Position Title: Soil Health 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
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 Co-Directors, Operations & Programs Manager, 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.
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’s Demonstration POD site and compost operations, keeping areas mowed, planted, irrigated, and weeded.
- 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 Nursery 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:
- 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 weekly updates and reports to the Co-Directors and Operations & Programs Manager.
- 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 leading 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 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.
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 “Soil HealthTechnician – [Your Name]” in the subject line.
