Assistant Specialist

Description

Title: Assistant Specialist (S3)
Position Number: 0084260 
Hiring Unit: Water Resources Research Center
Location: Manoa Campus
Date Posted: 12/08/2023
Closing Date: Continuous; Review of applications will begin on Monday, January 31st, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. 
Monthly Type: 11 Month
Tenure Track: Tenure
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Temporary/Permanent: Permanent
Bargaining Unit Code: 07
 

The Water Resources Research Center (WRRC), University of Hawai'i at Manoa, invites applications for a full-time, 11-month, tenure track, Water Resources Community Engagement Specialist at the rank of Assistant Specialist, position number 84260, anticipated start date of July 1st, 2024, subject to position clearance and availability of funds.

WRRC is seeking an individual with the capacity to enhance our efforts to engage and collaborate with communities, government entities, and organizations in addressing pressing Hawai'i water resource issues. This position will play a vital role in bridging the gap between scientific research and local communities, ensuring that research is responsive to the needs of local communities, and that water science and policy research is effectively communicated and utilized to inform decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities: The faculty member will be expected to: 

1. Develop a community-engaged and collaborative water resources research program supported by extramural funding.  
2. Systematically assess pressing water-related research and science communication needs, including through participatory research approaches.
3. Lead efforts to enhance the accessibility and relevance of WRRC research in support of decision-making by communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders across Hawai'i by
   1. Supporting and strengthening relationships among WRRC faculty, staff, and students and key federal, state, and county government agencies that focus on water resources, water management, sustainability, and Native Hawaiian affairs;
   2. Collaborating with faculty, staff, and students to design workshops and curriculum that effectively raise awareness of the University of Hawai'i's water resource related research capabilities and products.
   3. Conducting workshops and presentations to key federal, state, and county government agencies that focus on water resources, water management, and Native Hawaiian affairs.
   4. Evaluating and assessing impacts of research capabilities and products to better inform workshops and curriculum.

4.    Mentor and advise undergraduate and graduate students in community-engaged research and co-production. The faculty member will be encouraged to develop affiliations with relevant instructional units and contribute to the teaching mission of the university.

Minimum Qualifications:  

1. Master’s degree and 30 additional credits in a water-related discipline in natural sciences, social sciences, or engineering, including but not limited to water resources, environmental studies, natural resource management, geography, planning, Indigenous studies, or other disciplines in which the candidate received training in water resource-related topics.
2. Demonstrated research, science communication, and outreach experience.
3. Demonstrated ability to work productively with colleagues, community organizations, and stakeholders in cooperative, cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary endeavors.
4. Demonstrated ability to promote a positive and supportive work environment among students, staff, and faculty that supports Indigenous values and perspectives as well as diversity and inclusivity.

Desirable Qualifications: 

1. Ph.D. in a water-related discipline in natural sciences, social sciences, or engineering, including but not limited to water resources, environmental studies, natural resource management, geography, planning, Indigenous studies, or other disciplines in which the candidate received training in water resource-related topics.
2. Knowledge of Hawaii water resources including scientific, social, and political dimensions.
3. Demonstrated experience collaborating effectively with Hawai'i communities with significant Native Hawaiian representation.
4. Experience mentoring students in community-engaged and co-produced research as well as experience mentoring students from underrepresented groups.
5. Experience acting as a science or technical advisor to make water-related research more accessible to non-technical audiences.
6. Experience securing extramural funds in support of water resource related research.

To Apply:  Click on the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen (on the NeoGov website) to complete an application and attach the following REQUIRED documents: 

1. Cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications.
2. Curriculum vitae (signed and dated).
3. Official transcripts (copies are accepted, however official transcripts are required upon hire).
4. Research statement that articulates how you employ collaborative and community-engaged approaches. 
5. DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) statement that explains how you have contributed to a just and inclusive workplace in your current and previous positions.
6. Contact information (name, email, and phone number) for three professional references as well as an additional reference from a non-academic partner (e.g., community group, agency, or other) who can speak to your ability to work collaboratively beyond the university. 

 Finalists must be prepared to submit official transcripts. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Questions: Dr. Zhiyue Wang, zhiyue@hawaii.edu

EEO/AA, Clery Act, ADA

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital status, breastfeeding, income assignment for child support, arrest and court record (except as permissible under State law), sexual orientation, domestic or sexual violence victim status, national guard absence, or status as a covered veteran.  For more information or inquiries regarding these policies, please refer to the following link: http://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/eeo-coordinators/

Employment 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.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.

Accommodation Request:  The University of Hawai'i 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: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/