Job Details

Economic Development Specialist

The County of Hawai'i is seeking Economic Development Specialists to participate in planning, developing, coordinating, and evaluating economic or community development programs to promote Hawai'i's products and to encourage the expansion of business and the attraction of new business to the County of Hawai'i.

There are four (4) immediate vacancies with the Department of Research and Development:

• Two (2) permanent full-time vacancies in Hilo
• One (1) permanent full-time vacancy in Kailua-Kona
• One (1) permanent full-time vacancy in Kailua-Kona - Agriculture Research & Policy Support

The eligible list may be used for other permanent and temporary vacancies as they arise during the life of the list. Temporary appointment may lead to conversion to permanent appointment.

Examples of Duties

Conducts studies and analyses of industries, products, and commodities including factors such as production, transportation, finance, marketing, and resource requirements.

Compiles and evaluates economic data and reports on economic development initiatives and activities for a wide variety of industries to be used for marketing and promotional programs and to identify trends, opportunities, and adverse developments.

Researches, plans, develops, and implements economic development projects and programs for the County of Hawai'i; analyzes cost and implementation methods, and appropriateness for Hawai'i County.

Prepares reports of findings, conclusions, and recommendations, and reviews study results with other staff members, industry groups, etc.

Works with community groups and other local organizations to secure partnerships and participation in economic development initiatives and activities.

Keeps abreast of current laws, regulations, and tax incentives at local, national, and international levels to determine opportunities for employment and business in Hawai'i County, and for development of initiatives and activities.

Develops and establishes collaborative partnerships with community groups, nonprofits, governmental agencies, and businesses, and service providers to implement and develop programs.

Provides leadership and direction for project operations relating to community capacity building; assists communities in identifying economic development endeavors.

Conducts grant research and monitors, assesses, and evaluates the activities of grant-aided agencies or programs to ensure attainment of projected goals and objectives pursuant to project proposals and grant conditions, and adherence to policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations.

Responds to inquiries regarding various local industries, products, or general information about business in Hawai'i.

Develops plans for specific product promotion projects and activities.

Determines appropriate methods of presentation.

Prepares and discusses plans and proposals with supervisors and interested product promotion groups.

Develops a proposed promotion budget and carries out and/or coordinates necessary arrangements.

Evaluates the effectiveness of completed promotional efforts.

Participates as a team member to assist higher-level specialists on highly complex and unusual research projects.

Monitors the continuing effectiveness of existing marketing systems for a stable, established industry by collecting information and conducting analyses of trends and conditions.

Participates in reviewing legislative bills and resolutions on product promotion and various aspects of industry development; drafts testimony or comments as appropriate.

May draft contracts for promotions and consultant services.

May supervise lower level staff.

Operates a vehicle to travel to various districts around the island to meet with groups of interested parties, private businesses, community organizations, and other governmental agencies to explain and promote the services of the various economic development initiatives.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Training and Experience: A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree (scan and attach a copy of your official college transcript to your application), and
• Three (3) years of work experience involving the compilation, examination, analyses, and interpretation of statistical and other data, and
• One (1) year of which shall have involved the coordination and monitoring of community or economic development projects/programs, and
• Possession of a valid State of Hawai'i driver's license (Class 3) or any other comparable driver's license at time of filing. (You will be required to submit your valid driver's license at time of hire.)

Note: Foreign transcripts must be accompanied by an official transcript or credential evaluation to determine U.S. equivalency. (Scan and attach a copy of your official transcript or credential evaluation to your application.)

Examination: All applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be assigned a score of 70 points. An education and experience evaluation will be conducted based on the applicant's training, education, and experience as presented in the application.

Please read the minimum qualification requirements carefully. Be certain to list all pertinent training and experience, as this may be important in determining your examination score. It is essential that the applicant describe fully the duties and responsibilities of each position held, specify the date of each position held (from and to, month and year), and indicate the number of hours worked per week.

Attach all required documentation (e.g. official transcript, professional license(s)/certification(s), DD-214, etc.) at the time of submitting your application.

Note: In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawai'i County may be required at the discretion of the hiring department/agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing are required, applicants who are referred to the hiring department/agency must be available to participate in person and at their own expense at that phase of the selection process.

Knowledge of: business management principles; research and statistical methods and techniques; organizational development; grant and report writing; resource management; familiarity with government organization, programs, and functions as it relates to economic development and business; sources of information on economic and business subjects; local and state economic trends; public relations; and supportive governmental programs available to businesses.

Ability to: plan, organize, and execute statistical research projects; develop and modify research methods and techniques; analyze data; communicate complex issues clearly and concisely; interpret research findings and conclusions to others; prepare clear and concise comprehensive reports; communicate effectively orally; apply theories and principles of marketing, economic development, and organizational development; utilize technology and software systems (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite); establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; attend island-wide meetings and functions, including off-hours and weekend work as needed; and conduct island-wide site inspections.

Physical Requirements: Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical Effort Grouping: Light

Benefits of County Employment

The County of Hawai'i offers a competitive compensation package. Your total compensation is comprised of your salary and a generous range of valuable benefits, subject to eligibility requirements.

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Options may include alternate work schedules (4-10) and flexible working hours. (Not all Departments/Agencies participate and not all positions are eligible.)
• Vacation: Start accruing paid vacation time immediately upon hire up to 21 days per year.
• Sick Leave: Start accruing paid sick leave time immediately upon hire up to 21 days per year.
• Holidays: The County provides 13 paid holidays per year (plus General Election Day when applicable).
• Training and Development: The County has a variety of training and development opportunities for employees.
• County Tuition Reimbursement Program: This scholarship program rewards employees who take the initiative to advance their education and learning.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program: You may be eligible for this federal program which forgives portions of federal student loans for individuals working in public service.
• Retirement Plan: The Employees' Retirement System is a qualified defined benefit public pension plan that provides retirement, disability, survivor and other benefits to all eligible full-time and part-time county employees in the State of Hawaii as well as their beneficiaries.
• Deferred Compensation: Save additional money for retirement - this voluntary supplemental retirement savings plan allows for the investment of tax-deferred contributions.
• Flexible Spending Plan: Use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified dependent care and/or medical expenses, as well as insurance premiums.