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.
Now accepting CLDP Host Site Applications!
Participant Information
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Applications are opening soon! Sign up here to be notified.
Program Information:
Positions may be offered at the following locations: 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)
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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.
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Earn a monthly living stipend (subject to taxes), stipend amount depends on which island you are based on
Living stipend equivalent to $18.00 per hour
Earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon program completion: Award of $3,697.50 for Seasonal term members and $7,395.00 for Yearlong term members
Health coverage offered at no cost at the start of the term. Members become eligible after serving for 4 consecutive weeks.
Member Professional Development Opportunities
Service Days: on-island events for Members to serve together and expand their networks.
Service Projects: typically week-long, camping service projects hosted at conservation sites with limited public access.
Training and Certifications: throughout the term participants are typically offered the following opportunities to up-skill: Wilderness First Aid & CPR, Chainsaw Safety Training, Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference, and more!
Career Services: support from Kupu staff with resume building, interview skills, and job applications.
Kupu Workshop Days: personal and professional development workshops focused on self, culture, and conservation.
Kupu Career Pathways: in partnership with Arizona State University, courses are available for Members to earn college credit
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Be at least 17 years of age by program start date
There is no upper age limit
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
Host Site Information
The 2026-2027 Kupu Host Site Application is now open!
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The CLDP is seeking partners across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific to serve as Host Sites. By hosting a Kupu CLDP participant, your organization can build capacity while supporting the next generation of environmental leaders. Participants can develop and strengthen projects, bring fresh energy and new ideas, and provide hands-on service in the field.
Thank you for your interest in hosting with the KAC!
Apply Here: https://kupuhawaii.tfaforms.net/350
Visit the Information Sheet for further details.
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Benefits:
Receive a Full-Time Member at a subsidized cost
Kupu Staff Support from Recruitment, Administration, Budgets & Agreements, Member & Partner Care, and Workforce Development Teams
Qualifications;
Host Sites play a critical role as direct supervisors, mentors, and support systems for CLDP Members. Sites are responsible for creating a safe, structured, and meaningful learning environment that supports both participant growth and service to the wider community.
Sites must be either a non-profit organization or a Federal, State, or County government agency
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
As an AmeriCorps program, CLDP service activities must be conducted on public, government, or nonprofit-managed lands and must not directly benefit for-profit businesses or partisan political organizations.
