JUNIOR OR ASSISTANT EXTENSION AGENT, 11-MO (Position #0084843T)

Position: Junior or Assistant Extension Agent

Position Title: Marine Energy Extension & Community Engagement Specialist

Position Number:T

Department: University of Hawaii

School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology

Sea Grant College Program

Geographic Location: Hawaiian Islands

Date Posted: July 24 2026

Closing Date: August 31 2026

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 University of Hawaii seeks an extension-focused faculty member to advance community engagement outreach extension education and communications related to marine energy and associated coastal and community resilience opportunities in Hawaii and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI). This position administered by the Sea GrantRR1 College Program to support public understanding of marine resource will initially support the newly established Hawaii Marine Energy Center (HMEC) administered by the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) and will work closely with HMEC leadership to help translate technical information into accessible community-informed programming; build and sustain relationships with communities agencies educators industry and other partners; and strengthen public understanding of marine energy research testing and workforce pathways. There may be additional opportunities to also support outreach and engagement activities associated with the Wave Energy Test Site (WETS) managed through the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL).

The position will serve as a bridge between researchers and communities ensuring that engagement is responsive and culturally-grounded. Research activities will be undertaken as needed to support extension programming evaluate outreach effectiveness inform communication products and respond to stakeholder needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Extension Outreach and Community Engagement Leadership:
   • Develop implement and continually refine extension and outreach strategies that advance the goals of Hawaii Sea Grant HNEI and relevant marine energy initiatives including the Hawaii Marine Energy Center (HMEC).
   • Design and deliver non-credit educational programming workshops presentations demonstrations and other outreach activities for community government nonprofit industry and educational audiences.
   • Identify build and sustain relationships with community leaders malama aina organizations nonprofit organizations educators neighborhood boards Native Hawaiian organizations local state federal and regional partners and other stakeholders.
   • Represent Hawaii Sea Grant and HNEI at community meetings conferences public forums and partner convenings serving as a trusted liaison between technical teams and community audiences.
   • Support engagement across Hawaii and as appropriate the USAPI with attention to place-based needs cultural context and respectful transparent communication.
2. Communications and Public Information:
   • Lead or coordinate communication activities that increase visibility accessibility and public understanding of marine energy and related research extension and workforce development efforts.
   • Prepare edit and disseminate communication products such as web content fact sheets briefing materials presentations newsletters press releases social media content reports and stories that translate technical information for non-technical audiences.
   • Maintain and regularly update relevant websites and digital platforms with timely project information events media educational resources and partner highlights.
   • Coordinate branding messaging and communication materials in collaboration with Hawaii Sea Grant HNEI and project leadership while ensuring consistency with University and sponsor requirements.
3. Educational Programming and Workforce Development:
   • Develop and support educational and extension activities for K12 community college undergraduate graduate and community-based audiences related to marine energy coastal resilience and associated science and technology pathways.
   • Coordinate participation in STEM fairs community events workshops field experiences and other educational programs that broaden awareness and participation.
   • Work with faculty staff students and partners to create educational materials and experiential learning opportunities that connect research and testing activities to community and workforce needs.
4. Partnership Development and Coordination:
   • Strengthen coordination among HNEI Hawaii Sea Grant University units government agencies community organizations national laboratories industry partners and other collaborators relevant to marine energy and related coastal applications.
   • Help identify community priorities partnership opportunities and extension needs that can inform program development and improve responsiveness to stakeholder interests.
   • Support communication and engagement with sponsors and partner networks including DOE-funded initiatives and other regional or national collaborations as assigned.
5. Applied Research Evaluation and Reporting in Support of Extension Goals:
   • Conduct support or coordinate applied research and assessment activities as needed to inform extension programming evaluate outreach and engagement effectiveness synthesize stakeholder input and translate relevant research findings for community use.
   • Assist with gathering analyzing and reporting qualitative and quantitative information needed for program improvement sponsor reporting strategic communications and impact documentation.
   • Collaborate with faculty and staff on publications reports and other products that support extension objectives and the broader mission of the Hawaii Sea Grant and HNEI.
6. Other Duties:
   • Perform related duties as assigned consistent with the rank and the extension mission of the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Junior Extension Agent:

A Bachelors degree from a college or university of recognized standing with major work in marine science ocean engineering renewable energy environmental studies communications education community development natural resources resource management or related field whichever is appropriate.

Evidence of ability for successful practice in extension outreach community engagement or communications activities with diverse audiences.

Professionalism in meeting and conferring with others.

Ability to communicate scientific engineering or other technical information clearly to non-technical audiences through oral written and digital formats.

Demonstrated ability or strong potential to build effective working relationships with community partners agencies educators and other stakeholders.

Experience or demonstrated competence in developing presentations educational materials communication products web content or social media content.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ability to work some evenings weekends and to travel as required for outreach and engagement activities.

Assistant Extension Agent:

A Masters degree from a college or university of recognized standing with major work in enviro marine science ocean engineering renewable energy environmental studies communications education community development natural resources resource management or related field whichever is appropriate.

At least three (3) years of successful experience in Cooperative Extension work Sea Grant Extension work or equivalent outreach education communications or community engagement work 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.

Ability to exercise independent judgment and assume responsibility for developing implementing and evaluating extension and outreach programming.

Demonstrated ability to organize and work effectively with community groups partner organizations and related agencies in an integrated extension system.

Demonstrated success in translating scientific engineering or other technical information into accessible materials educational programming and public communications.

Excellent oral and written communication skills and demonstrated effectiveness in public presentations facilitation and stakeholder engagement.

Ability to work some evenings weekends and to travel as required for outreach and engagement activities.

Desirable Qualifications

Junior Extension Agent:

A Masters degree from a college or university of recognized standing with major work in environmental marine science ocean engineering renewable energy environmental studies communications education community development natural resources resource management or related field.

Experience engaging with communities in Hawaii and/or the USAPI including demonstrated cultural awareness and ability to work respectfully with Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander and other local communities.

Knowledge of marine energy renewable energy coastal resilience environmental science marine policy or related topics.

Experience with community-based education workshop coordination event planning facilitation or volunteer coordination.

Experience producing newsletters fact sheets web content photography video social media or other digital communication products.

Experience working with government agencies nonprofit organizations schools community colleges or community-based organizations.

Assistant Extension Agent:

Demonstrated record of progressively responsible extension outreach education communications or community engagement work relevant to the position.

Experience leading the design implementation and evaluation of extension or community engagement programs serving multiple stakeholder groups.

Demonstrated ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with faculty staff students agencies and community partners.

Experience securing managing or contributing substantively to federally funded state-funded or foundation-supported projects.

Experience with program evaluation needs assessment impact reporting or applied research methods that strengthen extension and outreach efforts.

Familiarity with US Department of Energy-funded initiatives Sea Grant programs university-based extension systems or other mission-aligned research and service networks.

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.

Inquiries:

Darren Lerner; ;

The University of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information visit: 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.

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Accommodation Request: The University of Hawaii 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: Experience:

Junior IC