OPEN

2025 E. Gordon Grau Coastal and Marine Resource Management and Policy Fellowship Program
(2025 Grau Fellowship)

 APPLICATIONS DUE: 5:00 pm HST on Friday, April 25, 2025

Please join our informational webinar on April 4, 2025. Register at bit.ly/2025GrauFellow

About the Fellowship 

In recognition of Professor Emeritus E. Gordon Grau’s service of more than 14 years to the Sea Grant College Program at the University of Hawaiʻi (Hawaiʻi Sea Grant) and the national network of 34 Sea Grant College Programs nationwide, we have established the E. Gordon Grau Coastal and Marine Resource Management and Policy Fellowship Program (Grau Fellowship). Sponsored by Hawaiʻi Sea Grant, the Grau Fellowship provides a unique educational and work opportunity for recent graduates (Masters, Ph.D., or J.D.) who are interested in coastal and marine resource management and policy decisions affecting those resources in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific region. Modeled after the highly successful John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program, the Grau Fellowship provides fellows an opportunity to acquire on-the-job experience in the planning, implementation, and management of marine, coastal, and/or watershed resource policies and programs. The program matches highly motivated and qualified recent graduates of graduate programs with hosts in state, federal, or municipal agencies and nonprofits in Hawaiʻi for a 2-year paid fellowship.

Eligibility 

Graduate students at institutions of higher education in Hawaiʻi who complete their graduate degrees (Masters, Ph.D., or J.D) between May 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025 in fields related to conservation, management, public policy, planning, or law of marine and/or coastal resources are eligible and encouraged to apply. Additionally, applicants who graduated from a high school in Hawaiʻi and complete their graduate degrees between May 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025 in related disciplines as described above from accredited institutions of higher education outside of Hawaiʻi are encouraged to apply (e.g., students who graduated high school in Hawaiʻi and completed graduate degrees in California). Fellows must complete all degree requirements before starting the fellowship on September 1, 2025. 

This fellowship is open to U.S. citizens and nationals.

Stipend and Expenses 

Each fellow will receive a $65,000/year stipend for the 2-year fellowship ($5,416.66/month). Fellows will be responsible for obtaining health insurance and for the tracking and allocation of state and federal taxes as appropriate. Possible travel associated with the fellowship may be covered by the host agency at the agency’s discretion.

Length of Assignment 

The length of assignment is 2 consecutive years (24 months; non-renewable). The fellowship will begin September 1, 2025 and end August 31, 2027.

Application Process 

A complete application will include:

1. Personal and academic curriculum vitae (two pages maximum, 12-point font)

• Describes applicant’s experience in either marine/coastal/watershed/climate science, natural and cultural resource management, planning, public policy, and/or law.
• Describes honors, awards, and other recognition received by the applicant.
• Describes applicant’s commitment to apply scientific expertise to serve society.
• Describes applicant’s prior leadership roles relevant to their career stage (e.g., student government, faculty committees, advisory committees, professional societies, community initiatives, etc.).

2. A personal education and career goal statement (1,000 words maximum, 12-point font) that answers the following questions:

• What are your abilities, relevant background, and experience that may address one of the listed host offices and projects needs?
• What do you hope to gain from and contribute to the Grau Fellowship Program?
• What is your specific preference in the potential host office(s) listed? If you have interest in more than one host office/project please indicate that.
• What are your long-term career goals and how does the Grau Fellowship support your long-term career plans?

3. Copies of all undergraduate and graduate student transcripts. Unofficial copies will be accepted at time of application deadline. Official transcripts are required prior to finalizing awards.

4. Two letters of professional recommendation, with one, we suggest, written by the student’s advisor; however, not required to be from the advisor and could be from a faculty member who is most familiar with the applicant academically. Letters will be received at eSeaGrant. We encourage applicants to enter the names and emails of their letter writers in eSeaGrant early in the application process.

5. Written documentation that a graduate degree has been conferred or will be conferred by August 31, 2025. For most students the copy of the transcript will show that the graduate degree has been conferred. For applicants who are graduating after Grau Fellowship applications are due, we ask for a signed letter from the applicant’s advisor, committee member, or department chair stating the applicant’s intended graduation date and what remains to be completed in their degree program before graduation.

How to Submit Application 

Applications should be submitted via eSeaGrant by 5:00 PM HST on Friday, April 25, 2025:

https://eseagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/ (Note: upon first arrival at eSeaGrant, if you do not already have an account, you will be asked to sign up and create a username and password). Applicants will be asked to submit the names and emails for their letter writers. Letters of recommendation will be submitted to eSeaGrant directly from the letter writers. Late applications will not be considered.

Potential Host Offices for the 2025 Fellowship 

In the 2025 Grau Fellowship cohort, there are four potential host office placements for fellows. Depending on the applications received, Hawaiʻi Sea Grant and the host office partners may not fill all placements. There are a total of five fellowship placements available across the four host offices. For a full description of the host offices and planned projects and desired skill sets for 2025 Grau Fellows please read the subsequent pages.

Selection 

Selection of finalists (2025 Grau Fellowship Cohort) will be made based on reviews of written application materials and interviews (in person, by Zoom, or by phone). Please read and review the evaluation criteria on page 9 which will be used by the review committee in their selection process for identifying candidates for interviews.

Timeline

• April 25, 2025 (5:00 PM HST):

Applications due via eSeaGrant https://eseagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/

• May 2025 (approximate):

Interviews for selection of finalists by Hawaiʻi Sea Grant. Finalists are notified of status.

• September 1, 2025:

Fellowship begins (date can be negotiated between fellow and host agency).

Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL)

The OCCL is responsible for overseeing approximately 2 million acres of private and public lands that lie within the State Land Use Conservation District. In addition to privately and publicly zoned Conservation District lands, OCCL is responsible for overseeing beach and marine lands out to the seaward extent of the State’s jurisdiction. This responsibility includes management of coastal resources including beaches, dunes, and rocky shorelines seaward of county jurisdictions and/or within the State Conservation District. The Coastal Lands Program is responsible for coordinating coastal management at OCCL and supports the complementary long-term goals of conserving coastal resources and mitigating risks from natural and human-induced hazards for coastal communities. The Program develops and implements innovative shoreline management techniques, including alternatives for coastal erosion management through a long-standing cooperative relationship with the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program.

The Grau Fellow at OCCL will:

1. Support OCCL in tasks connected to Hawaiʻi Administrative Rules updates such as assisting with scheduling of public meetings and outreach events, facilitating incorporation of community input into proposed updates, and organizing individual discussions with community groups and organizations.
2. Assist with finalizing and implementing updates to the Small Scale Beach Restoration Program and providing additional capacity to expand the beach restoration support program with the county park departments and community based organizations throughout Hawaiʻi.
3. Complete background research and outreach in connection to legislation and policy reviews. The Grau Fellow may be involved in work with the interagency policy group to identify and draft documents to advance beach protection and public trust stewardship of coastal resources.
4. Assist in the coordination of the ten-year update to the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Adaptation Report.
5. Participate in and assist with the planning and implementation of dune restoration projects throughout Hawaiʻi.

Desired skills for this fellow are:

• Background in marine/conservation policy and an interest in conservation law and policy.
• Understanding of beach and coastal processes and impacts of sea level rise on coastal resources.
• General knowledge of land use management in Hawaiʻi, particularly in the coastal zone.
• Presentation and facilitation skills for government and community meetings.
• Ability to learn and translate technical/scientific topics to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to connect and communicate with various audiences.
• Ability to work independently or in teams with different personalities and perspectives.
• Ability to coordinate and organize working groups and meeting logistics and planning.
• Ability to think critically, speak clearly, and write effectively.

Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR)

The mission of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) is to work with the people of Hawai‘i to manage, conserve, and restore the state’s unique aquatic resources and ecosystems for present and future generations. DAR manages the state’s aquatic resources and ecosystems through programs in ecosystem management, place-based management, and fisheries management. Major program areas include projects to manage, conserve, and restore aquatic ecosystems, combat the introduction of invasive species, address depleted fisheries, and carry out education and outreach to the public. DAR is leading the Holomua Marine initiative as part of a comprehensive strategy focused on our nearshore waters.

The Grau Fellow at DAR will:

1. Support the Holomua team and DAR staff with activities to develop and strengthen the essential components of effective management of nearshore waters, including development of an island management plan; statewide fisheries rules; outreach and enforcement strategies; monitoring; and restoration.
2. Provide community support and capacity with management processes, interface with various communities and stakeholders, integrate alternative data sources into management planning, review Holomua communications materials, and support outreach efforts as needed.
3. Assist in drafting community-based marine monitoring plans, coordinate the distribution of monitoring kits, and conduct community-based trainings.
4. Complete background research on community-based monitoring methods that can be used to inform the efforts of the Holomua Marine Initiative.
5. DAR is open to working with the Grau Fellow to produce a fellowship plan and portfolio that meets the strengths and expertise of the selected applicant.

Desired skills for this fellow are:

• Background in marine management, marine biology, marine conservation, natural sciences, planning, communication, and/or other relevant disciplines.
• Presentation and facilitation skills for government and community meetings.
• Ability to learn and translate technical/scientific topics to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to connect and communicate with various audiences.
• Ability to work independently or in teams with different personalities and perspectives.
• Ability to coordinate and organize working groups and meeting logistics and planning.
• Ability to think critically, speak clearly, and write effectively.
• Experience partnering with community based organizations on marine and coastal research or restoration.

Honolulu Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency (CCSR)

The City and County of Honolulu Office of Climate Change, Sustainability and Resiliency (“CCSR”) was established by a City Charter amendment in 2016 with overwhelming approval by Oʻahu voters. CCSR is tasked with seeking local information from scientists and tracking climate change science and potential impacts on city facilities, coordinating actions and policies of departments within the city to increase community preparedness, protecting economic activity, protecting the coastal areas and beaches, and developing resilient infrastructure in response to the effects from climate change. Additionally, CCSR is responsible for integrating sustainable and environmental values into city plans, programs, and policies as well as supporting administration of the city’s Climate Change Commission. CCSR is seeking two Grau Fellows. 

Coastal and Water Program Team (Honolulu CCSR)

This fellow will help the city implement the climate adaptation strategy, and will be responsible for researching, coordinating or managing projects and programs as described below. This Grau Fellow would join the CCSR Coastal and Water Program team and report to the Program Manager.

The Grau Fellow at Honolulu CCSR will:

1. Advance understanding of implementing managed retreat, including research around policies and market-based mechanisms such as transfer of development rights.
2. Research new and innovative funding mechanisms for climate adaptation such as special districts, bulk funds, tax increment financing, etc.
3. Support the CCSR adaptation team in communications and outreach about climate adaptation and Climate Ready Oʻahu.
4. Support the City’s partnerships with community-based organizations around the island on adaptation and coastal resilience projects.
5. Advance other timely priorities toward Climate Ready O‘ahu implementation such researching and seeking input into the concept of a coastal conservancy.

Desired skills for this fellow are:

• Background or training in mālama ʻāina, native ecosystems, public policy, economics, urban planning, social sciences, resource management, natural sciences, environmental studies, coastal zone management, or related fields.
• Knowledge and familiarity with sea level rise, climate impacts, and adaptation strategies.
• Knowledge of and ability to use geospatial tools for planning activities.
• Understanding of relevant federal, state, and local policies and programs.
• Ability to think critically, speak clearly, and write effectively.
• Ability to work independently or in teams with different personalities and perspectives.
• Ability to connect and communicate with various audiences.
• Ability to learn and translate technical/scientific topics to non-technical audiences.
• Background in fostering community-centered engagement.
• Experience with place- and people-based solutions especially in a Hawaiʻi context.
• Ability to coordinate and organize working groups and support meeting logistics.
• Knowledge of current and historical community dynamics impacting climate adaptation work in Hawaiʻi.

Hazard Mitigation and Long-Term Disaster Recovery Team (Honolulu CCSR)

This Fellow will help the City implement coastal and adaptation aspects of the City’s Hazard Mitigation Plan and the Long-Term Disaster Recovery Plan and will be responsible to research, coordinate or manage projects and programs as described below. This Grau Fellow would join the CCSR Hazard Mitigation and Long-Term Disaster Recovery team and report to the Program Manager.

The Grau Fellow at Honolulu CCSR will:

1. Research plans, policies, and financial matters related to implementing climate adaptation strategies within hazard mitigation plans.
2. Create and manage cost-benefit metrics and tools relating to climate and coastal hazard design guidelines for infrastructure and design projects at the municipal level.
3. Support the CCSR team in communications and outreach about climate adaptation and hazard mitigation.
4. Support the City’s partnerships with community-based organizations around the island on hazard mitigation and coastal resilience projects.
5. Provide policy support and expertise for post-disaster reconstruction ordinances.
6. Develop, review and present grant proposals, reports and slide decks.
7. Act and expand on outcomes and findings of ongoing climate and community resilience projects.
8. Gain knowledge and familiarity with climate impacts on and strategies for community, ʻāina, wai, and infrastructure.

Desired skills for this fellow are:

• Background or training in mālama ʻāina, native ecosystems, public policy, economics, urban planning, social sciences, resource management, natural sciences, environmental studies, coastal zone management, or related fields.
• Ability to collect, process, format, and work with quantitative and qualitative data.
• Ability to learn and translate technical/scientific topics to non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of and ability to use geospatial tools for planning activities.
• Understanding of relevant federal, state, and local policies and programs.
• Ability to think critically, speak clearly, and write effectively.
• Ability to work independently or in teams with different personalities and perspectives.
• Background in fostering community-centered engagement.
• Experience with place- and people-based solutions especially in a Hawaiʻi context.
• Knowledge of current and historical community dynamics impacting climate adaptation work in Hawaiʻi.

NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (NOAA PIFSC) 

PIFSC provides essential scientific information and fosters partnerships that enable the sustainable management of living marine resources within Pacific Island communities, including domestic and international commercial fisheries, protected species (monk seals, cetaceans, and sea turtles), climate, as well as shallow and deep coral ecosystems. PIFSC will lead the Pacific Islands Deep-sea Ecosystems of Sponges and Corals: Exploration, iNvestigation and Technology (Pacific Islands DESCENT) initiative for 2025-2028. The Pacific Islands DESCENT will advance science-based decision-making for deep-sea coral and sponge ecosystems, fisheries management, and marine spatial planning. The center’s work directly informs federal, state, and regional policies, ensuring sustainable resource management and the protection of vulnerable deep-sea habitats.

The Grau Fellow at NOAA PIFSC will:

1. Build on on-going work to develop a comprehensive synthesis of deep-sea coral and sponge distributions across the Pacific Islands region. By compiling and analyzing existing datasets from deep-sea surveys, fisheries bycatch records, ROV footage, seabed imagery, and published literature, the fellow will develop a biogeographical baseline to support marine spatial planning, conservation efforts, and policy applications.
2. Share DESCENT findings for potential management actions related to habitat protections, risk mitigations from deep-sea mining, and regulatory considerations for energy infrastructure development with NOAA staff and marine sanctuary managers.
3. Support the creation of habitat suitability maps for deep-sea coral and sponge species that will be used to analyze species richness hotspots and inform management options for Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary.
4. Translate DESCENT’s research into an accessible, visually compelling, and interactive Story Map that allows users to learn about DESCENT activities in deep-sea exploration, conservation, and habitat understanding.

Desired skills for this fellow are:

• Background in marine ecology, marine biology, conservation, natural resources and environmental management, planning, law/policy, and/or other relevant disciplines.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills (e.g., GIS, familiarity with R, spatial analysis).
• Ability to learn and translate technical/scientific topics to non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge or experience with conducting risk assessment and trade off analysis to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic stressors.
• Familiarity with deep-sea coral and sponge ecosystems and marine ecology
• Ability to think critically, speak clearly, and write effectively.
• Strong time management skills and ability to achieve project goals in agreed timeframes.
• Ability to work independently or in teams with different personalities and perspectives.
• Ability to coordinate and organize working groups and meeting logistics and planning.

Contact 

For additional information, please contact:

Maya Walton

Assistant Director for Research, Fellowships, and Administration

University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program   waltonm@hawaii.edu; (808) 956-6992

Application Evaluation Criteria

1. Personal and academic curriculum vitae (40 percent). 

For the Grau Fellowship Program, the personal and academic curriculum vitae is reviewed on the extent to which:

• the applicant has relevant employment, volunteer, or extracurricular activities in academic, applied, research, administration, outreach, or policy positions that would be beneficial to one of the listed host offices;
• the experience in the applicant’s area of expertise is appropriate to the career stage;
• the applicant has received honors, awards, and other recognition;
• the applicant has worked with partner groups outside of a university setting;
• the applicant’s experience demonstrates a commitment to apply scientific expertise to serve society;
• the applicant’s experiences show prior leadership roles relevant to the career stage (e.g., student government, faculty committees, advisory committees, professional societies, community initiatives, etc.); and
• records of publications and/or presentations (academic or nonacademic) are appropriate to the career stage, field, and institutional settings.

2. Personal education and career goal statement (45 percent). 

For the Grau Fellowship program, the cover letter is reviewed on the extent to which the letter:

• is specific, direct, and concise while discussing what the applicant would bring to and gain from the Grau fellowship;
• clearly articulates the applicant’s career or life goal;
• demonstrates the applicant’s varied personal and professional background;
• provides evidence of creative thinking, analytical skill, and/or indicates the applicant’s capacity and willingness to make connections between science and broader economic, social, and policy issues; and
• demonstrates the applicant’s ability to convey scientific knowledge in broader, nonscientific contexts.

3. Academic record (5 percent). 

For the Grau Fellowship Program, the graduate and undergraduate transcripts are reviewed on the extent to which:

• the education and experience in the applicant’s area of expertise are appropriate to the career stage and relevant to one of the listed host offices; and
• the applicant displays strength in academic performance and competitive course grades.

4. Letters of Recommendation (10 percent).

For the Grau Fellowship Program, the letters of recommendation are reviewed on the extent to which the letters:

• demonstrate knowledge of the applicant and their abilities;
• speak to the leadership potential, confidence, maturity, and self direction of the applicant;
• provide evidence of the applicant’s willingness and flexibility to tackle issues beyond their area of expertise, and an openness and capacity to broaden their experience base; and
• provide evidence of the applicant’s ability to successfully convey scientific knowledge in broader, nontechnical contexts.