Agriculture Research & Policy Specialist

Develop and facilitate collaborative processes:

• Engage with County staff, industry stakeholders, and government entities to identify research needs.
• Evaluate existing and proposed policies affecting system resilience, climate change mitigation, innovation, and sustainable economic development in agriculture and food systems within the County.
• Develop action pathways to address identified needs.
• Provide tools and support for effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
• Maintain network contact lists and act as the liaison between the county and community stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Department of Research and Development, other County and State departments, and industry and community stakeholders.

Coordinate with County, State, and Federal initiatives:

• Collaborate with relevant county and statewide networks and working groups.
• Coordinate efforts with County, statewide, and Federal policy initiatives impacting Hawai’i Agriculture and Food Systems.

Support collective processes for systemic change:

• Enable interventions and policy development that integrate indigenous knowledge and practices into sustainable development-related policy initiatives.
• Ensure transparency of ongoing progress, visualize impacts, and provide information on available resources.
• Develop facilitation processes to evaluate and identify areas limiting system resilience, climate change mitigation, innovation, and sustainable economic development within the community.

Policy Research:

• Compile a list of current zoning laws and policy needs affecting agricultural and food systems in Hawai’i County.
• Research existing and proposed policies that hinder or enable resilient Agriculture and Food Systems.
• Identify existing and proposed policies that align indigenous knowledge and practices within agricultural and food system development.
• Identify innovative policy solutions implemented in other regions and identify best practices for policy development.

Reporting and Communication:

• Prepare comprehensive reports, policy briefs, cost-benefit analyses, and research papers summarizing findings, recommendations, and policy implications for internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop presentations and other materials to communicate research findings and recommendations.
• Present research findings and policy proposals to diverse audiences, including policymakers, industry professionals, and the general public, through oral presentations, webinars, and written communication.
• Develop and track key data points for evaluation reports through community processes.
• Stay up-to-date with advancements in agricultural research, policy frameworks, and industry practices to provide informed insights and contribute to thought leadership in the field.

Other Responsibilities:

• Represent Department leadership in meetings as requested.
• Participate in County-level Communities of Practice.
• Fulfill other related duties as assigned by the Director, Deputy Director, or the Food Systems Specialist.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, environmental science, political science, or a related field.
• Proven experience in agricultural research, policy analysis, or a related field.
• Familiarity with agricultural policy frameworks, regulations, and government processes.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including interpreting and analyzing data.
• Ability to develop white papers and cost-benefit analyses.
• Knowledge of local and regional food systems and experience working with farmers, producers, and food-related organizations.
• Experience in developing agendas and facilitating diverse stakeholder meetings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas to the public and representatives of government agencies.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail, while ensuring mid- and long-term goals are achieved.
• Patience and empathy when communicating with the community, contractors, nonprofits, businesses, and community-based advocacy groups.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in data analysis software, statistical tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract, Temporary

Pay: $60,000.99 - $68,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Hilo, HI 96720: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Hilo, HI 96720