2023 E. Gordon Grau Coastal and Marine Resource Management and Policy Fellowship Program
(2023 Grau Fellowship)

CLOSED

APPLICATIONS DUE: 5:00 pm HST on Friday, May 12, 2023

Informational webinar on zoom: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at 12:00 PM (register in advance HERE)

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 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, 2022 and August 31, 2023 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, 2022 and August 31, 2023 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, 2023.

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 contact Maya Walton, Hawaiʻi Sea Grant’s Assistant Director for Research and Fellowships (waltonm@hawaii.edu) to discuss.

Hawaiʻi Sea Grant is committed to supporting a diverse workforce 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 statuses, income, and socioeconomic statuses. 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 $62,000/year stipend for the 2-year fellowship ($5,167/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, 2023 and end August 31, 2025.

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.
• Demonstrates applicant’s interest in working with diverse communities.
• 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, but 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). If no degree advisor exists, the faculty member who is most familiar with the applicant academically may be substituted. Letters will be received at seagrant@hawaii.edu. 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, 2023. 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 in May 2023, 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, May 12, 2023:

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 seagrant@hawaii.edu directly from the letter writers. Late applications will not be considered.

Potential Host Offices for the 2023 Fellowship

In the 2023 Grau Fellowship cohort, there are four potential placements for fellows. Depending on the applications received, Hawaiʻi Sea Grant and the host office partners may not fill all four placements.

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 seeking two Grau Fellows.

Kōkua Community-Based monitoring program (Hawaiʻi DAR)

DAR is currently implementing the Kōkua Community-Based monitoring program in collaboration with partners and communities.

The Grau Fellow at Hawaiʻi DAR will:

1. Support DAR staff and communities in the co-development of monitoring methods and protocols, standardizing and training communities in monitoring methods, and providing support for communities in training and supplies necessary to conduct monitoring.
2. Assist in drafting community-based marine monitoring plans, engaging with various communities and interested parties, integrating alternative data sources into monitoring plans, coordinating the distribution of monitoring kits, conducting community-based trainings, and/or reviewing community-based monitoring and outreach materials.

Desired skills for this fellow are:

• Background in marine management, marine biology, marine conservation, natural sciences, planning, communication
• Ability to learn and translate technical/scientific topics to non-technical audiences
• Ability connect and communicate with various audiences
• Ability to work independently or in teams with diverse user groups, cultures, personalities and perspectives
• Ability to coordinate and organize working groups and meeting logistics and planning
• Ability to think critically, speak clearly, and write effectively

Holomua Marine Initiative (Hawaiʻi DAR)

DAR is leading the Holomua Marine Initiative as part of a comprehensive strategy focused on our nearshore waters. The Holomua Marine Initiative is a call to action for communities to come together to design an island-based management strategy in partnership with the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR) to ensure healthy reefs and abundant resources for future generations.

The Grau Fellow at Hawaiʻi DAR will:

1. Support the Holomua Marine Initiative 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 plans.
2. Assist in providing community support and capacity with management processes, interfacing with various communities and stakeholders, integrating alternative data sources into management planning, reviewing Holomua communications materials and supporting outreach efforts as needed.

Desired skills for this fellow are:

• Background in marine management, marine biology, marine conservation, natural sciences, planning, communication
• Ability to learn and translate technical/scientific topics to non-technical audiences
• Ability connect and communicate with various audiences
• Ability to work independently or in teams with diverse user groups, cultures, personalities and perspectives
• Ability to coordinate and organize working groups and meeting logistics and planning
• Ability to think critically, speak clearly, and write effectively

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.

Honolulu Climate Adaptation Strategy (Honolulu CCSR)

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

The Grau Fellow at Honolulu CCSR will:

1. Advance city 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 as researching and seeking input into the concept of a coastal conservancy.

Desired skills for this fellow are:

• Background in urban planning, public policy, coastal zone management, environmental studies, resource management, or related fields
• Knowledge and familiarity with sea-level rise or other climate impacts and strategies for adaptation
• Knowledge of and ability with geospatial tools for planning activities.
• Understanding of relevant local, state, and federal policies and programs
• Ability to think critically, speak clearly, and write effectively
• Ability to work independently or in teams with diverse user groups, cultures, personalities, and perspectives

Coasts and Hazards Mitigation (Honolulu CCSR)

This Grau Fellow at CCSR will work across the Coastal and Water Program and Hazard Mitigation and Long-Term Disaster Recovery Program teams to bring economic and policy analysis to the following aspects of implementing Climate Ready O‘ahu and coastal aspects of the Honolulu Hazard Mitigation Plan.

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. Provide policy support and expertise for post-disaster reconstruction ordinances.
4. Develop, review, and present grant proposals, reports, and slide decks.
5. Act and expand on outcomes and findings of ongoing climate and community resilience projects.

Desired skills for this fellow are:

• Background in public policy, economics, urban planning, social sciences, management, natural sciences, conservation, 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, diverse audiences
• Knowledge of and ability with geospatial tools for planning activities
• Understanding of relevant local, state, and federal policies and programs
• Ability to think critically, speak clearly, and write effectively
• Ability to work independently or in teams with diverse user groups, cultures, personalities, and perspectives

Selection

Selection of finalists (2023 Grau Fellowship Cohort) will be made based on reviews of written application materials and interviews (in person, by Zoom, or by 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 12, 2023 (5:00 PM HST):
Applications due via eSeaGrant https://eseagrant.soest.hawaii.edu/

May 2023 (approximate):
Interviews for selection of finalists by Hawaiʻi Sea Grant. Finalists are notified of status.

September 1, 2023:
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 (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 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.); 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 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; 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.