Kahanu Preserve Technician – Full Time, Temporary

Hāna, Maui

At NTBG, we are dedicated to a critical global mission: perpetuating tropical plants, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. Managing a network of five botanical gardens, preserves, and research facilities across Hawaiʻi and Florida, our team works to restore relationships between people, plants, and places. We are seeking a dedicated and motivated Kahanu Preserve Technician to join our team at the Kahanu Garden & Preserve in Hāna. This temporary, full-time position (40 hours per week with benefits) runs through 2027, with the possibility of an extension. The successful candidate will work directly on the front lines of coastal forest restoration, playing a vital role in safeguarding our unique hala forest ecosystem, eradicating disruptive invasive species, and establishing thriving native plant populations.

Key areas of responsibility

Invasive Species Management: Eradicate target invasive species such as African tulip and inkberry trees within the historic hala forest utilizing chainsaws, hand tools, and targeted herbicide applications.
Habitat Restoration & Trail Maintenance: Clear and establish preserve trails, apply mulch, and carefully plant and care for native outplants to foster ecosystem recovery.
Data Documentation: Accurately track and document field data, including the quantities and specific geographic locations of invasive species removed.
Collaborative Stewardship: Work safely and effectively both independently and alongside team members during occasional large-scale group preserve projects.

Qualifications

High School diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Proven experience in land stewardship, natural resource management, or a related outdoor field.
A strong, demonstrated interest in preserving native coastal forest ecosystems.
Ability to work comfortably, safely, and efficiently across rugged, uneven terrain under variable outdoor weather conditions.
Experience with or a strong willingness to be trained in the safe operation of chainsaws, hand pruners, and baseline herbicide application tools.

Pay Range: $19.00 – $23.00 per hour

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week (Temporary through 2027 with possibility of extension)

Benefits

403(b) with match
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Supplemental Benefit Plans
Vision insurance

This position is open until filled.

NTBG is an equal opportunity, equal access employer. A copy of NTBG’s Drug Free Workplace Policy can be found here.

Employment applications are accepted by email, mail, fax, or in person at the Garden’s national headquarters, unless otherwise indicated, at:

NTBG
Attn: Human Resources
3530 Papalina Road
Kalaheo, HI 96741
Fax (808) 332-9765
(808) 332-7324, Ext. 229

Applications may be submitted via email to careers@ntbg.org in either Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format. All jobs are posted or removed on a timely basis.

Visit our Gardens

Limahuli Garden & Preserve

Kahanu Garden & Preserve

Allerton Garden

McBryde Garden

The Kampong