Show Junior or Assistant Extension Agent (Moku Resilience Stewardship Coordinator)

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.

APPLY TODAY for the MOKU RESILIENCE STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR positions!

Description
Title: Junior or Assistant Extension Agent (Moku Resilience Stewardship Coordinator)
Position Numbers: 0084907T, 0084908T, 0084922T, 0084926T, 0084929T
Hiring Unit: University of Hawai'i Sea Grant College Program
Geographic Location: Hawaiian Islands (5 positions are available, 1 in each of the 5 moku:  Kona, Kaua'i;  Wai'anae, O'ahu;  Kona, Moloka'i;  Pu'ali Komohana, Maui;  & Kohala, Hawai'i. Some of these moku are divided and named differently depending on the source. Hawai'i Sea Grant has opted to utilize the State defined moku boundaries with larger areas that allow for broader geographic implementation.)

Date Posted: October 7, 2024
Closing Date: Continuous – Application review begins on October 28, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received after this date may be considered.
Monthly Type: 11 Month
Tenure Track:  Non Tenure
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time (100% FTE)
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Other Conditions: Renewal contingent upon availability of funds and satisfactory performance of duties.

The Moku Resilience Stewardship Coordinator will oversee and coordinate resilience and adaptation activities within a specific moku (socio-ecological region) as part of a larger initiative aimed at promoting community empowerment, holistic resource stewardship, and climate change adaptation. This role involves working closely with state and county government agencies, academia, non-profits, local communities, Indigenous leaders, cultural practitioners, and 'aina stewards to enhance biocultural stewardship and resilience in the face of climate change. The coordinators will also work closely with the UH Manoa Native Hawaiian Place of Learning Office to expand engagement around helping communities be reflective of Hawaiian language, history, and culture for all people to learn, grow, and connect. Activities will span a range of resilience and stewardship actions intended to reinvigorate the moku system including: (1) conserving and restoring forests and watersheds, (2) enhancing regional community-based coastal stewardship, (3) restoring marine abundance, (4) sharing knowledge and strengthen networks across communities, (5) reducing risk and improving disaster resilience, and (6) advancing community governance.
 
 
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Community Engagement and Outreach:Develop and maintain strong relationships with local communities, Indigenous leaders, and interested parties within the assigned moku.
• Facilitate community meetings, workshops, and events to gather input, share information, and build consensus around resilience and adaptation strategies.
• Support community-led initiatives and elevate input, voices, and agency of marginalized and underserved communities in decision-making processes.
• Project Management:Coordinate and implement collaborative resilience and adaptation projects within the assigned moku, ensuring alignment with the overall project goals and objectives.
• Develop and manage project plans, timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Monitor and evaluate project progress, preparing regular reports and updates for Hawai'i Sea Grant, partners, and funders.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among project collaborators working within the moku.
• Holistic Resource Stewardship:Promote the restoration and sustainable management of natural and cultural resources within the moku, drawing on Indigenous and local knowledge and practices and academic research.
• Collaborate with experts and organizations to implement best practices for land, water, and coastal stewardship.
• Address climate and environmental hazards such as flooding, erosion, wildfires, and invasive species through integrated, place-based solutions.
• Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing:Facilitate regional knowledge sharing and collective action within and across the five moku.
• Organize training sessions, capacity-building activities, and technical assistance for community members and local organizations.
• Seek additional and sustained funding to meet community priorities beyond project timeline.
• Document and disseminate lessons learned, best practices, and success stories to enhance regional resilience efforts.
• Facilitate the development of proposals for collaborative resilience and adaptation projects with partners, including for Hawai'i Sea Grant funding opportunities.
• Policy Support:Inform the development of policies and practices that support Indigenous stewardship, community governance, resilience, and sustainability at local, state, and national levels.
• Collaborate with governmental and non-profit organizations to align efforts and leverage resources.
• Contribute to the development of strategic plans and policy recommendations to enhance the resilience of communities in Hawai'i.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications:
 
Junior Extension Agent:

• A Bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing, with major work in environmental science, natural resource management, community development, geography, law, environmental policy or related field, whichever is appropriate.
• Some understanding of Native Hawaiian histories, cultures, and stewardship practices.
• Good communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and the empowerment of historically marginalized communities.
• Professionalism in meeting and conferring with others.
• Must reside on the island for the moku that one will work in for the duration of employment.
   

Assistant Extension Agent:

• A Master’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing, with major work in environmental science, natural resource management, community development, geography, law, environmental policy 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 one (1) year of experience in community-based resource management, climate change adaptation, community organizing and outreach, or related work.
• Strong understanding of Native Hawaiian histories, cultures, and stewardship practices.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Proven project management skills, including budgeting, planning, and reporting.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.  
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and the empowerment of historically marginalized communities.
• 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.
• Must reside on the island for the moku that one will work in for the duration of employment.

 
Desirable Qualifications
 
Junior Extension Agent:

• Knowledge of or relationship to the specific moku in which they are proposing to work. This may include a track record of partnership with place-based organizations and community leaders as well as connectivity to ongoing resilience activities within the moku.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge of Hawaiian language and cultural practices.
• Familiarity with GIS and other tools for environmental planning and management.
• Familiarity with county, state, and federal environmental policies, regulation, and governance.
    

Assistant Extension Agent:

• Knowledge of or relationship to the specific moku in which they are proposing to work. This may include a track record of partnership with place-based organizations and community leaders as well as connectivity to ongoing resilience activities within the moku.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge of Hawaiian language and cultural practices.
• Familiarity with GIS and other tools for environmental planning and management.
• Familiarity with county, state, and federal environmental policies, regulation, and governance.
   
   
  To Apply: Submit the following online through NEOGOV:  1) cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications (also describe which moku you are applying for and why, multiple moku may be listed);  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 T. Lerner; 808-956-7031; sgd@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/