Program Manager

Program Managers in Hawaiʻi’s water and wastewater sector lead initiatives that address complex challenges like climate resilience, water equity, infrastructure modernization, and community health. Unlike Project Managers who focus on individual initiatives, Program Managers oversee multiple related projects under a unified strategy ensuring coordination, alignment with agency or organizational goals, and compliance with funder requirements.

Program Managers may work in government agencies (e.g., Hawaiʻi Department of Health, EPA Region 9), utilities, nonprofits, or engineering firms. Their work often blends technical oversight, policy development, stakeholder engagement, budgeting, and workforce development. In Hawaiʻi, they’re especially needed to manage large-scale federally funded efforts such as cesspool conversions, watershed restoration, and climate adaptation.

Education & Training

This position typically requires:

  • A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Business, or a related field.

  • Some roles require a Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Public Manager (CPM) credential.

  • Specialized knowledge of Hawaiʻi’s permitting, community engagement practices, and environmental regulations is highly valued.

  • Experience with managing grants (SRF, FEMA, EPA, USDA, BIL/IIJA) and coordinating across sectors (e.g., water, housing, environment, cultural preservation) is often required.

In Hawai’i, you can study at:

  • University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

    • BA/MPA in Public Administration

    • MA in Urban and Regional Planning

    • MS in Natural Resources and Environmental Management

    • Certificate in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance

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

  • UH West Oʻahu

    • BA in Public Administration with concentrations in Health, Disaster Preparedness, or General Management

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

  • Chaminade University

    • BA or MBA in Business Administration, emphasis on Environmental or Nonprofit Management

    • Website: https://chaminade.edu

  • Hawaiʻi Community College, Leeward CC, Kapiʻolani CC

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

  • Program lifecycle planning and performance evaluation,

  • Federal and state funding sources (e.g., BIL, SRF, FEMA),

  • Strategic planning, stakeholder coordination, and workforce development,

  • Environmental and public health policy,

  • Community engagement and culturally responsive approaches in Hawaiʻi,

  • Regulatory frameworks including NPDES, DOH permitting, and coastal zone management.

Skill in:

  • Overseeing budgets across multiple related projects,

  • Managing diverse teams of technical staff, contractors, and community partners,

  • Writing grant applications and reporting to funders,

  • Balancing administrative and field demands,

  • Navigating inter-agency collaboration and political processes,

  • Advocating for community priorities and equitable access to infrastructure.

Ability to:

  • Lead complex programs with multiple funding streams,

  • Align program goals with state and federal initiatives (e.g., Cesspool Conversion Working Group, Clean Water Act goals),

  • Communicate clearly with policymakers, engineers, and residents,

  • Manage timelines, risks, and changing policy landscapes,

  • Foster long-term partnerships rooted in trust and cultural respect.

Scholarships & Opportunities

Pacific Water Conference (AWWA/HWEA) – Professional development and networking for water leaders in Hawaiʻi.
Website: https://pacificwaterconference.com

Hawaiʻi Community Foundation – Offers scholarships for leadership, environment, and STEM careers.
Website: https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org

EPA Training and Technical Assistance Programs – Free webinars and in-person sessions for program leaders.
Website: https://www.epa.gov/small-and-rural-wastewater-systems

RCAC and NWWA – Nonprofit-focused training for water/wastewater program oversight and compliance.
Websites: https://www.rcac.org | https://www.nwri-usa.org