The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management (NREM) at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa (UHM) invites applications for an 11-month, non-tenure-track faculty position in climate change management, with 75% extension and 25% research responsibilities in the area of climate change mitigation and adaptation for agroforestry, specialty crop production, and food security in Hawai‘i. This position is vital to NREM's strategic vision of building leadership in ‘aina momona (abundant and flourishing social-ecological systems), and revitalizing and reconnecting ecosystems and communities locally and globally. In addition, this
position is designed to provide critical, state-wide support to agricultural producers and land stewards in the context of climate change management to meet the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) strategic priorities in vibrant tropical and Pacific Island agriculture and food security, ecosystem health, and resilient and thriving community health.
We seek candidates with strong potential to develop an effective, integrated extension and research program in community-focused technical assistance in climate change capacity building with a focus on diversified smallholder agricultural and/or Native Hawaiian serving organizations. Critically, this position will serve as a nexus to better connect NREM and CTAHR with the wide array of existing USDA programs in the Pacific Island Region to increase collaborations between USDA and NREM/CTAHR/UHM to meet the current and future climate change needs of the agricultural and place-based organizations working in agroforestry and food security throughout the state. The ideal candidate would have experience in building an integrated extension and research program, providing technical assistance in climate change mitigation and adaptation, agroforestry, specialty crop production, and/or food security, and building partnerships with local communities. Target focal areas in the statewide Hawai‘i community include diversified smallholder agricultural producers and Native Hawaiian ‘aina momona-based non-profit organizations.
Duties and Responsibilities
Work with agriculture, ranching, and agroforestry producers to assess information needs so that they can adapt their operations to future climate scenarios. Develop extension materials, training modules, and decision support tools for climate change management in agroforestry, specialty crop production, and/or food security. Provide science-based, best management practices for agricultural climate change mitigation and adaptation. Coordinate across extension faculty in CTAHR on climate change adaptation and mitigation in an agricultural context, with a particular focus on USDA programs and funding opportunities. Create and maintain effective mechanisms and venues for information exchange. Obtain internal and external grant funding to support extension programming. Evaluate program effectiveness and impacts. Develop a high quality and collaborative integrated research program to support extension activities to address climate change challenges in agroforestry, specialty crop production, and/or food security in Hawai'i. Seek and manage extramural grants and contracts. Supervise graduate student research. Chair and serve on graduate student committees. Partner with agricultural producers, communities, government agencies, private land owners and managers, non-profit organizations, and other collaborators in applied and engaged research. Provide service to the Department, College, University, and the broader Hawai'i community.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s Degree in a field related to natural resource management, agricultural sciences, climate change science, biocultural stewardship (e.g., Indigenous or Hawaiian studies), or ecology, among others. In addition to the Master’s Degree, 30 credits of graduate study from a college or university of recognized standing in a field relevant to the position involved. At least three years of experience in the appropriate area at the next lower rank, or its equivalent. Training or applied experience in community-focused extension programming and delivery. Demonstrated capacity to conduct applied research in climate change within the context of the agricultural sciences.
Desirable Qualifications
PhD in a field related to natural resource management, agricultural sciences, climate change science, biocultural stewardship (e.g., Indigenous or Hawaiian studies), or ecology, among others. Experience working in collaborative partnerships with diversified smallholder agricultural producers and/or Indigenous communities. Record of scholarly research applying climate change science in an agricultural context. Demonstrated capacity to obtain competitive, extramural, applied research funding. Strong record of collaborative engagement to develop and share research, impact policy, and create positive change in communities, agencies, and the environment. Demonstrated success in serving the needs of diverse communities, student populations and the public. 3-5 years of experience working in Hawai'i, other Pacific Islands, or a tropical region.
