Program Overview
CLDP offers 6- and 11-month service terms in which members serve alongside professionals in the natural resource management field. Through their host site placements, members gain hands-on experience in conservation initiatives across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. Duties vary by host site and may include invasive species removal, native plant conservation, native wildlife conservation, community outreach, or environmental education in schools.
Throughout the program, Members build professional skills, develop connections with conservation leaders, and contribute to the protection and restoration of important natural and cultural resources in the Pacific Islands. Schedules vary by host site, but members are expected to serve 40 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday. Some placements may require evening or weekend service, extended fieldwork, or camping, depending on host site needs.
Members are expected to demonstrate a high level of personal and professional responsibility and to complete all program requirements. As AmeriCorps members, applicants must also meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements, including limits on the maximum number of allowable service terms. Applicants should review current AmeriCorps eligibility regulations before applying.
Service Locations and Availability
CLDP Position will be available at the National Park Service War in the Pacific National Historic Park.
Program Benefits
- Member Living Allowance: Members receive a bi-weekly living allowance of $1,440.00 (before taxes) during their term of service.
- Living allowances are subject to taxes and are paid bi-weekly over the duration of the term. In the unlikely event that a position lasts less than the originally established duration of the term, living allowances will be prorated appropriately. Living allowances are awarded at the above stated amount and are not dependent on hours served.
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award: Participants who successfully complete their service term are eligible to receive an Education Award through AmeriCorps. The Education Award may be applied toward qualified educational expenses or eligible student loans: Full-Time Yearlong Term (11 months, 1,700 hours): $7,395.00, Full-Time Seasonal Term (6 months, 900 hours): $3,697.50
- Health coverage is available for eligible members.
- Hands-on experience with conservation and natural resource management projects.
- Training and certification opportunities, including First Aid/CPR and other industry-relevant certifications.
- Career development support, including résumé review, interview preparation, and job search assistance.
- Participation in service projects and networking opportunities with conservation professionals and partner organizations.
Eligibility and Member Requirements
- Age - See webpage for details (kupuhawaii.org/conservation/)
- Diploma – Applicants must be high school graduates, GED recipients, working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service.
- Citizenship - AmeriCorps regulations require that members fall under one of the following designations: US Citizen, US National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien
- Criminal History Check - Selected participants are offered a conditional acceptance and must meet AmeriCorps criminal history check requirements.
- Housing/Transportation - Applicants must provide their own personal housing and transportation arrangements on-island.
- Physical & Behavioral Requirements - Due to the nature of this program, the physical and behavioral demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a member to successfully perform the essential functions of relevant positions dependent upon host site requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable members with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Able to serve extended hours on steep, rugged terrain; under extreme hot and cold weather condition
- Able to hike long distances carrying a 20 lb backpack
- Able to lift 30+ lbs, and operate basic hand tools (machetes, shovels, picks, etc)
- Able to serve and camp in remote locations with minimal facilities
- Must act in accordance with Kupu’s standards of conduct and core values
How to Apply
Complete the Kupu Program Participant Application: kupuhawaii.tfaforms.net/353
Please note that this is a common application for multiple Kupu programs, so please review the program interest section carefully.
Pay: $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
