Do you enjoy sharing your love of Hawaiʻi and inspiring others? Do you have a passion for learning and creative talent? Do you have experience with public relations, marketing, or outreach? Consider applying for the position of Public Relations and Education Specialist at the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC).

The MISC Public Relations and Education Specialist builds support for controlling invasive species throughout Maui County and Hawaiʻi. By working with insightful leaders within MISC and the state – in conservation, agriculture, education, and culture to name a few – the individual selected for this position will both contribute to and participate in developing strategy, messaging, and implementation of awareness and engagement campaigns for diverse audiences.  Clear communication skills are essential as responsibilities include dealing with media, tabling community events, maintaining an online presence through social media and websites, conducting presentations, writing articles and press releases, negotiating access to private property, facilitating meetings, and more. This is an excellent opportunity for a visionary person to help conservation initiatives succeed.

Find the full application below and apply online through the RCUH website.

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MISC PUBLIC RELATIONS & EDUCATION SPECIALIST – ID# 220352.  Maui Invasive Species Committee.  Regular, Full-Time RCUH Non-Civil Service position with the Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit (PCSU), Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) in Maui, 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:  Salary commensurate with qualifications. 

DUTIES:  Develops and maintains a positive public image for MISC operations. Develops and implements public relations (PR) and education program to raise public awareness about and generate support for MISC’s efforts to control invasive plants and animals. Coordinates and directs the MISC PR and Outreach team. Manages personnel on the outreach team and supervises Education/Outreach Program Associate, including scheduling and timekeeping, personnel evaluations, and making hiring decisions. Assumes responsibility for communicating MISC’s work and the importance of invasive species management to the community and partners. Negotiates access to public and private property for survey and control operations. Uses graphic design programs, creative writing, and artistic abilities to design original educational and public relations materials. Acts as primary contact for media inquiries and on social media. Maintains MISC websites and develops community engagement programs. Represents MISC at appropriate venues.  Creates and conducts presentations to community and school groups. Develops and maintains positive relationships with members of the local media, with MISC’s partners, and the public. Prepares reports on public relations activities and accomplishments. Plans outreach strategies and implements initiatives. Identifies funding opportunities as they arise through networking and participation in statewide working groups.   Drives project vehicles to access work sites and attend PR events. Must work on weekends, holidays, and occasionally evenings to attend community events. 

PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/TRAINING:  Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university. 

EXPERIENCE:  Three to five (3-5) years of experience in public relations or education related to natural resource management.  Experience must include at least one (1) year of experience producing public messages using different forms of media, including print, radio, video, website, and television. 

ABIL/KNOW/SKILLS:  Knowledgeable about Hawaiian biota and threats from incipient alien plant and animal invasions in Hawai‘i. Knowledge of identification and detection techniques for invasive species and familiarity with common native and introduced Hawaiian plants and animal species. Familiarity with community-based social marketing concepts and social media presence. Knowledge of website design and maintenance. Must possess excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills.  Strong writing and editing ability. Demonstrated ability to produce creative original content and outreach products. Excellent computer skills. Proficient in the use of basic computer programs, including word processing, desktop publishing, and web design software.  Ability to negotiate effectively with reluctant landowners.  Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with a wide variety of publics. Ability to present information to individuals or groups.  Ability to think and act independently in the public eye while striving to present a positive public image for controversial activities.  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. 

PHYSICAL/MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Ability to lift and carry at least 20 pounds. Ability to set-up exhibits/displays.

POLICY AND/OR REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:  As a condition of employment, employee will be subject to all applicable RCUH policies and procedures and, as applicable, subject to University of Hawai‘i’s and/or business entity’s policies and procedures.  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. INQUIRIES: Adam Radford 264-9496 (Maui).

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: Please go to www.rcuh.com and click on “Job Postings.” You must submit the following documents online to be considered for the position:
1) Cover Letter,
2) Resume,
3) Supervisory References,
4) Copy of Degree(s)/Transcript(s)/Certificate(s).

All online applications must be submitted/received by the closing date (11:59 P.M. Hawai‘i Standard Time/RCUH receipt time) as stated on the job posting. If you do not have access to our system and the closing date is imminent, you may send additional documents to rcuh_employment@rcuh.com. If you have questions on the application process and/or need assistance, please call (808) 956-7262 or (808) 956-0872. 

CLOSING DATE:  August 12, 2020. 

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

Equal Opportunities Employer – Minorities/Women/Disability/Veteran.