Naturalist Eco-Tour Guide at Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary - Part Time

Cloud Forest Naturalist I Job Title:

Cloud Forest Naturalist Eco Tour Guide Location:

Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi

Island Employment Status:

Regular, Part-Time, Non-Exempt, At-Will Compensation:

$22.00 - $25.00/hour + guide tips + sales commissions

Reports To:

Team Manager Why The Sanctuary, Why This Work Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary is a four-generation nature wellness Sanctuary and 'ohana passion project, reforesting and reconnecting people to nature since 1982. Nestled on the slopes of Mt. Hualālai in Kaloko Mauka, just twenty minutes from Kona Town, the Sanctuary holds protected old-growth native forest alongside fifteen acres of former pasture land that has been hybrid reforested over decades into a one-of-a-kind thriving tropical jungle. ʻŌhiʻa, koa, and giant hāpuʻu tree ferns share this living classroom with ʻio, pueo, and native Hawaiian honeycreepers, as well as special flora and fauna from around the world.

Our mission is simple:

to connect humanity back to nature. Because, when we connect, we care. And when we care, we protect. We serve our mission by offering guided ecological forest tours, birding tours, forest bathing, sound baths, and yoga. Each experience is designed and curated around one belief: real, embodied connection to nature changes people, and changed people are how this forest's impact ripples outward long after they leave. We are changing the world through cultivating deeper human connection with nature. Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary's nature and wellness experiences are consistently rated the #1 nature experiences on Hawaiʻi Island by Google, TripAdvisor, and Hawaiʻi Magazine, and the Sanctuary has been honored with the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics for its commitment to transparency, guest care, team work environment, and integrity. We're a values and impact driven team working to protect one of the world's rarest ecosystems—Hawaiʻi's cloud forest—while helping people remember their connection within the web of life. We're looking for our next Cloud Forest Naturalist. Someone who wants to spend their days in the forest, get genuinely excellent at the art of guiding, and grow into a more present, more connected version of themselves while helping guests do the same. Position Summary The Cloud Forest Naturalist I is KCFS's front-line educator, guide, and host for our legacy forest tour, leading guests through the Sanctuary, interpreting Hawaiʻi's ecology and cultural context, and facilitating experiences that go beyond a typical nature walk. This is an outdoors-first, guest-facing role, typically 3 - 4 days and ~20 hours/week, with opportunity for more hours based on booking volume, seasonal demand, and operational needs. After six months, naturalists may train into specialty experiences such as birding and forest bathing, with further advancement into Naturalist II, Naturalist III, and other specialized roles as tenure, performance, and opportunity allow. What You'll Do Guiding & Guest Experience Lead our legacy forest tour, interpreting the ecology of the Sanctuary and this cloud forest ecosystem, conservation work, geological and human history of Hawaii, traditional and modern Hawaiian cultural context, in a way that's engaging, accurate, and accessible to guests of all ages and backgrounds Facilitate the experience, not just narrate it. Read the group, adjust pacing, and create space for guests to genuinely connect with the forest and each other Provide a safe, welcoming experience from check-in through check-out, including retail sales support and reservations assistance Support retail operations. Point-of-sale, merchandise presentation, and representing KCFS's offerings to guests Sanctuary Stewardship Support trail care, forest maintenance, and general upkeep of the grounds and facilities Support other onsite operations when and where necessary Team & Growth Show up reliably and professionally — punctuality and follow-through matter here as much as charisma Participate fully in KCFS's required training programs and ongoing development sessions Communicate effectively and transparently with team members and management Bring feedback and ideas to the team; this is a small 'ohana-style operation, and your perspective shapes how we grow Uphold KCFS values, safety standards, policies, and cultural respect guidelines After six months, opt into training for one or more specialty tours if you want to expand your guiding range How We Set You Up to Succeed We provide comprehensive training in Hawaiʻi's ecology, cultural and natural history, interpretive guiding technique, and the facilitation skills needed to hold space for a meaningful guest experience in nature. Prior naturalist or guiding experience is a strong asset, though not a prerequisite. What matters most is genuine curiosity, coachability, and a real willingness to keep learning, as this ultimately determines long-term success in the role more than any single credential.

Development continues well beyond onboarding:

every guide receives regular, structured feedback and coaching from the KCFS team as a standing part of the role, supporting continuous growth and the quality of the guest experience. What You'll Gain This role is genuinely a training ground, not just a job description that claims to be one: Master-level interpretive guiding skills — storytelling, group facilitation, and the craft of making complex ecology land for a general audience The ability to facilitate transformational experiences in nature — not just deliver information, but help guests have a real, embodied shift in how they relate to the natural world Deep connection skills with people from anywhere — our guests come from all over the world, and you'll build a genuine ability to connect across culture, age, and background Real, meaningful impact work — you'll help steward a lasting deepening of people's relationship with nature, with ripple effects beyond what we can fully see, measure, or witness in a guest's short time here. We're looking for people genuinely aligned with that kind of mission, not just an outdoor job. Ongoing mentorship from KCFS's owners — who are also expert transformational facilitators and coaches — developing your embodiment, finding and strengthening your voice, nervous system regulation, and embodied leadership A workday in the forest, every day — guiding experiences that can be genuinely life-changing for the people in front of you A direct hand in conservation — your work supports the continued stewardship of a cloud forest sanctuary that's been in active restoration for 45 years

Compensation & Benefits Naturalist I Guide:

$22.00-$25.00/hour - based on demonstrated performance and competence upon completion of training period Training Period (first 4 weeks): $20.00/hour

Probationary Period:

3 months total from hire date, during which fit and performance are evaluated

Tips:

100% guide tips from all experiences led independently

Sales Commission:

5% commission on all experience sales closed in person and over the phone

Benefits:

Available for all qualified Full-Time team members (35-40 hours per week) Required Qualifications Resident of Kona, Hawai'i Reliable transportation A real willingness to learn and grow Strong verbal communication and storytelling skills, with a warm, engaging presence Comfortable working outdoors in adverse weather on uneven terrain for extended periods Thrives working independently without constant direct supervision Excellent communicator that thrives in small team dynamics Flexible with last minute plan changes and ability respond calmly as needed Genuine alignment with KCFS's mission. This is meaningful, impact-driven work, and we're looking for people who feel that, not just people looking for a guiding gig Openness to regular coaching and feedback as a normal, ongoing part of the role Physical ability to walk and stand for extended periods and lift/carry up to 50 lbs Ability to complete KCFS's guide training and certification process Desire to guide up to 2 - 3 experiences per day in the Sanctuary Basic digital literacy (email, scheduling tools, Google Workspace, FareHarbor) Availability to work mornings, afternoons, weekends, and holidays as operationally required Preferred Qualifications Prior experience in Hawai'i as a nature guide, environmental educator, interpretive guide, or in a related teaching/facilitation role Experience facilitating wellness/mindfulness/transformational experiences in nature Degree in natural sciences, environmental studies, education, or a related field Knowledge of Hawaiian history, native ecosystems, and cultural values Current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain — we'll support this) Working Conditions Primarily outdoors, including walking on uneven forest terrain Small retail trail shop Exposure to rain, sun, wind, and humidity Regular, dynamic interaction with guests, staff, and the public To Apply Apply through our posting on Indeed. Both a cover letter and a resume are required to qualify for interview consideration — applications missing either will not move forward. Learn more about our mission and what we offer at www.

KonaCloudForest.com. Equal Opportunity & Employment Acknowledgment Kona Consciousness LLC, dba Cloud Forest Sanctuary, provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may evolve based on operational needs, organizational priorities, individual skills, and business opportunities. KCFS may assign additional duties or special projects that support the organization's mission; doing so does not change the classification or at-will status of this position unless agreed to in writing. Employment with Kona Consciousness LLC, dba Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the Company at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.

Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

$22.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount Professional development assistance Application Question(s): Are you available to work weekends?

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

Customer service: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

CPR & First Aid Certification (Preferred)

Location:

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (Preferred) Ability to

Commute:

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (Required)

Work Location:

In person