Assistant or Associate Extension Agent (Positions #0084853T & 0085620T)

University of Hawaii•Honolulu, HI

21d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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 (for Assistant Extension Agent).
At least four (4) years’ experience as Extension faculty member or its equivalency in related fields in next lower rank (for Associate Extension Agent).
At least one (1) year of experience in community-based resource management, climate change adaptation, community organizing and outreach, or related work (for Assistant Extension Agent).
At least two (2) years of experience in community-based resource management, climate change adaptation, community organizing and outreach, or related work (for Associate Extension Agent).
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 (for Assistant Extension Agent).
Ability to work harmoniously with other agents in an integrated Cooperative Extension system, and with related agencies (for Assistant Extension Agent).
Professionalism in meeting and conferring with with others.
Strong ability to lead and develop leadership in Cooperative Extension (for Associate Extension Agent).
Proven administrative ability to conduct a well-organized program in Cooperative Extension or Sea Grant Extension program, and to work harmoniously with the agents of other counties in an integrated Cooperative Extension program and with related public agencies (for Associate Extension Agent).
Must reside on the island for the moku that one will work in for the duration of employment.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
Facilitate regional knowledge sharing and collective action within and across the several moku and additional moku coordinators.
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.
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.