Agriculture Conservation Specialist

Reports To: Healthy Agroecosystems Program Manager

Location: O’ahu - this position requires working in both Honolulu and Kunia (weekly) with hybrid-remote options

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary Range: $57-65K (Depending on experience) + Benefits

Posted: July 1, 2026

The Final date to receive applications is rolling; priority consideration will be given to applicants who apply by July 19, 2026. Application requires resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references.

Questions? Contact Sophie Moser, (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).

Founded in 1998, Agriculture Stewardship Hawaiʻi (formerly Oʻahu Resource Conservation & Development Council) is a statewide nonprofit that helps Hawaiʻi's farmers, ranchers, and land stewards to access the funding, technical support, and conservation resources they need to build sustainable operations. We work directly with producers to improve soil health, water quality, and farm productivity through conservation practices and planning. We also help farmers navigate grant writing and loan applications.

Our work carries a deep commitment to strengthening local food systems through support for small‑scale agricultural producers.

The Conservation Specialist will be a member of the Healthy Agroecosystems program team. The primary role of the Conservation Specialist is to provide technical assistance to agricultural producers and land practitioners in O’ahu who are participating in conservation incentive projects to address natural resource concerns on their properties. This position plays a critical role in translating conservation goals into implementable, site‑specific plans that balance ecological outcomes with agricultural productivity and regulatory compliance.

The Conservation Specialist will serve as a technical liaison between producers, the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and partner agencies. The role is a good fit for those with strong in‑field experience, technical planning capacity, and the ability to navigate regulatory frameworks while maintaining trust‑based relationships.

The Conservation Specialist is required to work in the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Honolulu office 2 days/week, in Agriculture Stewardship Hawaiʻi’s Kunia office 2 days/week, with one day remote.

• Apply principles of soil, agricultural science, and GIS to support the conservation priorities of Hawaiʻi’s farmers, ranchers, and conservation organizations.
• Prepare Conservation Plans for farmers and ranchers to address their natural resource concerns in accordance with the NRCS and City and County regulations.
• Collect, manage, and analyze GPS field data and integrate spatial datasets into GIS platforms, including ArcGIS, to develop conservation planning maps for clients.
• Evaluate site conditions and land use systems to recommend conservation practices and certify full implementation of conservation practices through field inspection.
• As needed, support the NRCS field office with federal program applications.
• Conduct outreach and attend community events.

• Develop and maintain knowledge of county, state and federal regulations affecting soil and water conservation and ensure procedures and reporting are in compliance.
• Familiarize yourself with federal cultural resource compliance requirements.
• Prepare required reports.

• Contribute to strengthening working relationships with partner organizations.
• Identify grant opportunities for organization and clients.

• Complete all required training, including Privacy and Cybersecurity training.
• Successfully obtain NRCS conservation planner certifications.

Other duties as assigned

Employees will be required to occasionally work evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet project deadlines and execute deliverables as needed.

Working outdoors in Hawaiʻi weather can include high heat, humidity, rain, and sun exposure. Work may be performed at farm and agricultural venues with exposure to animals, wildlife, dust, pollen,…