Junior Researcher (Climate Justice Data Specialist)
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Description
Title: Junior Researcher (Climate Justice Data Specialist)
Position Number: #0084707T
Hiring Unit: University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program
Location: Statewide, Hawaii
Date Posted: March 7, 2024
Closing Date: March 21, 2024
Monthly Type: 11 month
Tenure Track: Non Tenure
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time (100% FTE)
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Other Conditions: Renewal contingent upon availability of funds and satisfactory performance of duties.
This position is administered by the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program on behalf of the Hawaii Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Commission (CCMAC). CCMAC was identified as the lead agency on the Environmental Protection Agencys Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. CCMAC is the coordinating body on climate action in the State. CCMAC recognizes the urgency of climate threats and the need to act quickly. It promotes ambitious, climate-neutral, culturally responsive strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation in a manner that is CLEAN, EQUITABLE, & RESILIENT.
Hawaii leads by example in mitigating climate change. Through the Senate Concurrent Resolution 44 SD1 HD1, Hawaii recognized that the climate crisis endangers the health, safety, and welfare of the people and that preemptive and protective action is needed. The resolution requested statewide entities to pursue climate mitigation and adaption efforts and endorsed “a statewide commitment to a just transition toward a decarbonized economy…”. Hawaii also set an economy-wide net negative target by 2045, which means that the State is committed “to sequester more atmospheric carbon and greenhouse gases than emitted within the State as quickly as practicable, but no later than 2045”. The development of a decarbonization strategy led by the Hawaii State Energy Office is underway and represents a unique opportunity for the state to further define and implement its next steps to achieve the net-zero target.
To achieve this result, this project aims to address climate change measures within the state of Hawaii by supporting and coordinating the various participating agencies and specifically addressing underserved communities. The state has recognized that the climate crisis endangers the health, safety, and welfare of the people, and that preemptive and protective action is needed. Hawaii also set an economy-wide net negative target by 2045 in which, the state has agreed to sequester more greenhouse gasses (GHG) than it produces.
Working in collaboration with a number of state and county government agencies and committees, the project will provide transparency and accountability through outreach opportunities (i.e. community gatherings and events) and encourage community engagement throughout the project timeline. Additionally, the project will provide foundational support in coordinating tasks and groups, tracking and budgeting progress, and supporting the CCMAC Coordinator in developing the Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) and Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP).
Duties and Responsibilities
The responsibilities and primary functions of the position include, but are not limited to:
- Research: Conducts climate, environmental and social justice research to identify definitions and actions to mitigate injustices. Performs program planning, monitoring, and analysis. Manages and monitors climate justice project implementation and strategies to improve equity across the state.
- Data Management: Works with partners in the development of a GIS mapping tool that incorporates multiple datasets.
- Outreach: Plans and coordinates program activities, events, campaigns, outreach, and informational materials. Travels to events and meetings. Conducts related trainings and outreach for partners to support climate justice efforts.
- Recommendations: Researches and reviews recommendations made by the scientific community, and creates recommendations for environmental justice actions at the policy and practitioner level.
- Evaluation: Conducts and coordinates the accurate representation of disadvantaged and underserved populations. Develops and manages analysis and assessment plans for environmental goals.
- Writes and edits proposals, technical reports, and climate justice planning documents. Develops fact sheets and other written materials.
- Develops annual workplans and reports on activities, accomplishments and impacts attends and participates in Hawaii Sea Grant quarterly faculty and staff meetings and professional development opportunities.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- A Master’s degree from a college or university of recognized standing, with major work in Public Administration, Public Policy, Law, Social Science, Social Work, Communications, Climatology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Environmental Justice or related fields.
- Working knowledge of GIS mapping, climate change and environmental justice.
- Knowledge of research methodology, reporting budgeting and accounting practices and principles.
- Knowledge of county and state vulnerability and equity mapping efforts.
- Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office.
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Ability to meet changing priorities and responsibilities and complete assignments on a timely basis.
- Ability to work with diverse user groups, cultures, and personalities.
- Must possess an understanding of the social and cultural environment of the locality.
- Ability to be a positive team player.
- Ability to remain resilient under varying circumstances while effectively meeting deadlines.
- Ability to be flexible with changing aspects and needs of job.
- Facility in the techniques of the relevant field.
- Accuracy, alertness, and adaptability.
Desirable Qualifications
- Understanding of the climate change impacts, policies, justice, and other issues of Hawai‘i.
- Experience with social justice.
- Experience working with multicultural stakeholders.
- Working knowledge of methods to develop, present and monitor grants.
To Apply:
Click on the Apply button on the top right of the screen to complete an application and attach required documents. Submit: 1) cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications 2) current curriculum vitae 3) names and contact information (phone and e-mail) of three (3) professional references and 4) official transcripts (copies acceptable for application, but if selected, originals required at time of hire). All application materials must be submitted by the closing date. Failure to submit all application materials by the closing date shall deem an application incomplete and will not be considered.
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Inquiries:
Darren T. Lerner 808-956-7031 lerner@hawaii.edu
