Agricultural Technician

Company Overview 

Pono Pacific Land Management, LLC was founded with a vision of helping Hawai‘i’s conservation agencies and landowners.  Since 2000, we have been providing specialized services to a wide variety of clients in almost every ecosystem in Hawaiʻi, from mountain ridgelines and forests to coastal areas and near-shore reef systems.    

In 2019, Pono Pacific was contracted by Turtle Bay Resort to manage 468 acres of agricultural land mauka of the resort. Kuilima Farm is a healthy, vibrant farm that matches best-in-class sustainability practices alongside Hawaiian knowledge and culture. The ideal candidate will exhibit the values that steer our organization: character, humility, ʻohana (family/community-mindedness), service, excellence, and nobility.  The Ag Techwill act in the best interest of the company, other employees, and in a fair, safe, effective, and legal manner.   

Position Overview 

The Ag Tech will work in congruence directly with the VP of Sustainable Energy, VP of Diversified Agriculture and the President. The Ag Tech will play the vital role of supporting and executing our biofuel crop trials and assisting with various tasks at Kuilima Farm and other trial sites as they develop. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in agriculture, a willingness to learn, an interest in biofuel production and sustainable energy, and sustainable farming practices. This position offers an opportunity to work hands-on with innovative agricultural projects in a dynamic and picturesque environment. 

Key Responsibilities/Expectations: ​ 

• Biofuel Crop Trials: Collaborate with the agricultural team to plan, execute, and monitor camelina and carinata crop trials. This includes planting, irrigating, fertilizing, and conducting regular assessments of crop health.
• Farm Maintenance: Assist with general farm maintenance tasks, including but not limited to weeding, pest control, and equipment upkeep. 
• Data Collection: Accurately collect and record data related to crop trials, farm operations, and environmental conditions. 
• Equipment Operation: Operate farm equipment and machinery safely and efficiently. 
• Harvesting and Processing: Participate in the harvesting and processing of biofuel crops, ensuring quality and yield targets are met. 
• Collaboration: Work closely with other team members, including researchers, farm managers, VP of Diversified Ag, VP of Sustainable Energy, President and agricultural experts, to achieve project goals. 
• Safety: Adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines to ensure a safe working environment. 
• Adaptation: Be flexible and open to new tasks and responsibilities as needed in a dynamic agricultural setting. 
• This role must be willing to work outdoors even in inclement weather and be flexible and able to work a variety of shifts, including weekdays, weekends, holidays and special events. 
• Willing to travel inter-island. 

Desired Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s Degree, or higher, or equivalent in in Agriculture or a related field and/or 2 years’ experience in agriculture, crop production, general farming, or similar reflecting advanced knowledge and experience typical of the tasks conducted at research stations 
• Experience in agriculture, crop management, field agronomics or farm operations. 
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work well within a team. 
• Excellent communicator: openly shares observations/questions to fellow Farm Crew Members and Farm Specialists.   
• Flexible, willing to work on different teams and projects as circumstances require.  
• Knowledge of sustainable farming practices and a commitment to environmentally friendly agriculture. 
• Ability to operate farm machinery and equipment safely. 
• Detail-oriented with excellent record-keeping skills. 
• Physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. 
• Must be comfortable using various herbicide, pesticide and nutrient chemicals as needed.   
• Able to pass a background check.  
• Able to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds.  

Starting Pay: $20.00-25.00/hour, based on education and experience  

Benefits:   

• Health care with dental, drug, and vision  
• 401(k) Plan  
• Training and development opportunities  

To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected] or mail to: 

Pono Pacific Land Mangement, 677 Ala Moana Blvd, Ste 1100, Honolulu, HI 96813