Join Our Team

Friends of Kauaʻi Wildlife Refuges operates the Nature Store and Visitor Center located at the Kīlauea Point NWR. As the nonprofit Friends group that supports the work of our three Refuges, we provide financial support, along with complementary education and outreach programs that further our mission.

To apply for any of the positions below, please complete and drop off an Employment Application or send a resume and cover letter to info@kilaueapoint.org including the position you’re applying for and your desired hourly rate or salary. Applications are also available in the Friends Nature Store, located inside the Visitor Center at Kīlauea Point NWR.

Click below to download an Employment Application.


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.



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.