Internship Program Assistant

Reports To: Program Manager Level: Akahi Status : Hourly (Non-exempt), Part-Time Organization: MA?O Organic Farms (MA?O), located in Lualualei Valley, Wai?anae, is a social enterprise of the Wai?anae Community Re-Development Corporation, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Established in 2001, MA?O grows organic food and new leaders for a sustainable Hawai?i.

Today, MA?O manages 280 acres of organically certified land producing over 260,000 pounds of food per year with operations co-managed by young leaders learning a trade and going to college. The ??ina provides many opportunities to increase overall health and well-being in Wai?anae and Hawai?i through two interconnected activities: Production, sales and distribution of high quality, certified organic fruits and vegetables for grocery stores, farmer’s market, natural food stores, and restaurants; and, Training, mentorship and development of young adults within a pathway of college and workforce edu-preneurial programs.

Currently in the midst of a 10-year M??ona expansion plan, our kuleana is to manage the land and water of Lualualei with aloha ??ina and aloha kekahi i kekahi – to radically increase the production of nutritious local organic food, while empowering a new generation of leaders to serve Hawai?i nei. Job Summary: The ?Auwai Internship Program Assistant supports the general activities, programs, and projects of the MA?O ?Auwai Edu-preneurial Pathway.

The Program Assistant plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the program by assisting the ?Auwai Program Manager and Coordinators in their respective areas of focus. This position involves administrative tasks, coordination efforts, and hands-on support to facilitate the engagement, empowerment, and vocational development of all interns.

Detailed Responsibilities Program Administrative Support Assist the Internship Program Manager with scheduling, documentation, and communication. Maintain accurate records of intern progress, attendance, and program activities.

Prepare and distribute materials for meetings, workshops, and events. Engagement Coordination Support the Internship Engagement Coordinator in planning and executing intern outreach activities.

Help organize events that foster intern pilina (relationships, connections) to ??ina (land) and community. Assist with communication and follow-up with interns to ensure their active participation in engagement activities.

Empowerment Facilitation Work with the Internship Empowerment Coordinator to facilitate intern learning and development. Assist in the implementation of diverse educational activities that enhance youth agency (ea), responsibility (kuleana), and purpose.

Provide logistical support for workshops, training sessions, and other empowerment initiatives. Vocational Guidance Aid the Internship Vocational Coordinator in guiding interns toward achieving their career goals.

Help organize career exploration activities, including site visits, guest speakers, and mentorship opportunities. Support the development of resources and materials to assist interns in their post-internship career pursuits.

General Program Support Contribute to the overall success of the ?Auwai Internship Program by providing hands-on support for various projects and activities. Collaborate with team members to ensure a cohesive and well-coordinated program experience for interns.

Participate in team meetings and contribute to the continuous improvement of program operations. Demonstrable Skills & Capacity: The ?Auwai Akahi- ?Auwai Internship Program Assistant will assist in the day-to-day operations of the ?Auwai program ensuring that youth participants are fully engaged and successfully progressing in their program.

Ideal candidates will: Possess experience in organic farming and crop production, ensuring farming practices support the goals and outcomes of the internship program. Demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills to coordinate outreach and enrollment efforts in collaboration with the ?Auwai team.

Work effectively with diverse groups, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment that promotes the success of all interns. Exhibit a passion for youth empowerment and community engagement, with a commitment to nurturing the leadership potential of aloha ??ina interns.

Have experience in program coordination or educational outreach, with the ability to attract, train, support, and retain interns successfully. Manage multiple responsibilities efficiently, ensuring the smooth operation of all aspects of the internship program.

Be comfortable working outdoors and performing physical labor, contributing to both the practical and educational components of farm operations. Experience Required: An Associates Degree in Agriculture, Education, Health or Environmental Science or a related field, with at least 2-3 years of applied or professional experience in organic farming, youth leadership, or program coordination.

Knowledge and experience in organic farming practices and sustainable agriculture. Experience in supporting leadership development, particularly within culturally relevant educational programs.

Awareness of the historical and current socio-economic challenges faced by native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and socio-economically disadvantaged youth. Some experience in educational programs, including outreach, enrollment, and retention strategies.

Experience in working collaboratively within a team to foster youth empowerment and community engagement. Models mutual love, respect and a willingness to work, thus enforcing organizational and programmatic policy and values in a positive and formative manner that supports the mission, goals and activities of WCRC and MA’O wherever possible.

Schedule: Part time role through May 2025 with the potential to become full time in June 2025. Current Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 7:00am to 4:00pm.

Must be available some evenings & Saturdays. The position generally works in an office environment, however, being adaptive to outdoor working environments and in varying weather conditions may be required at times.

Compensation: Hourly rate range is $18.50 to $21.25 Part-time employees that maintain 20 hours or more per week are eligible for: Medical, dental and vision insurance. Employer sponsored 401k with a discretionary employer match.

Paid sick and vacation time off. Community Supported Agriculture weekly subscription box with fresh fruits and veggies.

Wai?anae Community Re-Development Corporation (MA?O Organic Farms) is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering workplace. We value and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills, and experiences that each individual brings to our team, striving to create a respectful and equitable environment where everyone can thrive.