnerships and professional networks with agencies, landowners, watershed and conservation organizations, cultural practitioners, universities, and research partners to advance restoration outcomes.
• Develops scopes of work, cost estimates, and contract documents for natural resource projects; leads contractor selection, negotiates deliverables and schedules, and oversees contract performance.
• Develops and manages the Natural Resources operating budget, tracks expenditures, and forecasts equipment, materials, and staffing needs.
• Ensures compliance with applicable environmental, pesticide, and natural and cultural resource regulations, including permits and consultations with agencies such as DLNR and SHPD.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Partners with the Director, Land Planning on cultural site management, ensuring cultural resource stewardship is integrated with natural resource planning, including site-specific protocols.
• Partners with the Manager, Business Operations on operational needs including procurement, contracts, vehicles and equipment, facilities and infrastructure, and administrative processes.
• Partners with the Manager, Programs and Programs team to develop aina-based programs and curriculum that align with the natural resource strategy, vision, and Annual Work Plans, and that give Kamalei, families, and community volunteers purposeful programs from “‘aina to opportunity”.
• Advises on the cultural, sustainability, and landscaping aspects of LT's large-scale real estate development projects, and provides natural resource input to on-the-ground development needs.

Outreach and Representation

• Represents the Trust and Keahuolu at conferences, symposia, working groups, and community meetings, including preparing and delivering presentations when needed.
• Leads tours of Keahuolu for Kamalei, LT staff, researchers, and community groups as needed.
• Facilitates aina-based programs, workdays, and community volunteer events as needed, and works in the field alongside the team as needed to meet work plan commitments.

Other Duties

• Serves as the Trust's subject-matter expert on natural resource management at Keahuolu and provides recommendations to leadership on planning, policy, and approach.
• Supports program teams and events with planning, coordination, and set up and break down.
• Contributes to the Trust's success by accepting new assignments, helping team members, learning new skills, and striving to improve team and organization results.

This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.

Qualifications

• BA in natural resources management, biology, ecology, environmental science, botany, marine science, Hawaiian studies, or a related field. Masters degree preferred.
• At least six (6) years of experience in natural resource or conservation land management.
• At least five (5) years of supervisory experience.
• Experience developing and executing multi-year restoration or natural resource management plans, including work planning, scheduling, and budgeting.
• Knowledge of Hawaiian ecosystems and of native and non-native plant and animal species of Hawaii, with working knowledge across dryland, anchialine pool, and nearshore environments preferred.
• Experience managing natural resource data and monitoring programs, data analysis, and preparing technical and narrative reports.
• Experience building partnerships with agencies, conservation organizations, cultural practitioners, and community groups.
• Proficiency with Word, PowerPoint, and Excel is required.
• Preferred certifications (or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire): State of Hawaii Certified Pesticide Applicator, chainsaw safety certification, First Aid/CPR, and a valid driver's license with a clean driving abstract.

Job Competencies

• Strategic thinking: able to set a long-range vision for the aina and translate it into practical annual plans, schedules, and priorities.
• Data storytelling: able to analyze ecological data rigorously and communicate what it means to technical and non-technical audiences alike.
• Leadership and capacity building: able to supervise, coach, and grow a field team and hold a high standard for safety, quality, and accountability.
• Strong written and verbal communication: including public speaking, presentations, and interpretive tour facilitation.
• Collaborative and relationship-driven: ability to work effectively across departments and with external partners.
• Sound judgment, problem solving, and adaptive decision-making.
• Models cultural protocols and a deep respect for aina, community, and the Queen's legacy.

Travel Requirements

In alignment with our organizational competencies of Alu Like I ka Hana (Teamwork) and Hoomau i ka imi Naauao (Continuous Learning and Improvement), this position will require occasional travel across the island, inter-island, and out-of-state depending on the needs of the team and the organization, including travel for conferences, trainings, and partner and agency meetings. While travel may not always be a need, the ability to travel when required remains a crucial aspect of this position in order to successfully contribute to our concerted efforts to carry out our Queen's legacy.

Organization Competencies

• Alignment with Queen's legacy: Understanding and appreciation of Queen Liliuokalani's story, her legacy and the Hawaiian Culture is foundational to staff's commitment to working with our Hawaiian children, families, and communities. Demonstrates respect for and appreciation of Hawaiian values, history, and culture, understanding its implication in one's work, in fostering meaningful relationships, and in embracing the community served.
• Hoomau i ka imi Naauao (Continuous Learning and Improvement): Committed to creating and reinforcing an environment of continuous learning and improvement.
• Hoike i na Manao Pono (Effective Communication): Communicates with those we serve and each other in a consistent manner that results in mutual understanding, harmony, and action.
• Noonoo loi (Critical Thinking and Problem Solving): Actively and skillfully understands, conceptualizes, applies, analyzes, synthesizes, and/or evaluates information and develops and supports fact-based analyses and recommendations.
• Hoo kumu ae or Imi hakuhia (Innovation): Identifies and integrates creative ideas into new or existing services and promotes effective problem-solving.
• Pilina Hoohana a me ka Hana Hilinai (Building Relationships and Creating Trust): Manages relationships to create optimal opportunities and move the organization forward.
• Alu Like I ka Hana (Teamwork): Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others throughout the organization in alignment with the organization's objectives.
• Hoonui I ka Ike (Capacity Building): Encourages personal growth by exhibiting trust and a belief in the capacity of others.

Mental and Physical Demands

Ability to lift 25+ pounds. Requires being outdoors in the sun and/or rain for extended periods of time. Ability to swim and work on uneven surfaces. Ability to work weekends and occasional evenings when needed. Requires extended periods of computer-based planning, analysis, and reporting work.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to LT's policies and procedures.

Job Title: Manager, Natural Resources

Reports to: Executive Director, Keahuolu

FLSA Status: Exempt

Aligned Executive: President & CEO

Kipuka: Keahuolu

Department: Keahuolu