OPEN POSITIONS:

Visitor Center and Nature Store Associate

Join our team at the Kīlauea Point NWR Visitor Center and Nature Store – one of the most majestic spots on Kauaʻi! This part-time position is a key role within our ‘ohana, supporting the visitor education program and Nature Store sales, in support the ongoing mission of Kaua‘i’s National Wildlife Refuges at Kīlauea Point, Hanalei and Hulēʻia.

We are seeking an energetic new team member who will:

• Provide excellent customer service in support of the shopping experience and close sales in support of Nature Store revenue goals.

• Enrich the visitor experience by providing information about the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service mission and wildlife conservation programs, the threatened and endangered wildlife these protected lands support, and the history of the Daniel K. Inouye Kīlauea Point Lighthouse.

• Share information about ways to support our work and global wildlife conservation goals.

• Manage visitor needs and interactions in a friendly, proactive manner.

• Maintain security of the cash register. Reconcile at the end of the day and/or shift, and help identify and correct discrepancies, as needed.

• Learn and follow store protocols including opening, closing, cleaning, resetting, stocking, restocking and inventory management.

• Commit to learning and sharing the stories and knowledge represented via our mission-driven product lines.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Retail experience, cash handling experience or equivalent.

• Solid communications and computer skills, with an aptitude to learn.

• Enthusiastic and positive attitude.

• Experience with retail POS, cash register.

• Flexible schedule.

• Proven team player.

• Reliable private transportation (there is no pedestrian or bicycle access into the Refuge / Visitor Center).

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this position, Associates are regularly required to lift and/or move items that weigh up to 40 pounds. This position requires constant movement that includes standing for extended lengths of time, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling and climbing during shifts in an open-air environment where temperatures can fluctuate and subject to rain, heat and wind.

This is a part-time, non-exempt position. Operating days are Wednesday through Saturday.

For more information and to apply, please send a resume with cover letter to margaret@kilaueapoint.org or download an employment application and email to us. We look forward to meeting you!

Starting Pay Rate: $20-25/hour. Commensurate with experience. Click to view the job description.

‍Maintenance & Habitat Restoration Specialist

‍Join our team at the Kauai National Wildlife Refuge Complex (NWRC) and help steward some of the most majestic and important habitat management sites on Kauai. This fulltime position is a key role within our ohana and will work alongside the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service team in planning, developing, prioritizing and implementing habitat restoration and management, and maintenance and infrastructure projects at Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Hanalei NWR and Huleia NWR.

‍‍Although employed by Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuges, the Refuge Complex’s dedicated Friends Group, this position will be directly supervised by the Kauai NWRC Deputy Refuge Manager.

This position is integral to the upkeep of nearly 1,500 acres of habitat that is essential for protecting, restoring and enhancing native ecosystems and species, through invasive species control and landscape-level management, working with Refuge staff and other conservation partners. The position has a strong emphasis on working with partners and contractors for various Refuge construction and maintenance projects. The position will also require data collection and reporting, procurement, writing detailed project descriptions/scopes of work, coming up with materials list for projects, obtaining cost estimates, and making/assigning task lists.

Skills and Qualifications:

• At least 4 years’ experience in construction, maintenance, and heavy equipment operation.‍ ‍

• Strong interest in natural resource management and conservation of local lands and native species.

• Knowledge and first-hand experience with Hawaii’s flora, fauna, and culture is desirable, but not required. ‍

• Education and/or experience in a relevant field, such as biology, ecology, environmental science, or wildlife and/or habitat management is preferred, but not required. ‍

• Knowledge of standard mechanical tools, systems, and component parts necessary to perform a variety of mechanical repairs on vehicles, equipment, and attachments, such as tune-ups, brake repairs, water and fuel pumps, etc.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.‍ ‍

• Experience with contracting and/or writing scopes of work/project plans, as well as materials lists and cost estimates. ‍

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, as well as to work well with and motivate others. ‍

• Ability to work in remote and rugged terrain.

Physical Demands and Other Requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry equipment up to 50 lbs.‍ ‍

• Ability to work in various weather conditions for long periods of time.

• Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to provide own transportation to and from work.‍ ‍

• Ability to pass a criminal background check.‍ ‍

• Ability to successfully complete ORUV (ATV/UTV) training.‍ ‍

• Ability to obtain applicable herbicide treatment certification.‍ ‍

• Ability to obtain heavy equipment certification. ‍ ‍

• Ability to complete chainsaw training.‍ ‍

• Ability to work full time (40 hours per week) between Monday through Friday or Tuesday through Saturday with some flexibility for emergency needs.‍ ‍

This is a full-time, non-exempt (hourly) position scheduled to work 40 hours per week. The position offers benefits including healthcare coverage provided by the organization, paid holidays and paid time off.

Starting Pay Rate: $28.50-$32.00/hour, commensurate with experience. Click to view the job description.‍ For more information and to apply, please send a resume with cover letter to info@kilaueapoint.org.

ACE (American Conservation Experience): Biology Support Members - 2 member positions

‍American Conservation Experience (ACE), a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Friends of Kaua’i Wildlife Refuges and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking 2 Members to contribute to biology projects under the mentorship of Kaua’i National Wildlife Refuge Complex (KNWRC) Staff. For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: June/July 2026 (a 44-week minimum commitment is required)

Estimated End Date: April 2027

Location Details/Description: Kaua’i National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Kilauea, HI

This position is contracted by Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuges, the Refuge Complex’s dedicated Friends Group, this position will work directly with Kauai NWRC biology, management and maintenance staff. The Kauaʻi National Wildlife Refuge Complex, managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, is comprised of Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Hanalei NWR and Hulēʻia NWR. Together, the Refuge Complex manages 1,357 acres of wildlife habitat.

Position Overview: The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the public. This position will help FWS realize that mission at Kaua’i National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups. The member will provide support and assistance under the guidance and direction of FWS staff in the following tasks:

• Assist with invasive species management: identify, control, map and monitor invasive plants and animals. Invasive species management includes live trapping.

• Assist with biological monitoring and recovery efforts for native and endangered seabird and waterbird species.

• Coordinate closely with refuge staff, partner organizations, and volunteers in the biology and habitat management programs. 

• Assist with maintenance of the Kīlauea Point NWR predator exclusion fence: weedwhacking, mowing, spraying invasive vegetation with herbicide and maintaining physical weed barriers.

• Conduct avian disease monitoring and response, including capturing, stabilizing, and transporting sick or injured native birds to a rehabilitation center. 

• Work with community volunteers, other interns, and partner agencies in restoration of seabird habitat including outplanting and maintaining native plants. 

• Organize and conduct annual Christmas Bird Count and waterbird counts. 

• Provide biological updates at staff meetings and assist with entering/proofing/summarizing data, writing reports, and making maps in ArcPro.

• Assist the Refuge management team in reviewing and creating documents relating to policy, safety protocols, operating procedures, and assist with records management.

• Occasionally assist with facilities and property maintenance including buildings, fences, dikes, water infrastructure, etc. 

• Occasionally assist with special events, environmental education, and interpretation.

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $750/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Public Land Corps Hiring Authority: Members serving under this agreement may be eligible for a federal hiring authority upon completion of their term of service and 640 hours of service. If the duration of a PLC-eligible term is not long enough for Members to accrue 640 hours of service (~16 weeks), the total hours served at the completion of the term may be eligible to be combined with hours accrued from another PLC-eligible term to meet the 640 hours requirement. PLC projects also include specific eligibility requirements such as age and citizenship. Please contact ACE staff with questions about eligibility or view general eligibility information on our website.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided FWS housing at $383/month for the duration of the term.

Gear Reimbursement: ACE members will have up to $200 to spend on eligible gear purchases. Eligible gear must be approved by ACE staff prior to purchase.

Click to view the full position description. For more information and to apply, visit the ACE website. For more information, contact Nicholaus Jackosky, ACE Senior Program Manager-FWS Division, (628) 888-9336, njackosky@usaconservation.org.

Volunteer With Us

We are seeking volunteers to assist us in the Visitor Center and our Friends Nature Store, along with other roles with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Click below for more information.

Positions Available with our Refuge Partners

No open positions are posted at this time.