Assistant Extension Agent, Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology,0085454T

Position:                             Assistant Extension Agent

Position Title:                     Coral Reef Resilience and Nature-based Solutions Outreach Specialist

Position Number:               0085454T

Department:                      University of Hawai‘i School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology,                                                  Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology (joint appointment with Sea Grant College                                              Program #0085468T)

Geographic Location:       Kaneohe, Hawaii

Date Posted:                     January 15, 2025

Closing Date:                    January 30, 2025

Monthly Type:                   11 Month

Tenure Track:                    Non Tenure

Full Time/Part Time:          Part Time (50% FTE)

Temporary/Permanent:      Temporary

Other Conditions:               Renewal contingent upon availability of funds and satisfactory performance of duties.

The Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) is a world-renowned research institute situated on Coconut Island in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu. As part of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, HIMB is dedicated to advancing the understanding and conservation of marine ecosystems through cutting-edge research, education, and community engagement. With its unique location and state-of-the-art facilities, HIMB serves as a hub for groundbreaking studies on coral reefs, marine biodiversity, and ocean sustainability.

The University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program (Hawai‘i Sea Grant) conducts an innovative program of research, engagement, and education services toward improved understanding— through various forms of knowledge and stewardship—of coastal and marine resources of the county, state, region, and nation. Through these activities we serve those who live, work, and recreate in coastal communities in Hawai'i and the Pacific Region.

As an organized research unit of the University of Hawai‘i, a Native Hawaiian place of learning, at the prestigious School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), and with core funding provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Hawai‘i Sea Grant connects local communities, non-profit and non-governmental organizations, industry, local and state government, federal, and academia through excellence in research, engagement, and education.

The University of Hawai'i Sea Grant College Program (Hawai'i Sea Grant) and the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) are seeking a highly motivated and passionate individual to join our team as a Coral Reef Resilience and Climate Adaptation Research and Outreach Specialist. This position will have a split 0.50/0.50 FTE with Hawaii Sea Grant and HIMB respectively, and administered by Hawaii Sea Grant.  The joint focus will be on conducting cutting-edge research on coral reef resilience in Hawai'i, developing and implementing extension, outreach, and education programs on the impacts of climate change on reefs, and engaging with the local community to support coral restoration and other nature based solutions for coastal communities to adapt to changing climate projections.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Research on Coral Reef Resilience:

• Design and conduct research projects that investigate the resilience of coral reefs to environmental stressors, particularly climate change at the level of both the coral host and its endosymbionts.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present results at national and international conferences.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including other researchers, governmental agencies, and non-profit and Native Hawaiian organizations.

1. Outreach on Climate Change Impacts:

• Translate research products into clear messages for coral reef action that local communities can undertake to reduce loss of coral reef ecosystems.
• Develop and deliver extension and outreach programs aimed at educating diverse audiences and interested parties about the ecosystem services provided by coral reefs and the effects of climate change on coral reefs.
• Collaborate with national and international organizations focused on coral reef conservation, such as the International Coral Reef Society (ICRS), International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) to develop initiatives and events at United Nations international meetings.

1. Community Engagement for Nature Based Solutions:

• Work with local community groups to catalog, identify and prioritize solutions, tailored to their location, for coastal climate adaptation that they would be willing to have implemented in their communities.
• Work with local communities to support and enhance understanding and use of nature based solutions for coastal protection including coral restoration efforts.
• Foster relationships with community leaders, volunteers, and local organizations to build a network of support for coral conservation initiatives.

1. Reporting and Professional Development:

• Complete annual work plans and reporting and participate in semi annual professional development opportunities with Hawai?i Sea Grant

1. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Master’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing, with major work in natural sciences, marine sciences, marine 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.

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 experience in research related to resilience of corals to impacts of predicted climate change (such as coral bleaching) at both the host and endosymbiont level.

Proven ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.

Demonstrated experience in outreach and education, with strong communication skills and the ability to engage diverse audiences ranging from academic, to State and Federal government, elected officials and policy-makers, to local community members.

A demonstrated commitment to community engagement, collaboration, and working with diverse stakeholders.

Knowledge of Hawai'i's marine ecosystems and cultural context.

Familiarity with local community networks, national and international programs in the coral field.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Understanding of national and international policy governing coral reefs.

Demonstrated ability to interpret, translate and present scientific information and ideas clearly, accurately and simply in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.

Experience building collaborations with peers, partners, government agencies, NGOs, academics, etc.

Demonstrated ability in Word, Power Point, and data analysis software (R)

Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.

Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to foster teamwork that builds and maintains a climate of trust and inspires commitment and partnership from others to achieve goals and objectives.

Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal, communication and presentation skills with the ability to motivate and positively influence in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment, by building effective partnerships and relationships with communities, staff, faculty, and students to achieve established goals.

Demonstrated ability to interact with people in ways that enhance understanding, respect, cooperation, collaboration and problem solving.

Demonstrated knowledge and experience in developing, implementing and managing successful strategic initiatives to promote coral reef resilience or climate adaptation.

Demonstrated knowledge and experience with data collection, management, analysis and translation to an educational or outreach product.

Desirable Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the underlying causes and implement actions for the resolution of problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.

Demonstrated ability to understand problems from a broad interactive perspective and use reasoning to discern underlying principles and issues when problem solving, and apply creative thinking to resolve problems in new and unprecedented approaches.

Demonstrated successful proposal development and budget management.

Demonstrated knowledge of the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program.

Experience in conducting field research in marine environments.

Background in developing and leading community-based conservation programs.

Familiarity with grant writing, securing and managing research funding.

Experience outside of research with marine policy, in federal, or international agency

Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

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.  

Incomplete applications will not be considered. The application will be considered incomplete if materials are unreadable. 

If you submit more than one application, only the most recent application will be considered.

Note: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.

Inquiries: Rob Toonen; toonen@hawaii.edu

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.

In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.

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/