JR Specialist

Temporary/Permanent:

Permanent
Funding: General Funds

Other Conditions

This is an 11-month, tenure-track position at the rank of S2 Junior Specialist. Continuation dependent on satisfactory performance, available funds, operational needs and actual staffing requirements. To begin approximately February 2024, or soon thereafter.

Duties and Responsibilities

Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) aspires to be a “Native Hawaiian Place of learning” by elevating Indigenous knowledge within the Institute, and by embodying Native Hawaiian values and principles associated withaloha HIMB also programmatically supports the He'eia National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) and its vision that resilient estuaries and coastal watersheds exist through a recognition thathuman wellness and the health of the environment is inherently interrelated, and in its belief that restoration should follow the tenants of Indigenous stewardship. As described in the He'eia NERR’s Management Plan, this is achieved in He'eia by weaving Indigenous and conventional knowledge systems to steward the estuary, which make it unique in the NERR System. In this regard, the He'eia NERR provides a model for the integration of biocultural restoration and research not only Hawai'i, but for the entire NERR System.

The Indigenous Stewardship Specialist will be integrated with the Stewardship sector of NERR System to support the biocultural restoration efforts within the He'eia estuary, and it will also lead Native Hawaiian culture-centered efforts of HIMB. This position is expected to perform position duties in a manner that promotes positive relationships with the community and increases public awareness of HIMB and of the He'eia NERR. The Indigenous Stewardship Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that stewardship efforts within the He'eia NERR are strongly founded in Native Hawaiian values associated with aloha This position:

Elevates Indigenous knowledge within HIMB by building an understanding of Indigenous practices with the faculty and students. Promotes reciprocal and co-developed research between HIMB researchers and community-based partners.  Advocates for Native Hawaiian thinking and values in all aspects of the He'eia NERR. Coordinates stewardship activities of the He'eia NERR as articulated in the NERR’s Management Plan. Convenes and engages theCouncil of the Reserve Advisory Board. Facilitates collaboration between the stewardship efforts in He'eia to bring to fruition the long-term vision of ahupua'a restoration. Presents information on Indigenous stewardship topics, issues, and programs in oral and written form to NERR partners, colleagues and the public. Produces annual work plan and budget estimates. Works in close coordination with NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management (OCM) and the NERR System to ensure national programmatic goals are met, and to evaluate effectiveness of programs, training resources, etc., particularly from an Indigenous viewpoint, and modify as needed to meet goals and objectives. Sets a new standard for NERR System to engage with Indigenous communities.  Participates in He'eia NERR staff meetings, travel and participate in NERR System annual meetings and trainings. Maintains a research/scholarly profile in an area that synergizes with existing research in the department at a level commensurate with the other listed duties. Develops workshops and programs to meet the unique needs of the department/college in collaboration with the departments and appropriate UHM offices to promote Indigenous stewardship based on research, best practices and national trends. Pursues institutional and extramural funding individually or collaboratively with other faculty to support the development and administration of the NERR. Presents at professional meetings and/or in peer-reviewed publications on assessment activities, and/or research in the field of Indigenous stewardship. Evening and weekend work may be required. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications 

A Master’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing, with work in a life science or Indigenous studies discipline.  Demonstrated experience in Native Hawaiian cultural disciplines, including but not limited to Hawaiian history, hula, chant, or other Hawaiian cultural practices. Experience in leading or providing cultural guidance for an organization or institution. Experience designing and leading collaborative group processes. Demonstrated ability to foster communication and collaboration. Documented ability to perform some duties outlined in position description and to work collaboratively with current NERR staff. Knowledge of Hawaiian history, language, and Indigenous resource management. Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, and in an organized manner. Demonstrated experience to work with community-based organization. 

Desirable Qualifications 

Documented history of dedication to the perpetuation of Hawaiian culture. Familiarity with the rich cultural history of the He'eia­ ahupua'a and the Ko'olaupoko moku of O'ahu, including past and present-day practices. Demonstrated ability to conduct research on professional topics and participate in Indigenous stewardship. Demonstrated experience working with state and federal elected officials and/or state and federal agencies.

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