Position Title: Advanced Naturalist Eco-Tour Guide
Location: Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, Kailua Kona, Hawai‘i
Salary: Starting at $25.00 / hour (+ tips)

Employment Type: Full-Time (30-40 hours/week)
Schedule: 5 days/week, 6-8 hours/day (includes weekends)
Apply by: April 7, 2025 

Position Start Date: On or before May 1, 2025

Love nature, science, and storytelling?
Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary (KCFS) is searching for a full-time enthusiastic scientific naturalist interpretive guide to join our ohana. 

Join our Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary ohana as an Advanced Naturalist and share our mission of making the world a better place by connecting humanity back to nature in Hawai‘i’s unique and vibrant cloud forest ecosystem. We are seeking someone who feels deeply called to this work—someone who thrives outdoors, has strong ecological knowledge, and is passionate about conservation and sharing the lessons of nature through science, story, and experience.

Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary (KCFS) is a family-led reforestation project and nature sanctuary  within the only tropical cloud forest in the United States. For over 40 years, we’ve been restoring and protecting this unique ecosystem by planting trees and inviting others to connect deeply with the land through regenerative ecological tours and wellness experiences. The Sanctuary is home to an extraordinary diversity of trees and plants—featuring native Hawaiian species as well as sacred and rare flora from tropical forests around the world. Rooted in ecological stewardship, cultural reverence, and community connection, KCFS offers transformative experiences that inspire awe, healing, and a renewed sense of harmony with the Earth. 

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all ecological tours and experiences are conducted to KCFS standards—delivering exceptional guest care, scientific storytelling, and safe, inspiring, and timely experiences
• Lead all aspects of forest experience facilitation, including: preparing gear and materials, guiding on forest trails, overseeing guest safety and group dynamics, setting a welcoming tone, and supporting guests throughout the journey
• Operate with care and responsibility, including pre- and post-tour tasks, assisting with store operations and guest check-in, and ensuring the forest and facilities are respected and well-maintained
• Demonstrate punctuality, professionalism, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a trusted and supportive member of the KCFS team
• Provide warm, thoughtful customer service to guests and visitors
• Support forest management of the Sanctuary through participating in and leading mālama ʻāina practices and restoration projects
• Collaborate with the team to create new experiences, workshops, and educational materials
• Continued self study of ecology, hybrid reforestation, Hawaiian culture, natural resource management, conservation, holistic wellness, and historical topics related to your role

What We’re Looking For

Must-Haves:

• Degree in natural sciences (ecology, biology, forestry, etc.) with hands-on experience as an educator

OR 

2+ years relevant hands-on experience as an interpretive guide, naturalist, environmental educator, or a related role

• Strong scientific communication, teaching, and storytelling skills
• Enthusiastic personality, passion for forests, connecting with nature, and inspiring others
• Familiarity with Hawai‘i’s native ecosystems, taxonomy, flora, fauna, and cultural context
• Reliable, flexible, and collaborative team spirit
• Organized and able to balance guiding, store duties, forest stewardship, & personal life
• Commitment to ongoing professional and personal growth in natural science, holistic wellness, and ecological stewardship

Nice-to-Haves:

• Graduate degree in related field 
• 3+ years relevant hands-on experience
• Experience in conservation, restoration, and community-based projects in Hawai‘i
• Embodiment of Hawaiian culture and values with desire to authentically facilitate protocols and practices connecting people to place
• Background in and comfortable facilitating mindfulness practices or wellness experiences in nature
• Leadership, operations & team management, and program development experience