Assistant Extension Agent (Coffee and Orchard Crops) (CTAHR/TPSS)

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Kona, HI
Job Type: Full-Time Temporary
Job Number: 2026-00586
Department: University of Hawai'i at Manoa - College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience
Division: Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences
Opening Date: 03/18/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Number:: 0085937T

Description
Title: Assistant Extension Agent (Coffee and Orchard Crops)

Position Number: 0085937T

Hiring Unit: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR), Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences (TPSS), Center on Applied Research and Extension Service at Kona (CARES Kona)

Location: Kona, Hawaii (Hawaii County)

Date Posted: March 18, 2026

Closing Date: Continuous; First review of applications will begin 05/19/2026 and will continue until the position is filled.

Monthly Type: 11 Month

Additional Salary Information: Minimum Starting Salary $89,868; commensurate with education and experience.
Tenure Track: Non-Tenure

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Temporary/Permanent: Temporary

Other Conditions: Position Workload: 80% Extension and 20% Service; subject to adjustment based on operational needs. First review to begin May 19, 2026 or soon thereafter. For best consideration, all application materials should be submitted by May 18, 2026, 11:59PM HST.
This position provides leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of an Extension program supporting the coffee and orchard crops growers in Hawaii County and participates in statewide teams. The position, based at CTAHR's Center of Applied Research and Extension Service (CARES) at Kona, Hawaii, will work collaboratively with the existing Coffee and Orchard Crops Extension Agent and other orchard crop Extension and research faculty to enhance industry capacity, applied research, and outreach activities in Hawaii County and beyond. The position also supports applied research and demonstration activities at the CARES Kona.
Duties and Responsibilities
Extension (80%)

1. Provide leadership in identifying, planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating Extension programs that support the coffee and orchard crop growers and industries in Hawaii County and beyond.
2. Develop and deliver research-informed educational programs, including workshops, field days, demonstrations, distance education, and one-on-one technical assistance.
3. Collaborate with faculty and staff at CARES Kona to design, implement, and interpret applied research and demonstration trials relevant to coffee and orchard crop production systems.
4. Develop scholarly and Extension publications in multiple formats, including peer-reviewed articles, Extension bulletins, fact sheets, digital media, and web-based resources.
5. Obtain local, state, regional, and national extramural funding to enhance program sustainability and impact.
6. Work collaboratively with other edible crop Extension agents, CTAHR faculty, industry organizations, and government agencies to address emerging issues, including pest management, soil health, climate resilience, nutrient management, and farm viability.
7. Conduct program evaluation and impact reporting consistent with Cooperative Extension standards.

Service (20%)

1. Participate in Department, College, University, and professional service and governance activities.
2. Engage with industry advisory groups, producer organizations, and community partners to support policy, systems, and environmental change.

Minimum Qualifications
1. Master's degree from a college or university of recognized standing in horticulture, agronomy, plant science, or a related agricultural or biological field.

2. At least three (3) years of successful experience in Cooperative Extension work or a closely related field.

3. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement an Extension program.

4. Ability to work harmoniously within an integrated Extension system and with industry and other partners.
Supplemental Minimum Qualifications
1. Ability to travel independently to various geographical locations throughout Hawaii County and statewide; possess a valid Hawaii driver's license.

2. Some meetings and activities may occur outside of normal working hours and/or on weekends at off-site locations. Travel by air to other islands may be required.
Desirable Qualifications
1. Experience working with coffee and/or tropical orchard crops.

2. Demonstrated record of scholarly publications and successful acquisition of extramural funding.

3. Experience developing educational materials for digital platforms and social media.

4. Experience in applied research and demonstration trials.
TO APPLY: Click in the "Apply" button on the top right corner of the screen to complete an application and attach the required documents. If you have not applied for a position before using NeoGov, you will need to create an account.

1. Cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and some, if not all, desirable qualifications;
2. Curriculum vitae (CV);
3. Statement of extension philosophy;
4. Names of three (3) professional references (contact information including email address); and
5. Official transcripts or original documentation from the institution confirming the degree (copies acceptable; however, official transcripts will be required upon hire). Diplomas will not be accepted.

Note: Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before first review of applications or close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee. For best consideration, all application materials should be submitted by May 18, 2026, 11:59PM HST.
Inquiries: Dr. Theodore Radovich, theodore@hawaii.edu

EEO, Clery Act, ADA
The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.

Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/
01

Do you possess a Master's degree from a college or university of recognized standing in horticulture, agronomy, plant science, or a related agricultural or biological field?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have at least three (3) years of successful experience in Cooperative Extension work or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

03

Complete applications and required document attachments must be submitted before first review and/or close of vacancy. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the hiring committee. Do you attest that you understand that incomplete applications (as described in the "To Apply" section) will not be reviewed by the hiring committee?

• Yes, I acknowledge that incomplete applications will not be referred or reviewed by the hiring committee.

Required Question

Salary : $89,868