'Auwai Farm Expansion Experience (FE'E) Internship Program Coordinator - Temporary FT

MA'O Organic Farms is a notable social enterprise situated in the lush Lualualei Valley in Waianae, Hawaii. Established in 2000 by the Waianae Community Re-Development Corporation (WCRC), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, MA'O Organic Farms has grown exponentially from managing 24 acres of certified organic land to an impressive scale of 280 acres. This successful expansion reflects MA'O's strong commitment to sustainable agriculture, food sovereignty, and community empowerment in Hawaii. The farm's mission is deeply rooted in fostering a resilient, locally rooted organic food system that supports environmental stewardship and community wellbeing. MA'O also places a strong emphasis on cultivating new agricultural leaders who can continue the vital work of sustainable food production and land management in Hawaii. The farm integrates traditional Hawaiian values such as aloha 'aina (love of the land), kuleana (responsibility), and collective well-being into its daily operations and educational programs.

The Farm Expansion Experience (FE'E) Internship Program Coordinator plays a crucial role within MA'O Organic Farms by overseeing and managing the FE'E internship program, which is an intensive, paid initiative designed to nurture the next generation of agricultural leaders in Hawaii. This program places interns across a network of partner farms on Oahu to provide hands-on experience in sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices, professional farm management, and sustainable food systems. The coordinator is responsible for planning, scheduling, and coordinating daily operations of the internship program, ensuring alignment with MA'O’s core values and educational outcomes. They also foster an inclusive and aloha-filled learning environment that supports youth participants as they progress along the 'Auwai edu-preneurial pathway from high school to college and eventual careers in agriculture.

In addition to coordinating the program, the FE'E Internship Program Coordinator actively leads recruitment efforts, intern onboarding, retention, and ongoing support. The coordinator works closely with partner farms and stakeholders to build strong relationships and enhance the capacity of the farms to mentor and host interns effectively. Critical responsibilities also include managing grant compliance, overseeing data collection and program evaluation, and developing reports that demonstrate program impact through both quantitative analysis and compelling storytelling. This role serves as an essential link between MA'O’s mission of growing local organic food and the development of future agricultural leaders who will contribute to Hawaii’s food sovereignty and community resilience. This position requires a balance of strong project management skills, cultural sensitivity, technical knowledge, and a passion for sustainable agriculture and youth development.

The job entails a dynamic and versatile work environment that includes farm visits, fieldwork, community engagement, and administrative duties. The coordinator must be comfortable working both onsite at multiple farm locations and remotely, and occasionally must travel to partner sites. A flexible schedule is necessary, including availability on some holidays, evenings, and weekends. The position is temporary full-time with a competitive salary range of $53,000 to $57,000 annually, paired with comprehensive health and wellness benefits. Overall, this is a rewarding opportunity to contribute meaningfully to both the environment and local communities by empowering young agricultural leaders through an innovative, culturally grounded, and impactful internship program.