About the role Kaʻala Farm, Inc. is looking for an ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Specialist to help ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi live in the everyday life of the farm. That means keiki hearing it, signs showing it, and programs grounded in the ʻāina and cultural practices Kaʻala Farm has cared for over generations. Your main focus will be welcoming Kaiapuni (Hawaiian language immersion) school groups and creating bilingual signs and learning materials. You'll work closely with staff, kumu, and haumāna. You'll also work with a kūpuna and cultural advisory group, which holds final authority on protocol and ceremony. This is more than a translation role. It suits someone who leads with humility and seeks manaʻo from kūpuna, practitioners, and kumu when a question calls for deeper knowledge. Your first year To keep the work focused and sustainable, year one centers on two goals: Kaiapuni school visits: Build a welcoming, ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi-rich experience for visiting Kaiapuni groups, with a small set of reusable lesson plans and resources.

First set of signs:

Develop 5 to 10 bilingual signs for key areas such as the loʻi, ʻauwai, and native plant restoration areas. Other responsibilities grow over time as these are established. What you'll do Kaiapuni and educational programs Welcome and engage Kaiapuni school groups visiting the farm. Support learning in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and help staff communicate appropriately with kumu and haumāna. Weave ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, moʻolelo, and place-based learning into farm experiences. Develop age-appropriate, reusable lesson plans and resources. Signage and interpretation Draft bilingual ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi/English signs, starting with the first-year set. Write interpretive language for significant areas such as the loʻi, ʻauwai, and restoration sites. Work with the cultural advisory group on place names, history, and meaning. All permanent signs get a second review by an outside fluent reviewer before fabrication. Translation and language review Translate and review educational materials, signs, and key outreach pieces through a simple request process with agreed turnaround times. Ensure correct spelling, ʻokina and kahakō, grammar, meaning, and cultural context. Build a Kaʻala Farm ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi style guide and glossary of place names and farm terms so staff can use it on their own. ʻŌlelo noʻeau and cultural knowledge Recommend ʻōlelo noʻeau connected to the farm's mission, ʻāina, and programs, with context for using them appropriately. Weave ʻōlelo noʻeau and moʻolelo into educational and interpretive materials. Kanaka ʻŌiwi protocol Help prepare staff and visiting groups for appropriate protocol, including hoʻokipa, for school visits and events. Help staff understand the purpose and meaning behind protocols. Refer matters of ceremony and cultural authority to the kūpuna and cultural advisory group. Staff learning Lead a regular staff learning session (for example, 30 minutes each week) on pronunciation, vocabulary, protocol, and everyday use of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. Help Kaʻala Farm steadily grow its everyday use of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi. What we're looking for Strong proficiency in ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi and understanding of Hawaiian culture, values, and practices Experience with Kaiapuni schools, kumu, haumāna, cultural practitioners, or Hawaiian community organizations Experience translating or reviewing Hawaiian-language materials Knowledge of ʻōlelo noʻeau and appropriate cultural protocol Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work respectfully with kūpuna, practitioners, educators, youth, staff, and volunteers Knowledge of Waiʻanae, its wahi pana, history, and community is especially valued

Pay:

From $24.50 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person