PCSU COMM ED & OUTRCH SPLST - ID#226561

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i; Lihue (HI); On-site; USD 61,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i (RCUH) seeks a PCSU Community Education & Outreach Specialist in Lihue, Kauai. The role supports DOFAW collaborations, develops public outreach materials, and creates classroom content on watershed threats. Requires exceptional public speaking, writing, and outreach skills.

This is a full-time position with a monthly salary range of $5,497.35–$5,717.98. Travel to project sites and occasional weekend/community events are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Five to seven (5-7) years of experience in active research, public outreach, or resource management programs.
• Strong knowledge of Hawaiian biota and threats from incipient alien plant and animal invasions in Hawai‘i.
• Excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills; strong writing and editing ability.
• Ability to work on weekends, volunteer, attend public events and camp overnight occasionally.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain insurance equivalent to Hawai‘i’s No-Fault Driver’s Insurance.

Responsibilities

• Leads public education and outreach efforts, raising public awareness of watershed threats and generating support for community control efforts.
• Develops reports, and prepares publications, press releases and other public outreach documents.
• Develops content and curriculum for classroom presentations about watershed threats and natural resource management and watershed protection programs.
• Conducts school and private group outreach talks, develops talking points for public events and develops displays and outreach materials.
• Drives to project sites and interacts with partners, media, community organizations, volunteers, civic leaders, and local cultural groups.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including office management support as requested by DOFAW Onsite Supervisor and PCSU PI.

Skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal skills

Writing & editing

Content development

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

PCSU COMMUNITY EDUCATION & OUTREACH SPECIALIST – ID# 226561.

CLOSING DATE: September 28, 2026, or until filled. Job postings are removed from the RCUH Job Openings site once the recruitment process has ended.

INQUIRIES: Benjamin Wells 808-729-0714 (Kauai).

Regular, Full-Time, Research Corporation of the University of Hawai‘i (RCUH) Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), located in Lihue, Kauai Island, Hawai‘i. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program/operational needs, satisfactory work performance, availability of funds, and compliance with applicable Federal/State laws.

MONTHLY SALARY RANGE: $5,497.35 - $5,717.98/Mon.

DUTIES:

Leads public education and outreach efforts, working closely with Kauai Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) and other project staff to raise public awareness of watershed threats and generates support for community control efforts. Develops reports, and prepares publications, press releases and other public outreach documents. Encourages favorable public relations of natural resource objectives. Develops content and curriculum for classroom presentations about watershed threats and natural resource management and watershed protection programs. Conducts school and private group outreach talks, develops cultural and biological talking points for public events and develops displays and outreach materials. Drives to project sites. Interacts with partners, media, community organizations, volunteers, civic leaders, and local cultural and community groups. Performs other duties as assigned, including office management support as requested by DOFAW Onsite Supervisor and PCSU Principal Investigator (PI).

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS:

• EDUCATION: Bachelor`s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university.
• EXPERIENCE: Five to seven (5-7) years of experience in an active research, public outreach, or resource management program (e.g. public relations, education, general administrative, inter-agency coordination, community outreach, cultural education, or other related experience) aimed at protection of Hawai`i`s ecosystems and culture. (Master`s Degree in a natural sciences or communication related field may substitute for two (2) years of experience.).
• KNOWLEDGE: Strong knowledge of Hawaiian biota and threats from incipient alien plant and animal invasions in Hawai`i. Strong knowledge of basic methods to document a natural resource-related project. Strong knowledge of Hawaiian tradition and cultural practices.
• ABILITIES & SKILLS: Must possess excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills. Strong writing and editing ability. Demonstrated ability to produce creative original content and outreach products. Proficient in word processing, photo editing, design software and spreadsheet computer applications, Internet use. Ability to work on weekends, volunteer, attend public events and camp overnight occasionally. Must possess a valid driver`s license (and if use of personal vehicle on the job is required, must also have valid personal driver`s insurance equivalent to Hawai`i`s No-Fault Driver`s Insurance) and maintain throughout the duration of employment.

Post Offer/Employment Conditions:

Must be able to pass a post offer criminal background check. Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR (or be able to obtain and maintain the certificate following the training provided within three (3) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment). Must complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than employee`s initial exposure to hazardous chemicals. Must be able to complete basic helicopter safety course (A100) within twelve (12) months from hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to hike in steep and rough terrain and be able to lift and carry at least forty (40) pounds unassisted. Must be able to conduct restoration work. Must be comfortable with helicopter flights, approximately three (3) annually.

POLICY/REGULATORY REQUIREMENT:

As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies, procedures, and trainings and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i's and/or business entity's policies, procedures, and trainings. Violation of RCUH's, UH's, or business entity's policies and/or procedures or applicable State or Federal laws and/or regulations may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to possible termination of employment, personal fines, civil and/or criminal penalties, etc.).

SECONDARY QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor`s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university or experience in Education, Journalism, Marketing, or related field. Education in a natural resources management field or prior experience working in natural resources management. Experience with outreach program(s) development. Knowledgeable about natural and cultural history in Hawai`i. Familiar with biological principles and resources pertaining to Hawaiian ecosystems and alien/invasive species. Knowledge and experience with PCSU and/or RCUH policies and procedures. Experience and knowledge of ArcGIS or other mapping/data software. Knowledge of social marketing principles. Significant work with volunteers or in direct outreach to legislators.

RCUH`s mission is to support and enhance research, development and training in Hawai`i, with a focus on the University of Hawai`i.

RCUH is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, marital status, reproductive health decision, citizenship, gender identity or expression, domestic or sexual violence victim status, military/veteran status, or other grounds protected under applicable federal and state laws, except as permitted by law.