CONTINUOUS

Please reply to Cindy Knapman, lknapman@hawaii.edu

Science writers specializing in coastal and ocean resource management and water resource management needed for Hawai‘i Sea Grant’s biannual magazine Ka Pili Kai, published by the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program, Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Must possess an understanding of Hawai‘i and Pacific Islands issues. It is helpful if the contractor is based in Hawai‘i or the Pacific Islands, but is not required.

Ka Pili Kai magazine communicates scientific knowledge to people of all ages who are interested in ocean and coastal management. It focuses on the topics such as water resources, coastal and climate science, sustainable coastal tourism, smart building and community design, marine education, and indigenous science, knowledge, and culture. The magazine is geared for ocean and coastal resource managers, policymakers, nongovernmental organizations such as environmental groups, and interested citizens. Please find a copy of our last issue HERE.

1. The contractor will collect information on a pre-selected topic by interviewing scientists, resource managers, or cultural experts who are involved with the topic of interest.
2. The contractor will be requested to write one or more of the following:
3. 600-word profile on an individual
4. 600-word story on a specific topic of interest that will be assigned
5. 1,500-word summary of a selected book
6. 2,000-2,500-word story on a specific topic of interest that will be assigned

The target audience includes policymakers, ocean and coastal resource professionals, and interested citizens. The articles should spark the reader’s interest by:

1. Translating technical scientific information into layman’s terms.
2. Providing context so the relevance of the information is readily apparent.
3. Providing interesting quotes from the scientists and other interviewees.
4. Craft a frame narrative so the article tells an interesting story and holds the reader’s
   attention.

The contractor will also:

1. Obtain photos and/or figures from the featured scientist(s) or cultural experts related to the findings and write captions for each. Photos and figures should be provided electronically as individual files. Photos should be .jpg or .tiff files with a minimum resolution of 300 dots per inch (dpi).
2. Provide managing editor with a preliminary draft for review and work with them to resolve any issues regarding clarity and accuracy.
3. Submit the final draft electronically in Microsoft Word along with photos and figures to the managing editor within 3 weeks.

The contractor must have sufficient understanding of science and ocean and coastal management to translate complex scientific information and make it interesting and accessible to a broad audience.

How to apply:

To apply, please send a PDF of the following application materials to lknapman@hawaii.edu:

•    Cover letter
•    Resume or CV
•    3 writing samples that demonstrate an ability to translate scientific information in a style that stimulates the interest of an educated audience.

1. Potential contractors shall supply a lump sum bid for writing one or more of the articles described above.
2. Contractor is paid per article following satisfactory submittal.
3. The contractor does not own the copyright to any work or writing produced.

Email responses to: lknapman@hawaii.edu

Questions? Please contact Cindy Knapman, lknapman@hawaii.edu, (808) 956-7410

About the University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program

Founded in 1968, the University of Hawaiʻi Sea Grant College Program (Hawai’i Sea Grant) is part of a national network of 33 programs that promote better understanding, conservation, and use of coastal resources. Hawai’i Sea Grant works in partnership with the University of Hawaiʻi’s prestigious School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to identify Hawaiʻi’s critical resource management issues and guide cutting-edge scientific research to address these challenges.

Hawai’i Sea Grant supports an innovative program of research, extension, education, and communication services directed to the improved understanding and stewardship of coastal and marine resources. Realizing the necessity of collaboration to address coastal resource issues, Hawai’i Sea Grant also provides links between academia, federal, state, and local government agencies, industries, and local community members.

2022 E. Gordon Grau Coastal and Marine Resource Management and Policy Fellowship Program
(2022 Grau Fellowship)

(CLOSED)

APPLICANS DUE: 5:00 pm HST on Friday, May 13, 2022

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 post-graduate students who are interested in coastal and marine resource management and policy decisions affecting those resources in Hawaiʻi. 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 in Hawaiʻi. 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 ($5,000.00 per month).

Eligibility

Graduate students at institutions of higher education in Hawaiʻi who complete their graduate degrees (Masters, Ph.D., or J.D) between May 1, 2021 and August 31, 2022 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, 2021 and August 31, 2022 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.

This Fellowship is open to both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens. If you are a prospective applicant who is a non-U.S. citizen please be in touch with Maya Walton, Hawaiʻi Sea Grant’s Assistant Director for Research and Fellowships (waltonm@hawaii.edu) to discuss .

Hawaiʻi Sea Grant is committed to increasing the workforce and its diversity in Hawaiʻi. Sea Grant embraces individuals of all ages, races, ethnicities, national origins, gender identities, sexual orientations, disabilities, cultures, religions, citizenship types, marital statuses, job classifications, veteran status types, and income, and socioeconomic status types. Hawaiʻi Sea Grant is committed to building inclusive research, extension, communication, and education programs that serve people with unique backgrounds, circumstances, needs, perspectives, and ways of thinking.

Stipend and Expenses

Each fellow will receive a $60,000/year stipend for the 2-year fellowship ($5,000/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 years (24 months; non-renewable). The fellowship will begin September 1, 2022 and end August 31, 2024.

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 any honors, awards, and other recognition received by the applicant.
• Shows that the applicant has interest in working with diverse communities.
• Describes an applicant’s commitment to apply scientific expertise to serve society.
• Describes an applicant’s prior leadership roles relevant to the 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 includes the following:

• Emphasizes the applicant’s abilities, relevant background, and experience that may be helpful to one of the listed host offices and projects.
• Describes what the applicant expects to gain from and contribute to the Grau Fellowship Program.
• Describes the applicant’s specific preference in the potential host office(s) listed.
• Describes the applicant’s long-term career goals and how the Grau Fellowship fits into their long-term career plans.

3. Copies of all undergraduate and graduate student transcripts. Unofficial copies will be accepted at time of application deadline with official transcripts due prior to finalizing awards.

4. Two letters of professional recommendation, including one from the student’s degree advisor. If no degree advisor exists, the faculty member who is most familiar with the applicant academically may be substituted. Letters will be received through eProjects. We encourage students to enter the names and emails of their letter writers in eProjects early in the application process.

5. Written documentation that a graduate degree has been completed or will be completed by August 31, 2022. For most students the copy of the transcript will show that the graduate degree has been conferred. For students who are graduating after Grau Fellowship applications are due in May 2022, we ask for a signed letter from the studentʻs advisor or department chair stating the student’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 eProjects by 5:00 PM HST on Friday, May 13, 2022.

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

Potential Host Offices for the 2022 Fellowship

WAI: Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations

WAI is a non-profit organization established in 2019. WAI’s mission is to help restore healthy watersheds, clean water, and resilient reefs by reducing the amount of sewage pollution from cesspools and failing septic systems. Currently, over 88,000 cesspools leach over 53 million gallons per day of untreated wastewater into the ground. Much of this leachate reaches groundwater and the ocean, causing pollution problems that impact drinking water, coastal waters, public health, and coral reefs. WAI’s vision for clean water motivates their work to help communities across Hawaiʻi to convert cesspools and introduce innovative systems that are more affordable, efficient, and better for the environment. The Grau Fellow at WAI will:

1. Facilitate infrastructure projects on a single-family, community, and municipal level;
2. Provide general technical expertise and support during and outside of meetings;
3. Create, review, and present grant proposals, reports, and slide decks;
4. Research environmental science, engineering, and financial and legal matters related to wastewater infrastructure;
5. Manage and supervise interns and volunteers;
6. Create and manage interactive GIS maps and outreach websites.

Desired skills for this fellow are:

• Background in water management, water quality research, wastewater engineering, planning, water policy, science communication, or related fields.
• Ability to learn and translate technical/scientific topics to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to connect and communicate with various audiences (e.g., engineers, contractors, plumbers, electricians, etc.), including through public speaking.
• Ability to work independently or in teams with diverse user groups, cultures, personalities, and perspectives.
• Ability to coordinate and organize working groups and to facilitate meetings.
• Ability to think critically, speak clearly, and write effectively.
• Ability to use relevant software programs such as Autodesk AutoCAD and ArcGIS Online.

National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC)

The NDPTC is a national, congressionally-authorized center which works collaboratively to develop and deliver training and education on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery to governmental, tribal, territorial, not-for-profit, and private sector partners. NDPTC is a member of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC). The NDPTC actively engages with the University of Hawaiʻi, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and many other agencies and organizations in conducting research and developing training to support climate resilience, sustainability, and community resilience. The Grau Fellow at NDPTC will:

1. Work with Rapid Integrated Damage Assessment (RIDA), a decision-support system used to conduct rapid, non-invasive damage assessment that integrates machine vision and learning with satellite/remote sensing imagery, crowdsourced media, and 360 Street View images and “perishable” data to classify structure types and levels of damage;
2. Evaluate and test living shorelines and green strategies for improving community resilience that ties into an increasing national focus on climate resilient and green infrastructure;
3. Develop curriculum for NDPTC’s training for university students, professionals, and communities on coastal planning and management, disaster recovery, and social equity.

Desired skills for this fellow are:

• Background in public policy, engineering, urban planning, economics, social sciences, management, natural sciences, conservation, or related fields.
• Knowledge of geospatial tools for planning and engineering activities.
• Ability to collect, process, format, and work with quantitative and qualitative data.
• Writing and verbal communication skills for audiences across management, education, and the public.
• Understanding of relevant federal, state, and local policies and programs.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with island communities.
• 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 diverse user groups, cultures, personalities, and perspectives.

Selection

Selection of finalists (2022 Grau Fellowship Cohort) will be made based on reviews of written application materials and interviews (in person, Zoom, or phone). Selection criteria include: academic ability, communication skills, diversity and appropriateness of academic background, clear articulation of career goals and how the fellowship fits in the student’s anticipated career path, additional qualifying experience, and letters of support.

Timeline

May 13, 2022 (5:00 PM HST):

Applications due via eProjects https://www.soest.hawaii.edu/eProjects/logn/logn_login

May 2022 (approximate):

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

September 1, 2022:

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

Contact

For additional information, please contact:
Maya Walton
Assistant Director for Research and Fellowships
University of Hawai‘i Sea Grant College Program   waltonm@hawaii.edu; (808) 956-6992

Application Evaluation Criteria

1. Personal and academic curriculum vitae (35 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 shown interest in working with diverse stakeholders;
• 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.).
• 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 (40 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 diverse 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 political issues;
• 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;
• The applicant displays strength in academic performance and competitive course grades.

4. Letters of Recommendation (20 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;
• Provide evidence of the applicant’s ability to convey scientific knowledge in broader, nonscientific contexts.