Application Open For Haleakalā National Park Internship

Courtesy photo.

Conservation and youth education nonprofit organization Kupu announced today that applications are now open for the ‘Imi I Ka Lama program within Haleakalā National Park.

The program, in partnership with the National Park service, is a paid, eight week-long summer opportunity that runs from June to August.

Representatives say the opportunity provides meaningful field service experience for those who want to explore conservation in Hawaiʻi and offers a unique opportunity to give back to the environment.

“I personally experienced this program and it truly changed the trajectory of my life,” says Kupu Alumni Casey Briere.

“I went to areas within Haleakalā and Maui that I never knew existed, and I met incredible people who saw the challenges that our world is facing—and they decided to do something about it.”

The application deadline is March 31, 2020.

Five positions are available:

• Team Leader (must be 21 years of age or older, and hold a clean driver’s license) will help
  coordinate work projects for team members. The ideal applicant will have strong organizational
  skills and an interest in natural resources stewardship/management and environmental
  education. Must be willing to take a Helicopter B-3 aviation safety course, and complete other
  on the job training as required. Must have the mental fortitude and physical prowess to hike
  over rugged terrain and be able to participate in multi-day trips on Maui.
• Native & Endangered Wildlife member will assist in supporting efforts to control non-native
  predators, handle live animals, and hike throughout the remote areas of the park supporting the
  survival of endangered species.
• Visitor/Resources Protection Member will learn Search and Rescue practices within Haleakalā
  National Park. Serving proactively to prevent Search and Rescue cases from occurring and
  ensuring that visitors to the backcountry are properly equipped, and prepared for the arduous hiking at high elevations. Member will respond and assist with medical emergencies and Search
  and Rescue cases, and help educate the public on the importance of protecting the parks unique
  resources.
• Interpretation Member will assist staff within the visitor centers, answer questions, serve at
  contact stations near the visitor center and at trail heads, use interpretive tools to help visitors
  connect with the park resources. The ideal member is someone that is outgoing, interested and
  skilled in serving with the public, including children.
• Maintenance Facilities Trail Crew Member will serve outdoors providing maintenance assistance
  to the park facilities. This opportunity includes a variety of labor-intensive tasks, like maintaining
  roads and trails, animal care-taking and custodial services. The role will require self-discipline
  and may be assigned duties under several different supervisors.

“We are very excited to start another year of the ‘Imi I Ka Lama program,” Kupu CEO John Leong said in a press release.

“Not only is this a great experience for Hawai‘i’s next generation of environmental and cultural
stewards, but it’s also a win for the community at large. It's important for young people to give back to the ‘Āina and in so doing build a sense of responsibility to place while building them up to become the type of leaders our world needs for tomorrow.”

All applicants must be capable and prepared to participate in multi-day backcountry trips in remote
locations where communication and internet is limited.

To apply, click here.

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