
Conservation Leadership Development Program (CLDP)
“Kupu taught me how to become a leader, have compassion towards the environment, and respect the cultural heritage of the land. The skills I learned are directly applicable to my position today. It opened doors for me professionally and exposed me to opportunities for future employment.” —Nick, CLDP Participant with the UDSA
The Conservation Leadership Development Program (CLDP) is a paid program for early professionals (ages 17+) interested in pursuing a career in conservation. In CLDP, members are selected by a Host Site (partner organization) that aligns with their skills and conservation interests, serving in areas such as ornithology, botany, natural resource management, aquatic resource management, marine biology, Hawaiian cultural studies, agricultural science, and more.
CLDP terms typically last from 6 months to 1 year, offering hands-on experience, professional development, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact in communities across Hawai‘i and the Pacific.
Program Update – Fall 2025: While current members will continue and complete their terms, beginning in September 2025 and on, we will not be offering new CLDP positions. We hope to provide new CLDP opportunities in the future and encourage those seeking conservation opportunities to explore the Kupu ʻĀina Corps! Mahalo for your interest.
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Applications are now closed.
Program Information:
Based in the Hawaiian Islands and U.S. Pacific Islands (Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Rota and Saipan)
Seasonal (6-Month) or Yearlong (11-month) program terms
Full-time (40 hours/week)
2024-2025 CLDP Member Position Description
Benefits:
Receive an in-depth, entry-level environmental experience from an agency of interest
Help protect the Pacific Islands and Hawaii’s natural resources and make a positive impact in the community
Earn a monthly living stipend (subject to taxes), stipend amount depends on which island you are based on
American Samoa, CNMI Saipan, Guam: Living stipend equivalent to $14.50 per hour
Hawai’i Island, Kaua’i, Moloka’i, and O’ahu: Living stipend equivalent to $17.00 per hour
Maui: Living stipend equicvalent to $18.00 per hour
Earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon program completion: Award of $3,697.50 for Half-time term members and $7,395.00 for Full-time term members
Access opportunity for interest earned on certain educational loans (during the service term) to be paid for by AmeriCorps
Qualifications:
Be at least 17 years of age by program start date
Possess/be working towards high school diploma or equivalent
Have own housing and transportation
Pass a criminal history check
Comfortable serving in outdoor environments
Able to perform physically demanding duties
Applications are now closed.
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Applications are now closed.
Benefits:
Receives a Full-Time Member at a subsidized cost
Kupu will assist your organization/agency with recruitment efforts and material
Kupu Staff Support
CLDP Program Staff support
Administrative Staff support
Human Resource Staff support
Recruiting Staff support
CLDP Member will assist in executing your organization/agency’s environmental stewardship tasks/projects
A potential hirable candidate
Qualifications;
Sites must be either a non-profit organization or a State/Federal agency
Located in the U.S. Pacific Islands or Hawaii's environment.
Available and have the capacity to provide mentorship/supervision for members.
Provide 40 hours/week of meaningful direct service in conservation and verify hours served.
Direct service = activities that address local environmental needs that causes an impact to the people and community
Are not providing their services on private property.
Applications are now closed.