Program Specialist

Salary : See Position Description

Location : Lihue, HI

Job Type : Full-Time Temporary

Job Number : 2025-00191

Department : University of Hawai'i at Manoa - College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources - TPSS

Opening Date : 01 / 31 / 2025

Closing Date : 2 / 14 / 2025 11 : 59 PM Hawaii

Position Number : : 0077970T

Description

Title : Program Specialist

Position Number : 0077970T

Hiring Unit : College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Tropical Plant & Soil Sciences (TPSS)

Location : Lihue, HI

Date Posted : January 31, 2025

Closing Date : February 14, 2025

Band : B

Salary :

Full Time / Part Time : Full-time

Month : 11-month

Temporary / Permanent : Temporary

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs specific work assignments related to the Limited-English Immigrant Farmer Education (LIFE) program.
• Manages the implementation of the University of Hawaii Language Access Plan (LAP) for the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) Cooperative Extension.
• Arranges training for CTAHR staff and faculty to support the implementation of the LAP.
• Conducts statewide evaluation research, and develops and implements research tools to assess needs of immigrant farmers, including recruitment of research participants, data collection, data analysis, and summary report preparation.
• Coordinates training workshop logistics, and collaborates with University of Hawaii (UH) faculty to develop instructional materials and facilitate workshops as applicable.
• Manages professional translation and / or interpretation services as needed.
• Manages existing LIFE website and social media, including developing content, making regular updates, and responding to inquiries.
• Leads project evaluation, assessment, and semi-annual reporting to the funding agency : United States Department of Agriculture / Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (USDA / OPPE).
• Develops and maintains partnerships with government and non-profit agencies that work with immigrant farmers.
• Develops resources to support project continuance and expansion after the current funding period ends.

11. Participates in the preparation of extramural grant applications.

12. Work outside of business hours including evenings and / or weekends as directed.

13. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree in agriculture, education, community development or related field and 3 year(s) of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for business, agriculture, sciences, research or related field; or any equivalent combination of education and / or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.

2. Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques in the area of community outreach and educational program management and implementation as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.

3. Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with agriculture and / or food systems in Hawaii.

4. Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.

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

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

7. Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing software.

8. If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.

9. Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner. Requirement may be fulfilled by a valid Hawaii Driver's license (Class 3), comparable driver's license, or other means of transportation which meets position needs.

10. Ability to work after normal business hours, weekends and / or holidays as needed.

Desirable Qualifications

1. Experience conducting research or working with diverse populations, including people with limited English proficiency.

2. Previous work experience with farmer training programs or working with agricultural producers.

3. Fluency in one or more languages commonly spoken among immigrant groups in Hawaii (i.e., Ilocano, Tagalog, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, or Thai).

4. Previous work experience with applying for and managing Federal, State, or private grant applications.

5. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with university staff, faculty, and community partners.

6. Familiarity with Research Corporation of the University of Hawaii (RCUH) and UH procedures.

7. Familiarity with USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) programs and conservation agriculture practices.

8. Experience managing multiple projects and ensuring project deliverables and tracking are met.

9. Experience in farming, farm management, and agricultural entrepreneurship.

10. Working knowledge and relationships with local agricultural industry, service providers, or immigrant farming populations in Hawaii.

To Apply : Submit the following online through NEOGOV :

4) Official transcripts (copies accepted, however official transcripts will be required upon hire)

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

Inquiries : Emilie Kirk, ; (808) 274-3471

CTAHR Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement : We believe that inclusiveness and excellence are interdependent. Our local and global communities are best served by ensuring all populations are represented equitably throughout CTAHR. We strive to cultivate an environment that supports equitable opportunities for every member of CTAHR to achieve individual and common goals. We will advance diversity, equity, and inclusion by : (1) promoting the recruitment and retention of diverse students, faculty, and staff, especially from groups that have been underrepresented or marginalized; (2) creating equal opportunities for all members of CTAHR to participate in decision-making processes and scholarly and professional development; and (3) fostering an inclusive culture where every CTAHR member feels respected and valued.

EEO, Clery Act, ADA

The University of Hawai'i is an 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 :

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 : , 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 :