Energy Training Specialist

DUTIES SUMMARY

The position is located in the Hawai‘i State Energy Office (HSEO), an attached agency of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), and supports HSEO’s mission to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean transportation to help achieve a resilient clean energy economy.

The position will focus on coordinating activities for the backbone and lead organization in the Clean Energy and Skilled Trades sector of the Good Jobs Challenge. For more information visit: University of Hawaii | U.S. Economic Development Administration (eda.gov). Over the course of this grant, the Specialist will work with the University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges (UHCC), industry associations, employers, service providers, trainees, community-based organizations and others to develop and implement effective and high-impact career and technical education and workforce training that meets the needs of the Clean Energy and Skilled Trades sector which includes energy efficiency, conservation, renewable energy, and clean transportation.

Job Responsibilities: Initiate, develop, manage and implement workforce innovations, facilitate planning and policies, collaborate with UHCC, industry associations, employers, service providers, trainees, community-based organizations and others, and oversee HSEO’s office operations for workforce development functions.  Provide leadership for effective and high impact career and technical education and workforce training that meet current workforce needs and innovates for the future that leads trainees on a pathway for career advancement that will result in a sustainable, living wage. Plan and implement strategies–in collaboration with UHCC, industry associations, employers, service providers, trainees, community-based organizations and others–to achieve Good Jobs Challenge plans and objectives and to fulfill HSEO’s leadership role in the state’s Clean Energy and Skilled Trades workforce and economic development planning and implementation. Write progress reports for submission to the grant coordinator; participate in EDA-coordinated program activities, meetings, and discussions, including travel to the continental U.S. Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge: This position requires knowledge of developing, coordinating, and directing strategic, education, training and/or workforce initiatives.  An understanding of the importance of training programs to address future Clean Energy and Skilled Trades workforce needs is preferred.  Also, it is desirable to have working knowledge of related workforce development impact analyses and UHCC processes.  Knowledge of Hawaii-specific challenges related to workforce training and policies is a plus.

Skills/Abilities: This position requires strong organizational, research, analytical writing, project management, communication, and presentation skills.  Must be able to use independent judgement and initiative, know when to seek approval or request managerial review, and be able to make appropriate decisions.  Should be able to produce relevant reports and other communication materials; have strong verbal and interpersonal skills and experience in organizing and facilitating consultations and workshops; have a willingness and ability to network with a variety of individuals and organizations; be sensitive to diverse opinions; and have an awareness of potential difficulties arising from differing social, economic, and cultural perceptions.

Education: The minimum level of education needed for the position is graduation from an accredited 2-year college with an associate degree or professional certificate in a relevant field.

General Experience: This position requires:

1. Progressively responsible professional experience in developing, coordinating, and directing strategic, education, training and/or workforce initiatives.
2. Progressively responsible professional experience in project management and administration, including responsibility for planning, policy, program development and/or program implementation.
3. Experience in developing and managing a budget.
4. Experience in developing, securing, and/or administering grants and/or contracts.
5. Experience in communicating effectively both orally and in writing to a wide range of constituents, such as employers, industry partners, and community-based organizations.
6. Experience in analyzing and communicating data effectively to define and advance strategic goals and directions of the organization, as well as to evaluate programs.
7. Experience in being resourceful, entrepreneurial and effective in a leadership role (e.g., starting up new initiatives, developing and maintaining partnerships with stakeholders).
8. Experience in Hawai‘i’s workforce development environment.
9. Experience building a coalition around a common call to action.

Desirable Qualifications:

1. Experience as an innovator in workforce development or training.
2. Experience working with college faculty, staff, and administrators in developing, implementing, and evaluating workforce development programs, preferably within community colleges and preferably with degree programs and non-credit training.
3. Experience leading workforce development initiatives.
4. Experience coordinating multi-organization programs and initiatives effectively.
5. Experience managing statewide projects that includes Neighbor Islands and Oahu.
6. Ability to analyze and communicate labor market information effectively to define and advance strategic goals and directions for workforce development, training and/or student success, as well as to evaluate programs.
7. Ability to lead change effectively in complex organizations.
8. Knowledge of emerging trends and innovations in workforce development, career and technical education and/or training.
9. Knowledge of emerging trends and research-based practices in the Clean Energy and Skilled Trades sector.
10. Experience in environmental justice and equity.

Citizenship Requirement: The State of Hawaii requires that all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States.

OTHER INFORMATION

This position is exempt from the civil service and considered temporary in nature. Therefore, if you are appointed to the position, your employment will be considered to be “at will,” which means that you may be discharged from your employment at the prerogative of your department head or designee at any time.

Submit resumes to: [email protected]:

• cover letter; and
• comprehensive resume

Direct all inquiries regarding this position to: [email protected]