Infrastructure Grants Administrator

Infrastructure Grants Administrators are essential to delivering clean water and sanitation improvements across Hawaiʻi’s communities. These professionals oversee the financial and administrative aspects of grants that fund water, wastewater, stormwater, and climate resilience infrastructure projects. Their work ensures that millions of dollars in state and federal funding are tracked, reported, and spent according to regulations.

In Hawaiʻi, these roles are often found in government agencies (e.g., Hawaiʻi Department of Health, County Departments of Environmental Management or Public Works), nonprofits, utility districts, and engineering firms managing public contracts. These administrators play a behind the scenes but crucial role in ensuring that communities especially rural or underserved ones can access and implement water infrastructure improvements.

Education & Training

This position typically requires:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Accounting, Environmental Studies, Business, or a related field.

  • Experience with state or federal grant programs, such as SRF (State Revolving Fund), BIL/IIJA, FEMA, or USDA Rural Development.

  • Some roles may prefer or require experience with procurement, compliance, or government accounting systems.

  • Certifications in Grants Management, Government Financial Management (CGFM), or Project Management (PMP) can boost competitiveness.

In Hawai’i, you can study at:

  • University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

    • BA or MPA in Public Administration

    • BA in Political Science with public policy focus

    • Certificate in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance

    • Website: https://manoa.hawaii.edu

  • UH West Oʻahu

  • Chaminade University

    • BA or MBA in Business Administration with government/nonprofit management electives

    • Website: https://chaminade.edu

  • Community Colleges (Kapiʻolani, Leeward, Hawaiʻi CC)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

  • Federal and state infrastructure funding sources (e.g., BIL, SRF, CWSRF, FEMA, HUD CDBG),

  • Grant lifecycle processes (application, award, drawdowns, reporting, and closeout),

  • OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200),

  • Government procurement and contracting rules,

  • Environmental permitting timelines and how they affect project delivery,

  • Community needs, particularly for underserved and Native Hawaiian communities.

Skill in:

  • Tracking complex budgets and financial compliance across multiple grants,

  • Writing and reviewing grant applications,

  • Coordinating with engineers, project managers, and compliance officers,

  • Managing digital grant systems (e.g., DOH’s SRF portal, FEMA GO, Grants.gov),

  • Facilitating audits and external reviews,

  • Communicating clearly with funders, consultants, and local partners.

Ability to:

  • Ensure that public funds are used legally, efficiently, and equitably,

  • Translate technical infrastructure needs into strong, fundable proposals,

  • Keep multiple timelines and reporting deadlines on track,

  • Train or guide subrecipients (e.g., nonprofits or community groups),

  • Promote transparency, stewardship, and accountability across all programs.

Scholarships & Opportunities

EPA’s Water Finance Center – Offers technical assistance and training on infrastructure funding.
Website: https://www.epa.gov/waterfinancecenter

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) – Provides online courses and certifications.
Website: https://www.gfoa.org

Western Rural Development Center (WRDC) – Offers funding guides and training for grant administrators.
Website: https://wrdc.usu.edu

RCAC and NWWA – Provide free training for rural and small community grant oversight.
Websites: https://www.rcac.org | https://www.nwri-usa.org