Community Outreach Specialist
Community Outreach Specialists are essential connectors between water and wastewater programs and the diverse communities of Hawaiʻi. They build trust, promote public awareness, and encourage community participation in water conservation, sanitation, and infrastructure projects. Their work helps ensure that water programs are culturally responsive, accessible, and aligned with community values especially important in Hawaiʻi’s unique blend of Native Hawaiian traditions and multicultural populations.
These specialists often work for government agencies, nonprofits, utilities, or consulting firms. They design and implement education campaigns, facilitate workshops, gather community input, and help bridge communication between technical experts and the public. Outreach specialists also play a key role in workforce development by promoting career pathways in the water sector.
Education & Training
This position typically requires:
A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Environmental Studies, Social Work, Education, or related fields.
Experience with community engagement, particularly in culturally diverse or indigenous contexts.
Strong knowledge of Hawaiian cultural practices, language (ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi), and community protocols is a significant asset.
Training in public speaking, conflict resolution, and participatory methods enhances effectiveness.
In Hawaiʻi, you can study at:
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Offers degrees in Communication, Environmental Studies, and Hawaiian Language & Literature.
Community engagement-focused courses are available through the Hawaiʻi P-20 Partnerships for Education and the Office of Public Health Studies.
Website: https://manoa.hawaii.edu
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Offers degrees in Communication, Social Sciences, and Hawaiian Studies, emphasizing local community connections.
Website: https://hilo.hawaii.edu
Kapiʻolani Community College & Other UH Community Colleges
Offer certificates and courses in Communication, Public Relations, and Sustainability Studies.
Website: https://uhcc.hawaii.edu
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of:
Community engagement strategies and public participation methods,
Water and wastewater systems basics to translate technical information clearly,
Native Hawaiian cultural practices, language, and protocols,
Environmental justice and equity principles,
Social media, marketing, and educational outreach tools,
Local government and nonprofit operations in Hawaiʻi.
Skill in:
Facilitating workshops, town halls, and focus groups,
Designing culturally relevant outreach materials,
Building relationships with diverse community groups,
Listening and responding effectively to community concerns,
Managing outreach projects and events,
Using digital platforms and media for public education.
Ability to:
Communicate complex technical topics in clear, accessible language,
Collaborate respectfully with Native Hawaiian organizations and other stakeholders,
Motivate and inspire community members to take action,
Handle sensitive topics with cultural awareness and empathy,
Work independently and as part of interdisciplinary teams,
Travel between communities across Hawaiʻi for outreach efforts.
Scholarships & Opportunities
Kupu Hawaiʻi Environmental Leadership Development Program – Provides leadership training and service-learning placements focused on community outreach.
Website: https://www.kupuhawaii.orgHawaiʻi Community Foundation Scholarships – For students in communications, environmental studies, and community leadership.
Website: https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.orgOffice of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Grants and Fellowships – Support for Native Hawaiian community engagement and workforce development.
Website: https://www.oha.orgUniversity of Hawaiʻi Outreach and Engagement Programs – Support for students working on community-based projects.
Website: https://www.hawaii.edu/outreach