Manager, Natural Resources - Keahuolu

Liliuokalani Trust•Kailua-Kona, HI

1d•$87,000 - $103,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Natural Resources is responsible for setting and executing the strategy, vision, and long-range plan for natural resource stewardship at Keahuolū ahupua’a. This role leads restoration planning across various managed areas, including the plant nursery, dryland preserve, anchialine pools, and near shores. The position translates the vision into actionable Annual Work Plans, resource maps, budgets, and seasonal schedules for the Natural Resources team. Additionally, the Manager leads and develops the Natural Resources team, manages LT’s natural resource data, analysis, and reporting. This role collaborates closely with the Director, Land Planning on cultural site management, the Manager, Business Operations on operational needs, and the Manager, Programs to ensure ʻāina-based programming aligns with the natural resource strategy. The ultimate goal is to restore, protect, and preserve the health of all ecological environments at Keahuolū for current and future generations.

Requirements

BA in natural resources management, biology, ecology, environmental science, botany, marine science, Hawaiian studies, or a related field.
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 Hawaiʻi, 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.
Valid driver's license with a clean driving abstract.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
State of Hawaiʻi Certified Pesticide Applicator certification (or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire).
Chainsaw safety certification (or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire).
First Aid/CPR certification (or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire).

Responsibilities

Develops and maintains the long-range strategy, vision, and restoration plan for all natural resource areas at Keahuolū, 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.
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 Keahuolū's ecological health, translating findings into clear narrative, visuals, and recommendations for varied audiences.
Prepares and submits required reporting to state and federal agencies and partner 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.
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 Keahuolū on behalf of the Queen.
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.
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 ʻāina-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 ‘āina 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.
Represents the Trust and Keahuolū at conferences, symposia, working groups, and community meetings, including preparing and delivering presentations when needed.
Leads tours of Keahuolū for Kamalei, LT staff, researchers, and community groups as needed.
Facilitates ʻāina-based programs, workdays, and community volunteer events as needed, and works in the field alongside the team as needed to meet work plan commitments.
Serves as the Trust's subject-matter expert on natural resource management at Keahuolū 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.