Characterizing Hawaiʻi’s Natural Resources Management Sector: Jobs, Education, Salaries, & Expenditures

March 2024

Created by: SMS Research, Hauʻoli Mau Loa Foundation, The Nature Conservancy Hawaiʻi

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This report aims to characterize Hawaiʻi’s Natural Resources Management (NRM) sector by examining trends in employment, education, salaries, and expenditures. It is intended for policymakers, educators, industry leaders, and workforce development organizations. By providing insights into the current state of NRM jobs and workforce development needs, the report highlights the importance of aligning education and training programs with the sector's growing demands. The findings and recommendations offer a roadmap for improving workforce preparedness, supporting sector growth, and enhancing collaboration across NRM stakeholder.

KEY INSIGHTS

• What are the biggest opportunities in workforce development within the Natural Resources Management Sector?

  Job Growth:

  • Increasing Employment: NRM jobs in Hawaiʻi have seen a 6.3% increase from 2018 to 2023, with an annual growth rate of approximately 1.3%. The sector expects to add 256 FTE positions over the next five years.

  • High-Demand Positions: The top five job types include administrative support, communications and outreach, field technician, natural resources manager, and grants management, all of which are critical to the sector's operations.

  Education and Training:

  • Educational Requirements: A bachelor's degree is the most common educational requirement for many NRM roles, while a master's degree is common for executive positions.

  • In-Demand Majors: Desired college majors include Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies, Biology, Ecology, and Hawaiian Studies, indicating opportunities to expand related programs at local institutions.

  • Program Expansion: Implementing associate degree programs in fields such as Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies, and Ecology at community colleges can make education more accessible.

  Salaries and Benefits:

  • Competitive Salaries: Starting salaries in the NRM sector have increased, with 90% of administrative salaries and 82% of field technician salaries at $41K or higher. Ensuring salaries are competitive is crucial to attract and retain local talent.

  • Career Advancement: Opportunities for salary increases within the sector are evident, with many positions offering significant potential for pay raises.

  Internships and Fellowships:

  • Paid Opportunities: The availability of paid internships and fellowships has increased, with 50% of agencies offering paid internships and 22% offering paid fellowships. Expanding these opportunities can help develop the local workforce.

  • On-the-Job Training: Increasing investment in paid internships and fellowships provides valuable hands-on experience for aspiring NRM professionals.

• What are the key barriers to accessing education and training in the NRM sector?

  Financial Barriers: Many NRM professionals face financial challenges due to Hawaiʻi's high cost of living and relatively low salaries.

  Limited Local Training: There is a lack of local training programs for long-term maintenance of photovoltaic systems, electric vehicle and charging station repair, and new alternative fuels.

  Educational Alignment: There is a need for better alignment between educational institutions and industry needs to ensure relevant training.

• What are the top job types in the NRM sector?

  Top Job Types: The most selected job categories include administrative support, communications and outreach, field technicians, natural resources managers, and grants management.

  Diverse Roles: Other important roles include educators, GIS/data managers, scientists, cultural practitioners, planners, and research/analysts.

• How can the NRM sector improve workforce development efforts?

  Educational Program Expansion: Implement associate degree programs in in-demand fields at community colleges and provide clear transfer pathways to 4-year degrees.

  Cultural Curriculum Enhancement: Strengthen educational content by integrating Hawaiian cultural studies into environmental majors.

  Competitive Salaries: Adjust salaries to be competitive and address the high cost of living in Hawaiʻi.

  Internships and Fellowships: Increase investment in paid internships and fellowships to develop the local workforce.

  Career Pathway Development: Develop clear career advancement pathways within NRM organizations.

• What are the salary ranges for different job types in the NRM sector?

  Starting Salaries: The most commonly reported starting salary ranges are $41K-$50K for administrative support and field technicians, $51K-$60K for professional and managerial employees, and above $80K for executives.

  Maximum Salaries: The maximum salary ranges reported are $61K-$80K for administrative support and field technicians, $81K-$100K for professional and managerial employees, and above $140K for executives.

• What role do cultural values play in the NRM sector?

  Cultural Integration: Hawaiian Studies is increasingly recognized as an important major for NRM jobs, indicating a growing emphasis on integrating Hawaiian cultural values and practices into resource management.

  Employer Demand: There is a significant demand for employees with knowledge of Hawaiian cultural practices, which is critical for effective natural resource management in Hawaiʻi.