Are you passionate about protecting Hawaiʻi Island’s environment and interested in building real-world conservation skills? The Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC) is excited to host two internship positions through the Kupu ʻĀina Corps program for the 2025–2026 term!
These paid internships provide valuable hands-on experience in conservation, outreach, and natural resource management. Whether you’re drawn to creative communications or rugged fieldwork, there’s a place for you on our team. Both positions are based in Hilo, with opportunities to travel around Hawaiʻi Island.
Full position descriptions:
Internship #1: Outreach & Education Assistant
Type: Full-time or part-time, flexible hybrid schedule
Location: Hilo-based, with occasional island-wide travel
What You’ll Do
- Create and manage digital content (social media posts, blog articles, educational printables)
- Document BIISC’s work through writing, photography, and video
- Assist with outreach events like classroom visits, community presentations, and tabling
- Shadow field staff to learn about invasive species management, occasionally joining conservation field activities
Who We’re Looking For
- Strong communication skills (writing + verbal)
- Comfortable with social media (Instagram, Facebook), Zoom, Google Suite, and Canva
- Able to work independently, meet deadlines, and collaborate with a creative team
- Passionate about conservation and engaging with community
- Background in simple graphic design or natural resources is a plus, but not required
Perks of the Position
- Flexible hours and hybrid work options (ability to work from home)
- Professional development in outreach, conservation, and communications
- Opportunity to connect with community and make a meaningful impact
Internship #2: Plant Control Crew Field Assistant
Type: Full-time (up to 40 hours per week)
Location: Hilo-based, with island-wide fieldwork and camping
What You’ll Do
- Assist with eradication of invasive plants across Hawaiʻi Island (up to 14 priority species)
- Use physical (hand-pulling, cutting) and chemical (herbicide) methods tailored to site conditions
- Train in GPS and mapping, pesticide hand tool safety, ATV use, decontamination protocols, and wilderness first aid
- Participate in occasional outreach and community projects (e.g., BioBlitz events, neighborhood weed control)
Who We’re Looking For
- Comfortable working outdoors in rugged conditions (hot, rainy, steep, uneven terrain)
- Physically fit: able to hike several miles, lift/carry 40 lbs, and work long days
- Willing to camp ~⅓ of the time (3–4 nights during the workweek)
- Safety-minded, reliable, and team-oriented
- Entry-level welcome — training will be provided; no experience required
Perks of the Position
- Work in some of Hawaiʻi Island’s most unique and beautiful environments (from backyards to cloud forests)
- Receive extensive field training and optional Restricted Pesticide Applicator’s License
- Provided gear (boots, rain gear, PPE) to stay safe and comfortable in the field
How to Apply
These positions are offered through the Kupu ʻĀina Corps program.
Submit your application on the Kupu website and send your resume to biisc@hawaii.edu
If you’re ready to gain real-world conservation experience, build professional skills, and help protect Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems, we encourage you to apply!
