Meet Our Crew
We have a position open! Scroll down to learn more.
Chris Brosius, Program Manager
Chris came to MKWP as the Program Manager in July 2004. He is originally from Pennsylvania and graduated from the University of Vermont with a B.S. in Natural Resource Management. Previous experiences have included work the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project's habitat management program, Haleakala National Park's endangered species management, USGS's avian disease project on the Big Island as well as an assignment with National Geographic in Belize. Always working hard at grants, Chris is the man who drives and supports MKWP’s efforts to preserve and protect the watershed.
Jill LaBram, Operations Manager
Jill grew up in Florida and graduated from Stetson University. She has worked a variety of wildlife and environmental education jobs throughout the mainland and then got her master's at Clemson University monitoring reptiles and amphibians. Jill came to MKWP in March 2005 and has been the NRM/Operations Manager since 2017. When she is not busy with writing reports, planning missions, organizing data, or working out in the field, she likes to swim, snorkel, camp, play soccer, dance hula and hang out with her family. She feels lucky and grateful to be part of the MKWP 'ohana.
John Comcowich, Fencing Supervisor
John grew up in Leadville, Colorado. After graduating from Colorado State University with a degree in Natural Resource Management, he came to Maui in 2002. He worked in the tourist industry in West Maui for a few years before deciding to pursue a career more suited to his interests and education. John’s first conservation job on the island was with the East Maui Watershed Partnership, but longed to return to the sun and surf of the West side. John has enjoyed working for the Partnership where the people are as diverse as the environments. Whenever he is out of the mountains John likes to leave the land and dive into a variety of ocean activities.
Marcus Richter, GIS Analyst
Marcus grew up in Berlin-Hohenschönhausen, Germany, and developed a passion for nature despite - or because of - the urban environment. At the Friedrich-Schiller-University in Jena he studied Biology with special focus on Ecology and Zoology. After graduating with his master's degree he worked in environmental conservation and outreach in the Zillertaler Alps and the Thüringer Schiefergebirge. In 2017 he joined the MKWP team for almost five years as a field assistant. What followed was a 2.5 years stint in Syracuse, NY, where he shoveled snow, spotted trains, enjoyed the outdoors with his dog Farin, coached tennis, and laid the foundation to return to Maui to become MKWP's GIS Analyst. To counterbalance the days in the office (and his sweet tooth) Marcus spends a lot of time with physical activities such as playing tennis and inline hockey, swimming with Farin, and family trips to the (climbing) gym.
Taylor Fernandez, Senior Field Assistant
Taylor was born and raised on the Island of Maui. He grew up in the city of Wailuku where he developed a passion and love for the outdoors. His hobbies include surfing, fishing, diving, and hiking.
Justin Sandler, Field Assistant II
Justin was born and raised on Maui and graduated at University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2020. He is always eager to learn, with a primary interest in animals; whether it be native birds, snails, or bugs. He began his conservation experience working with endangered birds at Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge as a volunteer, before joining Kupu to further his efforts. After his Kupu term at Mauna Kahalawai, he solidified his position as a permanent hire. Wanting to keep a balanced lifestyle he enjoys indoor activities just as much as outdoor, which comes in handy when it comes to data and GIS management.
Tahiti Ahsam, Field Assistant I
Born and raised on the Island of Maui, Tahiti developed a love for Hawaiian culture and aloha ʻāina at a young age. She enjoys volunteering with different community organizations as a way to learn, connect, and give back. Tahiti studied Hawaiian language and culture, anthropology, and agriculture for two years at the University of Hawaii at Hilo before moving back to Maui and joining her first conservation job with the Mauna Kāhālawai Watershed Partnership crew.
Kayla Takakura, Outreach & Education Associate
Kayla grew up in Wailuku, Maui and developed an appreciation for Hawaiʻiʻs unique ecosystem at a young age. After graduating with her B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Redlands, she spent her time studying endangered birds and the relationships they have with their communities across the Pacific. After a brief hiatus leading an internship program for high school students focused on conservation in Pennsylvania, she is excited to return home to Mauna Kāhālawai, where she will be supporting MKWP’s mission through educational programming and strengthening community connections. In her free time she enjoys hiking, swimming, and eating ono food!
Paige Moffit, Field Assistant 1
Paige was born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland. After graduating from the University of Maryland with a Bachelors in Community Health, she ventured on to explore the interplay between environmental and human health. She moved to Maui in 2022 where she initially worked at UHMC to implement campus wide sustainability initiatives. Paige feels grateful to help protect such special places and foster principles of sustaining knowledge with Mauna Kahālāwai. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, swimming, gardening, and art!
Erik MacIntyer-Lewicke, Field Assistant 1
Erik was born in Edmonton, Alberta and moved to Hawaii in 2002. He is a recent graduate of the University of Hawaii at West Oahu. And has since taken up the opportunity to work at Mauna Kahalawai Watershed Partnership. He finds the program to not only be a way to give back to the community, but a great way to learn new skills and become familiar with the diverse flora found only in Hawaii.
Wyatt Savella, Field Assistant 1
Wyatt was born and raised in Kealakekua on Hawaiʻi Island and now lives in Lahaina. Before working at MKWP, he studied at UH Mānoa and graduated with a B.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Management. During his studies, Wyatt was a PIPES intern with Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, volunteered with the UH Mānoa Campus Arboretum, and participated in community work days with various organizations. These experiences further strengthened his passion for taking care of the environment and shaped his goal of working in the field to gain conservation experience in Hawaiʻi. Outside of work, Wyatt enjoys hiking, fishing, bodyboarding, reading, learning, and spending time with family and friends.
Ethan Villanueva, Field Assistant 1
Ethan was born and raised in Kihei on the island of Maui, Hawaii. His passion for conservation was sparked through his love for being outdoors and surrounded by nature. After completing a KUPU internship that took him to the native forests of the Waikamoi Reserve, he studied at the University of Hawaii at Manoa where he received a Bachelors in Natural Resource and Environmental Science. While studying on Oahu, he interned with the Manoa Cliffs Restoration Project, doing invasive plant species control and native species outplanting. He is excited to join the MKWP crew as a Field Assistant I to further develop his skills in watershed protection, preservation of our rare native plant species, and caring for the island that he grew up on. On his days off, Ethan still pushes to be outdoors as much as possible. He enjoys surfing, hiking, cruising the beach, or catching a sunset.
Therize Millare, Field Assistant 1
Born and raised in Saipan, CNMI, Reece developed a deep appreciation for ʻāina after being surrounded by its natural beauty from a young age. Her passion for conservation stems from a strong desire to protect the land for future generations. Reece began her conservation journey building ungulate fences with Pono Pacific before joining Mauna Kahalawai Watershed Partnership. Outside of her work in the mauka, Reece also works as a surf instructor on the makai side. In her free time, she enjoys surfing, hiking and spending time in nature with friends and family. Feeling spiritually and culturally connected to place, she finds purpose not only in caring for natural spaces, but also in sharing that connection with others.
Career Opportunities
MKWP Field Crew Leader (Fencing) (Job ID 225731)
Serves as a Field Crew Leader for Mauna Kahalawai Watershed Partnership (MKWP) programs. Works as part of a team to serve the MKWP mission to reverse the negative trend of forest degradation caused by threats such as invasive species, human impacts, and wildfire. Leads projects and teams involving the planning, building, inspecting, and maintaining of watershed protection fences. Conducts alien plant monitoring and control through approved methods (e.g., mechanical, chemical, etc.) and monitoring activities. Drives project vehicles to work sites and works in and around helicopters. Establishes and monitors transects to evaluate forest recovery and plant distribution. Keeps detailed records of activities, inputs data, and provides summaries and analysis of field data. Responsible for baseyard maintenance and maintaining project vehicles and equipment including proper storage of herbicides. Troubleshoots problems with gear/equipment and vehicles. Assists with scheduling, planning, and logistics for field operations. Assists with public relations activities and events, maintains good relationships with landowners, and helps develop the support of landowners and the public for watershed project. Performs duties related to habitat restoration and protection, including site preparation using chemical and mechanical methods, seed collection and processing, planting of native species and monitoring.
MKWP Field Crew Leader (Ungulate) (Job ID# 225732)
Serves as a Field Crew Leader for Mauna Kahalawai Watershed Partnership (MKWP) programs. Works as part of a team to serve the MKWP mission to reverse the negative trend of forest degradation caused by threats such as invasive species, human impacts, and wildfire. MKWP’s goal is to protect our forested watersheds, native ecosystems, and freshwater supply through collaborative forest management. Leads feral animal control projects and teams through approved methods (e.g., trapping, etc.) and monitoring activities in the MKWP Management Area. Tracks animals using aerial surveys, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and other potential surveillance technologies. Drives project vehicles to work sites and works in and around helicopters. Builds, inspects, and maintains fences. Conducts alien plant monitoring and control in the MKWP Management Area. Keeps detailed records of activities, inputs data, and provides summaries and analysis of field data. Responsible for baseyard maintenance and maintaining project vehicles and equipment including proper storage of herbicides. Troubleshoots problems with gear/equipment and vehicles. Assists with scheduling, planning, and logistics for field operations. Assists with public relations activities and events, maintains good relationships with landowners, and helps develop the support of landowners and the public for watershed project. Performs duties related to habitat restoration and protection, including site preparation using chemical and mechanical methods, seed collection and processing, planting and monitoring.
MKWP Wildfire Risk Reduction Coordinator (Job ID# 225334)
This position involves regular field work in remote and challenging terrain to implement wildfire mitigation and recovery strategies. The overarching aim of this position is to reduce landscape level watershed threats from wildfire within and around the 50,000-acre watershed project area. Manages, plans, implements, coordinates, and facilitates wildland fire prevention and mitigation programs under the guidance of the Mauna Kahalawai Watershed Partnership (MKWP) Program Manager and the MKWP Watershed Management Plan. Works as part of a team to serve the MKWP mission to reverse the negative trend of forest degradation caused by threats such as invasive species, human impacts, and especially, wildfire. Lead and support on-the-ground actions such as vegetation control (manual and chemical), construction of fire and fuel breaks, and other landscape-level wildfire prevention efforts. Travel to field sites—by vehicle or air is required. Works with MKWP landowning partners, NGOs, the County of Maui Fire Department, State of Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife, other agencies, landowners, contractors and MKWP staff to implement and update plans and actions. Represents MKWP and helps coordinate and attend meetings involving strategies to mitigate wildfire threats, define priorities and enhance collaboration. Writes and manages grants to support partnership planned priorities and hires personnel. Develops and implements post fire rehabilitation plans and strategies. Maintains spatial data in GIS and produces map products. Produces reports for internal and grant requirements. Fieldwork requires working with herbicides, working in and around helicopters. This position is not involved or exposed to direct fire line suppression operations.
How to Apply
Applications for the positions are accepted through RCUH. From the RCUH homepage, click on "Job Postings" and search for the Job ID number noted above. The following documents will be required for your application: (1) cover letter, (2) resume, (3) supervisory references, (4) copy of degree(s), transcript(s), certificate(s). All online applications must be submitted/received by 11:59pm on the closing date.
RCUH is an EEO/AA Employer.
Kupu AmeriCorps Internship
Do you enjoy camping, hiking and working in the outdoors? Are you interested in a career in conservation? Every year, we sponsor a PAID YEAR-ROUND INTERNSHIP through the Kupu Hawaii Conservation Leadership Development Program. This is a chance to join our conservation team, protect the forests of the West Maui Mountains, and learn about watershed protection, native and invasive species, and natural resource management techniques in Hawaii.
To apply for an internship with us, get your resume and references together and submit your application with Kupu Hawaii or email them directly to us at aloha@maunakahalawai.org.
Careers in Conservation
Curious about what it takes to do the work we do? Check out this brief presentation from our Program Associate, Kimberly Thayer, about pursuing a career in conservation with us. To hear more from other conservation organizations on Maui about the work we all do, visit Maui Huliau Foundation’s complete Careers in Conservation playlist on YouTube.