Junior Or Assistant Extension Agent

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

Department

University of Hawai'i at Manoa - SOEST - Sea Grant College Program

07/24/2026

Closing Date

8/31/2026 11:59 PM Hawaii

Position Number:

0084843T

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

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:

• Extension, Outreach, and Community Engagement Leadership:
  • 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).
  • 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 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.
  • Support engagement across Hawai`i and, as appropriate, the USAPI, with attention to place-based needs, cultural context, and respectful, transparent communication.
• 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 Hawai`i Sea Grant, HNEI, and project leadership, while ensuring consistency with University and sponsor requirements.
• Educational Programming and Workforce Development:
• 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.
• Coordinate participation in STEM fairs, community events, workshops, field experiences, and other educational programs that broaden awareness and participation.
• Work with faculty, staff, and partners to create educational materials and experiential learning opportunities that connect research and testing activities to community and workforce needs.
• Partnership Development and Coordination:
• Strengthen coordination among HNEI, Hawai`i Sea Grant, University units, government agencies, community organizations, national laboratories, industry partners, and other collaborators relevant to marine…