Career Resources
Get Certified: Attain Industry Desired Skills and Qualifications
Want to develop skills and build out your resume? This list links to active opportunities to become certified in natural resource related skills and practices. Attaining certifications allows students to be better prepared and competitive candidates for natural resources careers in Hawaiʻi.
Animal Welfare Training
The Animal Welfare Regulations and Public Health Service Policy require all personnel involved with the care and use of animals must be adequately educated, trained, and/or qualified in basic principles of laboratory animal sciences to help ensure high-quality science and animal well-being.
Sample Occupations: Laboratory Researchers and Technicians, Marine Mammal Researcher, Agriculture Technician.
More Information: UH Office of Research Compliance
Get Certified: CITI Program
Boating
Effective November 10, 2014, all individuals who operate a motorized vessel in Hawaii’s State waters must have taken a state-approved boating safety course and show proof of certification upon demand by law enforcement.
Sample Occupations: Commercial Fisherman, Tourism, Marine Scientist.
More Information: DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation
Get Certified: https://www.boatus.org/hawaii/
Chainsaw Safety
Chainsaw safety training covers basic chainsaw safety relating to tree falling, tree trimming, disaster clean-up, forestry and more.
Sample Occupations: Arborist, Conservationist.
More Information: Safe Training Online
Get Certified: Chainsaw Safety
Citizen Forester Program
A Citizen Science Certification through the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)’s Kaulunani Urban & Community Forestry Program’s Citizen Forester Program. The Citizen Forester Program educates community members as volunteer citizen scientists to map urban trees and add to your community’s tree inventory while raising awareness on the importance of caring for trees where we live.
Sample Occupations: Arborist, Conservationist.
More Information: Kaulunani Urban & Community Forestry Program
Get Certified: CITIZEN FORESTER PROGRAM
Farmer Training Certifications
Sequential programs in which participants will learn farm management, and practical and business skills.
Sample Occupations: Farmer, Agroforester.
More Information: GoFarm Hawaiʻi
Get Certified: https://gofarmhawaii.org/gofarm-training-program/
Food Safety/Hawaiʻi Food Handlers Certification
The Food Safety Certification is designed to provide the food handler with a basic understanding of food microbiology, major foodborne illnesses, and how to implement specific procedures to ensure safe food preparation
Sample Occupations: Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers, General and Operations Managers.
More Information: Promising Credentials in Hawaiʻi
Get Certified: State of Hawaiʻi, Department of Health, Food Safety Branch
HAZWOPER
HAZWOPER certifications are intended for workers likely to be exposed to hazardous waste operations. There are multiple certification levels, 8-hr., 24-hr., and 40-hr., depending on likelihood of exposure.
Sample Occupations: Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Environmental Scientists and Specialists.
More Information: Promising Credentials in Hawaiʻi
Get Certified: www.oshaeducationcenter.com/hazwoper/
Hunter Certification
For anyone interested in conservation, safety, and the responsible use of Hawaiiʻs natural resources, learn: Outdoor Ethics and Responsibility, Principles of Conservation, Wildlife Management and Identification, Firearms Familiarization and Safety, Muzzleloading Safety, Bowhunting Safety, Hunting Rules and Regulations, Outdoor Survival and First Aid, and Game Care.
Sample Occupations: Hunter, Conservationist.
More Information: Go Hunt, Hawaiʻi
Get Certified: https://gohunthawaii.ehawaii.gov/public/basic-classes.html
Junior Lifeguard Program
Junior Lifeguard programs familiarizes teenagers with ocean safety awareness and skills. The programs include instruction in surf rescue techniques, physical conditioning, swimming, CPR and First Aid training and lifeguard rescue related skills.
Sample Occupations: Marine-related careers.
More Information: See below for county-specific program information.
Get Certified:
Natural Disaster Preparedness
Training and education provide the whole community with knowledge, skills and abilities needed to help people before, during and after disasters. Communities can become more resilient when people get involved in building capacity and planning for the unexpected.
Sample Occupations: Natural Disaster Manager, Wildfire Firefighter, Non-profit Manager.
More Information: www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/training
Get Certified:
OSHA 10-Hour General Industry (Agriculture)
From OSHA basics to agriculture industry-specific workplace hazards such as confined spaces and tractor safety, this course provides foundational knowledge of occupational safety and health standards appropriate for careers in the agriculture industry.
Sample Occupations: Farmer, Rancher.
More Information: OSHA 10-HOUR GENERAL INDUSTRY (AGRICULTURE)
Get Certified: CareerSafe Online
Pesticide Applicator Certification
Certification for use of Restricted-Use Pesticides, those that have a greater chance of impacting the environment or human health.
Sample Occupations: Farmer, Conservationist.
More Information: State of Hawaiʻi – Plant Division
Get Certified: Pesticides Education Portal (Hawaiʻi State Department of Agriculture)
SCUBA Open Water Certification
Learn about scuba diving principles and terminology (either offline or online), then learn basic scuba skills in a pool (or pool-like environment) with a highly trained Instructor. When you’re ready, make four dives in an open water environment (the ocean, a lake) with your instructor supporting you every step of the way. A scuba diving license identifies you as an underwater explorer and ambassador for the ocean.
Sample Occupations: Research Diver, Rescue Diver, Conservationist.
More Information: Scuba Certification: Everything You Need to Know
Get Certified: www.padi.com/education/learn-to-dive
Wilderness First Aid
Teaches advanced skills to be used in emergencies when help from professional first responders may be far away. Topics include: Primary and Secondary Assessments, Head/Brain, Neck and Spinal Injuries, Heat-Related Emergencies, Hypothermia, Altitude-Related Illnesses, Allergies and Anaphylaxis, Burns, Bone and Joint Injuries, Wounds and Wound Infection.
Sample Occupations: Research Diver, Rescue Diver, Conservationist.
More Information: Wilderness First Aid Training
Get Certified: American Red Cross Training Services
Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Training
Become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and learn to: Administer first aid and medical care to injured wildlife; Identify and treat wounds, burns and fractures; Create proper diets based on sound nutrition; Minimize the risk of disease transmission; Create effective educational programs; Safely handle, transport and train wildlife for use in environmental education; Build appropriate housing and exhibits; and manage human-wildlife conflicts.
Sample Occupations: Wildlife Educator, Zookeeper, Aquarist.
More Information: www.animaledu.com/Careers/Wildlife-Rehabilitation-Careers
Get Certified: Animal Behavior Institute