KARYSSA KILINOE MURAKI-BURNS
Kailua-Kona,Hawai'i
Summary
A dedicated aspiring, young native Hawaiian technical professional with a solid foundation in conservation, native plant species, field operations, and more at a high-quality level. A dedicated, aspiring Native Hawaiian technical professional with a strong foundation in conservation, native plant species, and field operations. Passionate about protecting and restoring Hawai‘i’s natural landscapes and resources, I bring hands-on experience, attention to detail, ancestral knowledge and a commitment to high-quality work. Known for collaborating effectively with diverse teams, adapting to changing environments, and combining technical skills with cultural knowledge to achieve meaningful results.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Field Technician Intern
Kohala Watershed Partnership
Waimea, HI
06.2025 - Current
- Assisted field crew with all fieldwork tasks, including invasive species removal, transect and trail maintenance, fence construction, and more.
- Executed invasive species removal sweeps targeting species threatening native forests of Kohala Mountain.
- Participated in hikes for trail maintenance, transect clearing, and attempts to get to destinations for fieldwork purposes.
- Conducted native Hawaiian species seed collection, and participated in the processing and propagation of seeds.
- Conducted field assessments to monitor ecosystem health and identify restoration needs.
- Attended specialized certification classes that contributed to field proficiency and overall knowledge of technical skills necessary for field work.
- Collaborated with team members to implement watershed management strategies effectively.
- Operated and maintained specialized equipment, such as chainsaws, weedwhackers, fence construction tools, and more for environmental monitoring and invasive species control.
- Participated in fence construction operations on particularly back-country fences, in attempts to protect the native forest of Kohala.
General Office Assistant/ Student Worker
University of Hawaii at Hilo Registrar's Office
Hilo, Hawaii
01.2023 - 05.2025
- Prepared and edited documents to produce precise, accurate and professional communication.
- Answered and managed incoming and outgoing calls while recording accurate messages for distribution to office staff.
- Fostered operational efficiency and compliance with company policies through effective coordination of office activities.
- Promptly received and forwarded incoming communications, such as phone calls, emails, and letters, to appropriate staff.
- Edited documents to keep company materials free of grammar errors.
- Input data into spreadsheets and databases.
- Purchased and maintained office supplies.
- Utilized office management software to record and track student information.
- Compiled and analyzed data to produce reports.
- Reviewed files, records and other documents to obtain information to respond to requests.
- Created and maintained detailed records of all office activities.
- Kept office supplies well organized and sufficiently stocked, placing orders promptly to replenish materials before depleted.
- Demonstrated high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
- Worked in team environment to maintain high levels of productivity.
- Took and followed detailed directions from others.
- Maintained tidy and organized environment to comply with cleanliness standards.
Paid Intern
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Kawaihae, Hawaii
06.2024 - 04.2025
- Assisted staff in out-planting of Native species on Park site
- Regular maintenance of national park area and facilities
- Yard work and maintenance on property
- Hiking in dry/arid environments regularly
- Self-instructed research on research project
- Conduct field research on Native plant species of Kawaihae, Kohala, Hawaiʻi
- Observation of surrounding environment and intent observation recordings
- Assisting with research for Park's fire resiliency and prevention program
- Attend monthly staff meetings
- Regular maintenance of irrigation systems for Park
- Work with fellow peers and staff to maintain upkeep of Park
Education
High School Diploma -
Kamehameha Schools - Kapālama
Honolulu, Hawaii05-2025
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
University of Hawaii At Hilo
Hilo, HI05-2025
Subject Certificate - Sustainability Issues
University of Hawaii At Hilo
Hilo, HI05-2025
Skills
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Great communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of team
- Detail-oriented and able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Problem detection and resolution skills
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Great leadership skills
- Administrative Support
- Verbal Communication
- Resourceful
- Valid Driver's License
- Professional and mature
- Positive Attitude
Certification
- Chainsaw Safety and Field Maintenance & Tree Felling Cert.
- Wilderness First Aid Medical Training Cert. (Exp. Oct 2028)
- Adult & Child CPR Training Cert. (Exp. Oct 2028)
- A-100 Basic Aviation Safety Cert.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Hawaiian
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Field Technician Intern
Kohala Watershed Partnership
06.2025 - Current
Paid Intern
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
06.2024 - 04.2025
General Office Assistant/ Student Worker
University of Hawaii at Hilo Registrar's Office
01.2023 - 05.2025
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science
University of Hawaii At Hilo
High School Diploma -
Kamehameha Schools - Kapālama
Subject Certificate - Sustainability Issues
University of Hawaii At Hilo
Hobbies
- Advanced Kempo Karate First Degree Black Belt
- Lauhala (Pandanus) weaver & weaving instructor for Ka Ulu Lauhala O Kona weaving club
- Part-time Taro farmer and caretaker of land in Waipi'o Valley
- Hula dancer