Position: Junior or Assistant Extension Agent
Position Title: Marine Energy Extension & Community Engagement Specialist
Position Number: 0084843T
Department: University of Hawai‘i
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 Hawai`i 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 Hawai`i and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI). This position, administered by the Sea Grant[RR1] College Program to support public understanding of marine resource , will initially support the newly established Hawai`i Marine Energy Center (HMEC) administered by the Hawai`i 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:
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Extension, Outreach, and Community Engagement Leadership:
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Develop, implement, and continually refine extension and outreach strategies that advance the goals of Hawai`i Sea Grant, HNEI, and relevant marine energy initiatives, including the Hawai`i Marine Energy Center (HMEC).
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Design and deliver non-credit educational programming, workshops, presentations, demonstrations, and other outreach activities for community, government, nonprofit, industry, and educational audiences.
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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.
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Represent Hawai`i Sea Grant and HNEI at community meetings, conferences, public forums, and partner convenings, serving as a trusted liaison between technical teams and community audiences.
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Support engagement across Hawai`i and, as appropriate, the USAPI, with attention to place-based needs, cultural context, and respectful, transparent communication.
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Communications and Public Information:
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Lead or coordinate communication activities that increase visibility, accessibility, and public understanding of marine energy and related research, extension, and workforce development efforts.
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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.
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Maintain and regularly update relevant websites and digital platforms with timely project information, events, media, educational resources, and partner highlights.
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Coordinate branding, messaging, and communication materials in collaboration with Hawai`i Sea Grant, HNEI, and project leadership, while ensuring consistency with University and sponsor requirements.
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Educational Programming and Workforce Development:
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Develop and support educational and extension activities for K–12, community college, undergraduate, graduate, and community-based audiences related to marine energy, coastal resilience, and associated science and technology pathways.
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Coordinate participation in STEM fairs, community events, workshops, field experiences, and other educational programs that broaden awareness and participation.
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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.
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Partnership Development and Coordination:
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Strengthen coordination among HNEI, Hawai`i Sea Grant, University units, government agencies, community organizations, national laboratories, industry partners, and other collaborators relevant to marine energy and related coastal applications.
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Help identify community priorities, partnership opportunities, and extension needs that can inform program development and improve responsiveness to stakeholder interests.
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Support communication and engagement with sponsors and partner networks, including DOE-funded initiatives and other regional or national collaborations, as assigned.
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Applied Research, Evaluation, and Reporting in Support of Extension Goals:
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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.
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Assist with gathering, analyzing, and reporting qualitative and quantitative information needed for program improvement, sponsor reporting, strategic communications, and impact documentation.
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Collaborate with faculty and staff on publications, reports, and other products that support extension objectives and the broader mission of the Hawai`i Sea Grant and HNEI.
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Other Duties:
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Perform related duties as assigned consistent with the rank and the extension mission of the position.
Minimum Qualifications:
Junior Extension Agent:
A Bachelor’s 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 Master’s 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 Master’s 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 Hawai`i 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; 808-956-7031; [email protected]
