Title: Program Specialist
Position Number: 0097574T
Hiring Unit: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management (NREM)
Location: Hilo, HI
Date Posted: July 5, 2026
Closing Date: July 20, 2026, 11:59PM HST
Band: B
Salary : salary schedules and placement information
Full Time/Part Time: Full-time
Month: 11-month
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Other Conditions: This position is subject to availability of funding and renewal is contingent upon satisfactory performance, staffing requirements, and/or availability of funding. For best consideration, all application materials should be submitted by July 20, 2026, 11:59PM HST. Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee. Please see application instructions.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Plans and manages program activities to ensure alignment with mission objectives and project deliverables, including suggesting and implementing programs and services. Works closely with Principal Investigator to ensure effective communication and coordination with international, national and local partners and ensures smooth and timely execution of projects, ensuring accountability through timely correspondence and reports to funders.
- Develops and executes a range of tasks to manage operations across multiple locations for the Land Care Extension program. Handles diverse administrative matters to ensure smooth, equitable and inclusive program operations.
- Serves as a technical resource and subject matter expert for land stewardship planning and implementation.
- Acts as the primary liaison for inquiries, scheduling, resources, and information related to the Land Care Extension Program, maintaining clear communication channels to facilitate effective collaboration and information dissemination. Serves as the primary supervisor for program staff and serves as the key contact for coordinating with various roles across the organization.
- Develops and executes stewardship programs focused on wildfire resiliency, science-based outreach and education, statewide public/private partnership development, landscape-scale project planning, and policy engagement, specifically across Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Island counties.
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Oversees documentation and reporting processes for program outcomes and procedures, ensuring accuracy and adherence to data systems and agency standards. Manages annual budgets and component projects for the Land Care Extension Program.
- Supports grant writing and fundraising efforts to build long-term sustainability of the stewardship program. Manages the development, review, and tracking of subawards, contracts, and procurement activities related to program operations, ensuring compliance and efficiency in all transactions.
- Oversees documentation and reporting processes for program results and procedures, ensuring accuracy and compliance with data systems and agency requirements. Manages a portfolio of annual budgets and component projects related to the Land Care Extension Program.
- Analyzes and manages budget proposals, expenditure plans, eTravel submissions, and funding requests to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainability. Tracks actions and payments from initiation to completion for efficient financial management of the program.
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Coordinates the development, review, and tracking of subawards, contracts, and procurement activities for program operations, ensuring compliance and efficiency in all transactions.
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Oversees the design and maintenance of science-based programming which includes program websites, social media accounts, and outreach materials to enhance visibility and engagement within the research community and with internal and external stakeholders.
- Serves as a key liaison between various stakeholders, including academic departments, administrative units, funding agencies, and external partners. Represents the University of Hawai`i Land Care Program in national and international stewardship and land work groups, adjusting stewardship strategies as needed.
- Trains and mentors staff. Establishes and facilitates administrative and executive support for Land Care Program personnel, including hiring additional project support staff as identified in grant programs of work. Supervises the staff in setting priorities, meeting deadlines, ensuring their safety, and cultivating a collaborative dynamic of learning, innovation, and problem-solving.
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Works outside of normal business hours including evenings and weekends as directed.
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Other duties as assigned
- Denotes Essential Functions
Minimum Qualifications
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Possession of a baccalaureate degree in business, project management, environmental studies or sustainability, conservation, natural resource management or related field and 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience with responsibilities for natural resource program management, conservation communication/education and/or programmatic leadership; or any equivalent combination of education and/or professional work experience which provides the required education, knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated.
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Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices and techniques in the area of natural resource and/or conservation program management as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
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Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and theories and systems associated with natural resource and/or conservation program management.
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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 the resolution of the problems in an effective, innovative and timely manner.
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Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing, verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
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Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, groups, team leaders and members, and individuals.
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Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer, apply word processing software, and familiarity with Microsoft Office, Adobe and Google applications.
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If applicable, for supervisory work, demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, and manage employee relations.
Supplemental Qualifications
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Strong knowledge and understanding of land management and stewardship in Hawai`i.
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Knowledge of Pacific wildfire science.
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Experience in developing partnerships with non-profit organizations, community groups, and government agencies.
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Excellent oral and communication skills, with the ability to interpret, report, and convey complex ideas clearly and concisely.
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Flexibility to change and manage competing demands.
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Ability to perform under stressful conditions while maintaining a courteous and professional demeanor.
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Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations in a timely manner, which may require a valid Hawai`i Driver's license (Class 3) or a comparable driver's license.
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Strong ability to communicate across diverse audiences and disciplines, with proficiency in multimedia tools supporting stewardship (e.g., podcasting, visual media, science translation).
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Experience managing a team, including motivating members, setting objectives, and managing performance.
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Experience tracking grant funding and expenditures, completing financial and narrative reports.
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Ability to do long range planning, understand overarching goals and resolve problems in an effective manner.
Desireable Qualifications
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Strong organizational and facilitation skills.
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Experience in fundraising and budget management.
TO APPLY: If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.
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Cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and some, if not all, desirable qualifications;
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Resume/Curriculum vitae (CV);
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Names of three (3) professional references (contact information including email address); and
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Official transcripts or original documentation from the institution confirming the degree (copies acceptable; however, official transcripts sent directly from the degree-granting institution are required upon hire).
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Any confidential data should be redacted (e.g. social security number, date of birth, etc).
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Diplomas will not be accepted.
Note: Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee.
