Graduate Assistant

Graduate Assistant (Biocultural Initiative – Sea Grant Volunteerism)

Position Number: 0000GA11 Hiring Unit: Institute for Sustainability & Resilience (ISR) Location: Manoa Campus Date Posted: May 26, 2026 Closing Date: Continuous recruitment until position filled; application review to begin approximately June 15, 2026 Salary Information: Minimum Step 17 - $31,524 annually; commensurate with qualifications and experience Monthly Type: 11 months Part Time/ Full Time: Part Time (20 hours per week) Full Time Equivalency: 50% Temporary/ Permanent: Temporary Vacancies: 1 Other Conditions: To begin on or after August 17, 2026 through May 31, 2027. Renewal depends upon satisfactory performance, position need, availability of funds, and meeting the eligibility requirements of the assistantship (for details, go to the UHM Graduate Division website). Position is not remote.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Collaborates with an interdisciplinary team of researchers and aina stewardship groups including Kako'o 'Oiwi and the He'eia NERR. Researchers include interdisciplinary faculty and students from the Biocultural Initiative of the Pacific at the Institute for Sustainability and Resilience, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, the School of Life Sciences, and Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology.
2. Conducts research to understand the past, current, and potential future roles of volunteers in environmental stewardship efforts on O'ahu. Duties may include (but are not limited to): (1) scheduling and conducting interviews with community organizations; (2) qualitative analysis of interviews; (3) written and oral communication of findings; (4) regular attendance at community workdays held by environmental stewardship organizations.
3. Supports enhancement of volunteer experiences at an agroforestry restoration site, Pu'ulani at Kako'o 'Oiwi. Duties may include (but are not limited to): (1) scheduling and conducting interviews and surveys with volunteers; (2) qualitative and quantitative analysis; (3) facilitating focus groups and workshops; (4) regular attendance of community workdays and stewardship events.
4. The GA is expected to perform other additional tasks as assigned. Duties also include collaborating and working with other researchers and practitioners in an interdisciplinary environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Admission to, or ongoing, graduate student at UH Manoa in NREM or directly related field of study.
2. Experience or educational training in biocultural approaches and environmental stewardship, cultural resource management, restoration, traditional food systems, or conservation.
3. Experience working with Hawai'i communities or community-based organizations.
4. Excellent communication and writing skills.

Desirable Qualifications:

1. Demonstrated proficiency in conducting and analyzing interviews, surveys, and other social science methods.
2. Ability to work well independently and as a team.
3. Experience working with Native Hawaiian communities.

To Apply:

If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account. Click on the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach required documents.

Applicants must submit the following:

1. Cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications;
2. Resume or CV ;
3. Names and contact information (telephone number and email addresses) of 3 professional references ;
4. Copy of unofficial transcript (official transcripts will be required at the time of hire). Academic record/grade summaries will NOT be accepted. Copy of diplomas will NOT be accepted.) Documents issued from an institution outside the United States of America require a course-by-course analysis with an equivalency statement from an agency having membership with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc., verifying the degree equivalency to that of an accredited institution within the USA. Expense of the evaluation shall be borne by the applicant.

IMPORTANT Note: If multiple applications are received from the same candidate, only the last one will be reviewed. Please DO NOT include any self-identifying photos, REFERENCES TO SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS AND BIRTH DATE on any documents within the application packet. All items become the property of the University of Hawaii and will not be returned. Only complete applications will be passed on to the search committee for consideration. Incomplete or unreadable application materials will not be considered.

Inquiries: Rachel Dacks r View email address on click.appcast.io

EEO, Clery Act, ADA

The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit:

Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks. In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at:, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office. Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: