The University of Hawaii System is the state's sole public postsecondary education system, comprising ten campuses across the Hawaiian islands. Headquartered in Honolulu, it serves over 50,000 students and employs thousands in faculty, staff, and administrative roles. Known for its unique position as a land-, sea-, and space-grant institution, the system emphasizes research in areas uniquely suited to Hawaii's environment, such as marine science, volcanology, astronomy, and indigenous studies. Jobs at University of Hawaii System attract professionals passionate about higher education in a tropical paradise, blending academic rigor with cultural immersion.
Founded in 1907 as a land-grant college, the system has grown into a powerhouse for Pacific-Asian studies and sustainability research. The flagship University of Hawaii at Manoa in Honolulu offers doctoral programs, while community colleges provide accessible associate degrees. This structure creates diverse job opportunities from entry-level to senior leadership.
The University of Hawaii System traces its roots to the College of Hawaii, established in 1907 to support agriculture and mechanical arts as a land-grant institution. In 1918, it merged with the College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts to form the University of Hawaii. Expansion continued with sea-grant status in 1968 for ocean studies and space-grant in 1991 for astronomy, reflecting Hawaii's strategic location for telescope observatories on Mauna Kea.
Today, the system navigates challenges like budget constraints and natural disasters while maintaining excellence. Its history of resilience, especially post-2018 Lower Puna eruption impacts on research, underscores commitment to jobs that contribute to Hawaii's future.
Spanning Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauai, and more, the system's campuses are location-specific gems. University of Hawaii at Manoa (UH Manoa) in Honolulu is the research hub with 20,000 students. UH Hilo focuses on undergraduate education and volcanology. Community colleges like Honolulu Community College offer vocational training.
Honolulu's urban vibe contrasts with Hilo's rural charm, influencing job locales. Positions in Honolulu benefit from city amenities, while island campuses offer serene settings ideal for field research.
With over 200 degree programs, strengths include marine biology (home to the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology), astronomy (Institute for Astronomy), and Hawaiian language preservation. Research expenditures exceed $400 million annually, funding jobs in cutting-edge labs.
These areas drive demand for specialized faculty and researchers.
Jobs at University of Hawaii System span faculty, research, administration, and support roles. Tenure-track professors conduct research and teach, lecturers focus on instruction, postdocs advance specialized projects, and administrators manage operations. Research assistants support labs, while executive positions like deans shape strategy. For more on university job types, explore common categories.
Current openings often include assistant professors in biology ($90k+ salary), IT specialists, and student services coordinators.
To understand jobs at University of Hawaii System, key terms include:
Faculty jobs require a PhD or terminal degree in the field (e.g., EdD for education roles). Lecturers need a master's; research staff bachelor's or higher. Administrative positions vary, with HR roles preferring degrees in management. All emphasize Hawaii-specific knowledge for cultural positions.
Expertise in climate change adaptation, renewable energy, biodiversity, and Native Hawaiian health is prized. Astronomy jobs need telescope operation skills; marine science roles scuba certification. Interdisciplinary work with Asia-Pacific partners is common.
Candidates with 3+ peer-reviewed publications, federal grants (NSF average $300k), teaching diverse students, and community engagement excel. Prior UH system experience or Pacific research boosts chances.
Apply via UH Careers portal or NeoGov. Submit CV, cover letter, transcripts, references. Tips:
Process takes 3-6 months; track status online.
UH's Native Hawaiian Serving Institution status drives initiatives like Kuleana (responsibility programs), Imi Hoola Scholars for underrepresented health pros, and Manoa Engagement Award. Affirmative action ensures diverse hires; 2023 report shows 40% underrepresented faculty growth.
Hawaii's lifestyle enhances balance: flexible schedules, remote options for some roles, wellness programs. Manoa campus features beaches, hiking trails, farm-to-table dining. Employee perks include gym access, tuition remission (100% for staff kids), 22 vacation days. Challenges like high living costs offset by salaries ($80k-$150k faculty). Community events foster aloha spirit.
Professional development via workshops, sabbaticals, leadership programs. Tenure promotion paths clear; many advance to deanships. Postdoc success common here.
Jobs at University of Hawaii System offer unique blend of research, teaching, and island life. Explore higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com. Leverage employer branding secrets for success.
