Nursery Technician

Position Title: Nursery Technician

Job Type: Full-time at 40 hours per week – Full Time Equivalency: 1.0

Compensation: $60,000-$70,000 per year salary, commensurate with experience

Reports to: Co-Directors

Start Date: January 2026

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Overview of the Hawaiʻi Institute of Pacific Agriculture:

HIP Agriculture is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in North Kohala, Hawaiʻi. Our mission is to practice and teach regenerative agriculture through farm to school education, farmer training, and ecosystem restoration.  

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Position Summary:

The Hawaiʻi Institute of Pacific Agriculture is seeking a dedicated and skilled Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) Nursery Technician to support plant propagation, compost and biochar production, and on-farm soil health and agroforestry implementation for the HIP Agriculture Soil Conservation Project. This position works closely with the Co-Directors and Operations & Programs Manager and serves as a key lead for maintaining HIP Ag’s Propagation Outlets for Distribution and Dissemination (POD) sites, composting systems, and biochar production, while also supporting broader farm operations and production. The role includes hands-on nursery work, field implementation, and data collection. The ideal candidate will have experience in plant propagation, nursery management, and a strong commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.

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Key Responsibilities:

• Nursery Operations:
  
  • Propagate plants for use in Soil Health Demonstration Trials (SHDT) and Propagation Outlets for Distribution and Dissemination (PODs).
  • Maintain nursery facilities, including watering, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management.
  • Monitor and document plant growth and health to ensure they meet project standards.
• Plant Propagation & Outplanting:
  
  • Prepare seeds, cuttings, and other plant materials for propagation and outplanting at POD sites.
  • Implement sustainable and organic propagation practices.
  • Ensure accurate labeling and tracking of plant materials through all stages of propagation and outplanting.
• HIP Ag Demonstration (POD) Operations:
  
  • Serve as a key point person for maintaining HIP Ag’s Demonstration POD site, including planting, cultivating, weeding, irrigation checks, and general upkeep.
  • Perform harvesting and post-harvest weighing and assist with coordinating produce distribution with the Farm Manager.
  • Operate farm equipment safely and perform routine preventative maintenance (fluid checks, basic oil changes, greasing), maintaining accurate logs.
  • Implement organic pest and disease management practices.
  • Maintain irrigation system and help with fencing repairs.
  • Lead apprentices during scheduled work blocks to support POD site management and compost operations.
  • Collaborate with Soil Health Technician on plant propagation and outplantings. 
• Compost & Biochar Operations:
  
  • Lead and participate in compost production and regular biochar making, including gathering inputs, pile management, turning, and application.
  • Chip and produce bamboo wood chips twice per month.
  • Set up and maintain an equipment tent to store compost equipment.
• Data Collection and Reporting:
  
  • Record planting schedules, growth rates, plant health, and field observations in SHDTs.
  • Provide weekly updates and reports to the Co-Directors and Operations & Programs Manager.

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Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related field preferred. Equivalent work experience will also be considered. 
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in nursery management or plant propagation.
• Solid understanding of sustainable agricultural principles, soil health management, agroforestry, and regenerative agriculture. 
• Demonstrated proficiency with farm tools, equipment, and machinery, including safe operation of tractors, chainsaws, and chippers.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, capable of working independently or as part of a team.
• Friendly, outgoing, and responsive to the public’s needs.
• Proficiency in data collection and record keeping.
• Must have a valid drivers license.

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Work Environment:

• Requires regular outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds. 
• Must be able to work 8-hours in the field performing physical activities such as bending, lifting, and manual labor.
• Must be comfortable with repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers as it relates to farm operations.
• Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. 

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Terms & Compensation:

This is a full-time position to begin January 2026, with a projected duration of two and a half years. Renewal contingent upon availability of funds, organization needs, and satisfactory performance. This is a salaried position with a salary range of $60,000-$70,000 per year, commensurate with experience. 

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Application Process:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for three references via email to programs@hipagriculture.org, erika@hipagriculture.org, dash@hipagriculture.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please include “Nursery Technician – [Your Name]” in the subject line.