Position Title: Soil Health Technician
Job Type: Full-time at 40 hours per week – Full Time Equivalency: 1.0
Compensation: $55,000-$65,000 per year salary, commensurate with experience
Reports to: Co-Directors
Start Date: June 1, 2025
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.
Position Summary:
The Hawaiʻi Institute of Pacific Agriculture is seeking a dedicated and skilled Soil Health Technician to support the implementation of a federal USDA Conservation Innovation Grant through the management of soil health demonstration trials and other on-farm activities. First and foremost, the Soil Health Technician is an ambassador for HIP Ag and should promote program goals & values and organization’s initiatives to all partners and community members. This role involves working closely with the CIG Coordinator and participating producers to ensure the successful execution of regenerative agricultural practices. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in farm operations, knowledge of soil health practices, and a passion for sustainable agriculture. Duties include, but are not limited to:
Key Responsibilities:
- On-Farm Trial Implementation:
- Assist producers at SHDT sites in the setup, maintenance, and monitoring of Soil Health Demonstration Trials (SHDT) and POD’s across participating farms. (4 sites per year)
- Implement soil conservation practices, including cover cropping, compost application, biochar and agroforestry techniques, and irrigation at sites
- Coordinate with producers to ensure compliance with the CIG team developed SHDT protocols and schedules.
- Procure supplies and equipment for SHDT
- Develop Soil Health Management System (SHMS) plans for each site
- Co- Recruit producers and broadly announce application and confirm EQUIP Eligibility
- HIP Ag Demonstration (POD) Operations:
- Maintain HIP Ag Demonstration trial plots and Composting Operations keeping areas mowed, planted, irrigated, weeded
- Conduct daily HIP AG POD operations such as planting, cultivating, harvesting, and post-harvest processing for weighing crop, coordinate with farm team to ensure crop gets to market
- Manage farm equipment and tools including new CIG equipment ensuring they are maintained via checking fluid levels, oil changes, greasing zerk fittings and used safely; develop and monitor maintenance log for equipment
- Implement pest and disease management using sustainable, organic practices.
- Manage compost yard at HIP Ag, picking up/ developing inputs including manure, fish waste and bamboo wood chips, turn compost piles regularly.
- Make biochar regularly
- Chip and produce bamboo wood chips with producer technician 2x per month
- Improve and maintain POD site irrigation for optimal crop growth and fencing infrastructure for pig protection to ensure climate smart resource and POD production management repairing any breeches, improving gate function.
- Lead apprenticeship crew at scheduled times to support development of HIP Ag POD site and compost operations
- Collaborate with nursery technician on plant propagation and outplantings
- Set up new equipment tent, nursery, and tool shed
- Data Collection and Reporting:
- Collect soil samples and record data related to soil health, crop performance, and environmental conditions.
- Maintain detailed records of farming activities, inputs, and outputs.
- Provide regular weekly updates and reports to the Co-Directors and CIG Communications Coordinator.
- Producer Support and Training:
- Provide technical assistance to participating producers, helping them implement and manage soil conservation practices.
- Conduct on-farm training sessions and workshops for producers and community members.
- Assist in organizing and facilitating peer-to-peer learning exchanges and field days for each group of participants so that all are trained at HIP with trial before starting their own.
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 two years in farm operations or agricultural fieldwork.
- Solid understanding of sustainable agricultural principles, soil health management, agroforestry, and regenerative agriculture.
- Proficiency in using tools, equipment, and machinery relevant to farm operations.
- 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.
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.
Terms & Compensation:
This is a full-time position to begin Summer 2025, with a projected duration of three years. Renewal contingent upon availability of funds, organization needs, and satisfactory performance. This is a salaried position with a salary range of $55,000-$65,000 per year, commensurate with experience.
