Shoreline Specialist & Coastal Lands Program Assistant Manager

The position will be based in the Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL) at the Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). The objective of this position is to provide scientific and technical assistance to the DLNR to conserve and protect coastal areas of the State. The position is intended to support the Coastal Lands Program Manager and the Coastal Lands Management functions of the OCCL by providing the State with technical expertise in methods for beach conservation, shoreline and coastal policy management, coastal hazard mitigation, and shoreline geomorphology. Another function of the position is to assist the State in determining the location of certified shorelines throughout the state of Hawai‘i. The position will also establish criteria and methods for more accurately locating the shoreline for different types of shorelines and coastal environments in advisement to the State. The position will provide technical assistance to DLNR and the Hawai‘i Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) by reviewing applications for certified shorelines, conducting site visits when required and as determined by the DLNR to verify shoreline locations, and assisting the survey community with interpretation of shoreline requirements from a coastal science perspective. The position will also provide technical expertise to assist the State in identifying and resolving potential shoreline encroachments, violations, and unauthorized land uses in the Conservation District, and the position will assist the DLNR with its climate change and sea level rise adaptation efforts

The position requires knowledge of coastal processes, coastal geology, oceanography and familiarity with Hawai‘i’s dynamic coastal and nearshore environments. Familiarity with state statutes and administrative rules related to shoreline certifications, coastal zone management, including coastal land use and zoning, are also desired. The responsibilities and primary functions include, but are not limited to:

A. Provide technical assistance to the DAGS Survey Office in making recommendations for determining the location of the certified shoreline. Conduct site visits to investigate shoreline behavior and identify and interpret physical evidence. Coordinate and schedule shoreline site inspections when required, and other tasks needed to assist the State in carrying-out shoreline certifications. (40%)

B. Provide technical assistance to the DLNR's OCCL with beach conservation, shoreline and coastal policy management, coastal hazard mitigation, and climate change adaptation efforts as well as assisting the OCCL with coastal analysis for Conservation District Use Applications, potential Conservation District encroachments and violations, removal of unauthorized shoreline and nearshore materials and vegetation. (30%)

C. Research and analyze information on seasonal shoreline behavior, including the use of ground photography, aerial photography, numerical and computer modeling and anecdotal evidence of the shoreline location. (5%)

D. Coordinate and conduct outreach activities aimed at increasing public and surveyor’s awareness of the shoreline certification processes, its function, and its relationship to coastal hazards and coastal zone management. (10%)

E. Produce annual work plans and performance reports that satisfy the agency, Hawai‘i Sea Grant and the National Sea Grant College Program reporting requirements. Attend quarterly Hawai‘i Sea Grant faculty/staff meetings and other trainings or conferences as may benefit the position. (5%)

F. Facilitate the development or modification of rules and policies to better enhance the accuracy and consistency of shoreline delineations around the state. (2.5%)

G. Collect and assemble current scientific and technical information related to shoreline delineations developing local and regional shoreline identification and management strategies for the state of Hawai‘i. (2.5%)

H. Work with the key stakeholder groups including Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency, Hawai‘i Shore and Beach Preservation Association, Pacific Risk Management Ohana, Hawai‘i Sea Grant Centers of Excellence, and other relevant organizations to improve the management of Hawai‘i's coastline and beaches, to reduce community exposure to natural coastal hazards, and to improve the state's resiliency to natural coastal hazards. (2.5%)

I. Other duties as assigned. (2.5%)

1. A bachelor’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing, with major work in oceanography, coastal engineering or coastal geology, with relevant work in coastal processes and land surveying or related field.
2. Knowledge of coastal processes, coastal geology, oceanography and familiarity with Hawai‘i’s dynamic coastal and nearshore environments.
3. Ability to apply extension teaching methods.

1. In addition to Junior Extension Agent minimum qualifications, a master’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing with major work in oceanography, coastal engineering or coastal geology, with relevant work in coastal processes and land surveying or related field, or, in addition to the bachelor’s degree, 30 credit hours of post-baccalaureate academic work in a related field.
2. At least three (3) years of successful experience in Cooperative extension work, Sea Grant Extension work or equivalent in closely related field.
3. Ability to exercise independent judgment and to assume responsibility for developing an extension program.
4. Ability to work harmoniously with other agents in an integrated extension system and with related agencies and stakeholder groups.

1. A master’ s degree from a college or university of recognized standing with major work in oceanography, coastal engineering or coastal geology, with relevant work in coastal processes and land surveying or related field.
2. Knowledge of general research sources of Hawaiian coastal dynamics and processes, sand and dune properties, beach erosion and formulation and legal history of shoreline and boundary determinations in Hawai‘i.
3. Familiarity with and ability to analyze comprehensive acts, statutes, rules and ordinances at the federal, state, and county levels covering coastal zone management, shoreline certification and boundary determinations.
4. Familiarity with basic surveying and mapping techniques.
5. Familiarity with Hawaiian shoreline characteristics including: seasonal wave dynamics, coastal processes, wave reef interactions, coastal dune behavior and native coastal plant species.
6. Knowledge of computer programs and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) including oceanographic wave and beach numerical modeling.
7. Strong computer skills in database management, graphics programs and common software applications.
8. Strong working knowledge of state statutes and administrative rules pertaining to shorelines and coastal land use.
9. Ability to work in a professional manner managing pressure from multiple parties with opposing or conflicting viewpoints.