Economic Development Specialist II - SR-22

Participates in planning, developing, coordinating, and evaluating economic or community development programs to promote Hawai'i's products and to encourage the expansion of business and the attraction of new business to Hawai'i; assists communities in identifying economic development endeavors; participates in developing and promoting sustainability programs or community wellbeing programs and implementing sustainability initiatives; provides technical training and assistance to the community groups; conducts research and analyses on a wide variety of topics associated with economic development; prepares reports of findings and recommendations; and performs other duties as required. 

There is one (1) immediate temporary full-time vacancy not-to-exceed 06/30/2025 with the Department of Research and Development in Hilo. 

The eligible list may be used for other permanent and temporary vacancies as they arise during the life of the list. Temporary appointment may lead to conversion to permanent appointment.   

• Conducts studies and analyses of industries, products, and commodities including factors such as production, transportation, finance, marketing, and resource requirements such as land, capital, labor, water, fuel, and energy requirements.
• Compiles and evaluates economic data on industry and agricultural enterprises of the county to be used for marketing and promotional programs and to identify trends, opportunities, and adverse developments.
• Researches and reviews sustainability programs, analyzes cost and implementation methods, and appropriateness for Hawai'i County.
• Prepares reports of findings, conclusions, and recommendations and reviews study results with other staff members, industry groups, etc.
• Keeps abreast of current laws, regulations, and tax incentives at local, national, and international levels to determine opportunities for employment and business in Hawai'i County, and for development of sustainability initiatives.
• Develops and mobilizes the Hawai'i County Resource Center (HCRC) communication network; facilitates and supports district groups.
• Provides leadership and direction for project operations relating to community capacity building; assists communities in identifying economic development endeavors.
• Provides technical assistance and training; and bridges needs to resources.
• Develops activities to stimulate a cultural change relative to sustainability values.
• Responds to inquiries regarding various local industries, products, or general information about business in Hawai'i.
• Develops plans for specific product promotion projects and activities.
• Determines appropriate methods of presentation.
• Prepares and discusses plans and proposals with supervisors and interested product promotion groups.
• Develops a proposed promotion budget and carries out and/or coordinates necessary arrangements.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of completed promotional efforts.
• Participates as a team member to assist higher-level specialist on highly complex and unusual research projects.
• Monitors the continuing effectiveness of existing marketing systems for a stable, established industry by collecting information and conducting analyses of trends and conditions.
• Participates in reviewing legislative bills and resolutions on industry development, product promotion, and sustainability matters; drafts testimony or comments as appropriate.
• May draft contracts for promotions and consultant services.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Training and Experience: 

A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to:

• graduation from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree in marketing, business administration, public administration, economics, finance, foreign trade, public health, social services, education or a related field (scan and attach a copy of your official college transcript to your application), and
• three (3) years of responsible work experience involving the compilation, examination, analyses, and interpretation of statistical and other data, of which
• one (1) year shall have involved the coordination and monitoring of community, economic development, and/or sustainability projects/programs, and
• possession of a valid State of Hawai`i driver's license (Class 3) or any other valid comparable driver's license at the time of filing, as applicable to the position. You will be required to submit your driver's license at time of hire, if the position requires a driver's license.  (The immediate vacancies with the Department of Research and Development requires a valid driver's license).

Examination:   All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be assigned a score of 70 points.  An education and experience evaluation will be conducted based on the applicant's training, education and experience as presented in the application.

Please read the minimum qualification requirements carefully.  Be certain to list all pertinent training and experience, as this may be important in determining your examination score.  It is essential that the applicant describe fully the duties and responsibilities of each position held, specify the date of each position held (from and to, month and year), and indicate the number of hours worked per week.   

Attach all required documentation (e.g. official transcript, professional license(s)/certification(s), DD-214, etc.) at the time of submitting your application. 

Note:   In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawai'i County may be required at the discretion of the hiring department/agency.  If in-person interviews and/or further testing are required, applicants who are referred to the hiring department/agency must be available to participate in person and at their own expense at that phase of the selection process.

Knowledge of:  principles and theories of marketing, public health community wellbeing; advanced research and statistical methods, and techniques; report writing; grant writing; familiarity with governmental organization, programs, and functions as they relate to economic or community development and business; economic resource materials and sources; and public relations.

Ability to:  plan, organize, and execute statistical research projects; develop and modify research methods and techniques; analyze data; communicate complex issues clearly and concisely; interpret research findings and conclusions to others; prepare clear and concise comprehensive reports; communicate effectively orally; apply theories and principles of marketing, economic development, and organizational development; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; attend island-wide meetings and functions, including off-hours and weekend work as needed; and conduct island-wide site inspections.

Physical Requirements:  Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Physical Effort Grouping:  Light

Benefits of County employment: The County of Hawai‘i offers a competitive compensation package.  Your total compensation is comprised of your salary and a generous range of valuable benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.

• Flexible Working Arrangements:  Options may include telecommuting, alternate work schedules (4-10) and flexible working hours.  (Not all Departments/Agencies participate and not all positions are eligible.)   
• Vacation:  Start accruing paid vacation time immediately upon hire – up to 21 days per year.
• Sick Leave:  Start accruing paid sick leave time immediately upon hire – up to 21 days per year.
• Holidays:  The County provides 13 paid holidays per year (plus General Election Day when applicable).
• Training and Development:  The County has a variety of training and development opportunities for employees.  
• County Tuition Reimbursement Program: This scholarship program rewards employees who take the initiative to advance their education and learning.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program:  You may be eligible for this federal program which forgives portions of federal student loans for individuals working in public service.  
• Retirement Plan:  The Employees’ Retirement System is a qualified defined benefit public pension plan that provides retirement, disability, survivor and other benefits to all eligible full-time and part-time county employees in the State of Hawaii as well as their beneficiaries.
• Deferred Compensation:  Save additional money for retirement - this voluntary supplemental retirement savings plan allows for the investment of tax-deferred contributions.
• Flexible Spending Plan:  Use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified dependent care and/or medical expenses, as well as insurance premiums.
• Health Benefit Plans:  The County of Hawai‘i offers a variety of health benefit plans for eligible employees.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP):  This voluntary assistance program provides employees and their family members with free professional and confidential assistance in overcoming personal and work-related problems.
• Group Life Insurance:  Free life insurance policy for active employees.  
• Credit Union Membership
• Other Leaves:  You may be eligible for other leaves, including Family Leave, Funeral Leave, Leave Sharing, Military Leave, Donor Leave, Victims Protection Leave, as well as leave for Parent-Teacher Conferences, Disaster Relief, Blood Bank Donations, and Jury Duty.

All benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and change due to legislative actions and/or changes negotiated through collective bargaining.  Please check out the benefits tab for additional information.   Please scan and attach these supporting documents to your on-line application, if required:

• an official college transcript,
• a valid driver's license,
• a temporary assignment verification, 
• professional licenses, and/or
• certificates,

Veterans applying for veteran's preference points shall also scan and attach their DD-214 form and as needed, their VA claim letter to the on-line application.

PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY AS THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME.

ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS:
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Please add info@governmentjobs.com to your contact list.  Open your NEOGOV account using your user name and password.  In the upper right hand corner of the account is your name, and under your name, click on INBOX to view all notices sent you.  The notices will appear here in the INBOX even in the event you don't receive it on your cell phone, computer, or other electronic device.  This is the best way to check and view all notices sent to you.
 
You will receive a confirmation email upon successfully submitting your application.  Failure to receive this confirmation email, indicates that your application was not submitted.     

Salary : $63,096