Cultural Practitioner – Native Hawaiian Community Engagement

Position Overview:

The U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center is seeking a qualified Cultural Practitioner to support engagement efforts with the Native Hawaiian Community in connection with upcoming seabed mineral research offshore of the Hawaiian Islands. This engagement is essential to uphold the requirements of USGS Survey Manual Chapter 500.7 and to ensure research activities are conducted with cultural awareness, sensitivity, and respect.

Key Responsibilities:

• Integrate Native Hawaiian cultural values and practices into:

  • Sampling plans for seafloor research

  • Scientific documentation

  • Public communications and outreach materials

• Support outreach and community engagement activities, including:

  • Facilitation or co-facilitation of at least one community meeting (virtual or in-person) between USGS scientists and Native Hawaiian Community leaders/members

  • Contributing to culturally relevant talking points for oral presentations

• Educate and brief USGS scientists and field personnel on Native Hawaiian cultural tenets and protocols relevant to deep-sea ecosystems and mineral research

• Develop written contributions and revisions for communication materials within ten (10) business days of request

• Collaborate closely with scientists and outreach teams to support culturally appropriate public engagement

Deliverables:

Upon request, the contractor will provide:

• Culturally-informed revisions to scientific and outreach documentation

• Talking points for presentations to Native Hawaiian Community members

• Briefings and internal educational materials for USGS staff

• Support for planning and executing one virtual or in-person community meeting

All deliverables are to be completed within ten (10) business days of each request.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Member of, or at least 5 years of experience working with the Native Hawaiian Community

• Demonstrated understanding of Hawaiian cultural tenets, values, and protocols, especially as they relate to the ocean and deep-sea environments

• Experience in community facilitation, especially involving culturally sensitive subjects

Preferred:

• Background in oceanography or ocean science communication

• Familiarity with federal or scientific institutions and outreach strategies

Work Location:

• Remote from the candidate s home office

• One in-person meeting on a Hawaiian Island may be required (planning and travel support to be coordinated separately)

Contract Term:

• Start Date: August 18, 2025

• End Date: March 31, 2026

• All tasks and deliverables must be completed within this timeframe.

Additional Information:

• No government-furnished property (GFP) will be provided.

• Any resulting publications must include the following disclaimer:

  This manuscript is submitted for publication with the understanding that the United States Government is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for Governmental purposes.