Organization Details
Founded in 1968, the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program is part of a national network of 33 programs that promote better understanding, conservation and use of coastal resources. It works to identify Hawai'i’s resource management issues and guide scientific research.
Opportunity Details
Position: Assistant Extension Agent
Position Title: Consortium Program Director
Position Number: 0084889T
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time (100% FTE)
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
The Consortium Program Director for the Pacific Islands Climate Adaptation Science Center (PI-CASC) will lead and manage the university consortium host responsibilities, integrating scientific research, partnerships, and community engagement to address climate adaptation challenges in Hawai'i and the United States Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI). The Director will oversee the co-production and delivery of actionable science to support effective adaptation strategies for natural and cultural resource management.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Leadership and Management:Provide visionary leadership for the PI-CASC consortium, setting strategic priorities and goals in alignment with the USGS Regional Climate Adaptation Science Center (RCASC), the National Climate Adaptation Science Center (NCASC) and Department of the Interior (DOI) objectives.
Oversee the administrative, financial, and operational functions of the consortium, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and university regulations.
Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of researchers, extension and communications specialists, and administrative staff.
Research and Development:Foster collaborative research initiatives across the consortium partners.
Facilitate the co-production of science with indigenous communities and local partners to ensure research addresses culturally relevant and region-specific climate adaptation needs.
Secure funding through grants and contracts to support research, outreach, educational, and communications activities.
Partnerships and Collaboration:Build and maintain strong partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community groups.
Represent the PI-CASC at national and international meetings, workshops, and conferences.
Promote knowledge exchange and capacity building among consortium members, partners, and the broader scientific community.
Outreach and Extension:Develop and implement outreach programs that translate scientific research into practical tools and resources for resource managers and decision-makers.
Engage with local communities, including Native Hawaiian and other indigenous groups, to integrate traditional knowledge and practices into climate adaptation strategies.
Communicate research findings and adaptation strategies through publications, reports, and public presentations.
Education and Training:Support the development and delivery of educational programs, including workshops, seminars, and courses, to train the next generation of climate scientists and resource managers.
Oversee the PI-CASC graduate trainee program, providing mentorship and guidance to graduate students engaged in climate adaptation research.
Minimum Qualifications:
A Master’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing, with major work in environmental science, climate science, marine science, geography or related field, whichever is appropriate.
At least three (3) years of successful experience in Cooperative Extension work, Sea Grant Extension work or equivalency in closely related fields.
At least three (3) years of experience in climate adaptation research, program management, and leadership roles
Ability to exercise independent judgement and to assume responsibility for developing a Cooperative Extension program.
Ability to work harmoniously with other agents in an integrated Cooperative Extension system, and with related agencies.
Professionalism in meeting and conferring with others.
Demonstrated success in securing and managing research funding from federal agencies and other sources.
Experience working with indigenous communities and incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into scientific research.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative partnerships with diverse partners.
Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in climate adaptation science.
Desirable Qualifications:
A PhD from a college or university of recognized standing, with major work in environmental science, climate science, marine science, geography, or related field, whichever is appropriate.
Familiarity with the environmental and cultural context of Hawai?i and the USAPI.
Experience in extension and outreach activities related to climate adaptation.
Knowledge of federal and state policies related to climate adaptation and natural resource management.
To Apply:
Submit the following online through NEOGOV: 1) cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications; 2) current curriculum vitae; 3) names and contact information (phone and e-mail) of three (3) professional references; and 4) official transcripts (copies acceptable for application, but if selected, originals required at time of hire). All application materials must be submitted by the closing date. Failure to submit all application materials by the closing date shall deem an application incomplete and will not be considered.
Inquiries:
Darren Lerner; 808-956-7031; lerner@hawaii.edu
EEO/AA, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital status, breastfeeding, income assignment for child support, arrest and court record (except as permissible under State law), sexual orientation, domestic or sexual violence victim status, national guard absence, or status as a covered veteran. For more information or inquiries regarding these policies, please refer to the following link: http://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/eeo-coordinators/
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/
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