Hawai‘i Water Workforce Fellowship Program
OVERVIEW
The Hawai‘i Water Workforce Fellowship Program is an initiative designed to strengthen Hawai‘i’s water workforce by supporting new professionals entering careers in water utilities and environmental agencies.
Founded through a partnership between the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF), the Hawaiian Islands Environmental Finance Center (HIEFC), and the Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN), the program helps connect talented professionals with career opportunities across the islands.
Each year, participating water utilities and government agencies hire professionals into full-time positions that support Hawai‘i’s water infrastructure, environmental protection, and community resilience.
Once hired, eligible employees may participate in the fellowship program, which provides mentorship, peer learning, and professional development opportunities designed to support long-term careers in Hawai‘i’s water sector.
The program aims to support up to 10 fellows each year working across local government departments and water-related organizations.
Join the Water Workforce Interest List
WHY WATER CAREERS MATTER IN HAWAI'I
Water utilities play a critical role in protecting Hawai‘i’s natural resources and ensuring communities have safe, reliable water systems.
Across the islands, agencies are working to:
- Maintain and improve aging water infrastructure
- Protect drinking water and coastal ecosystems
- Manage wastewater and stormwater systems
- Prepare communities for climate change and extreme weather
- Implement major water infrastructure investments through federal funding programs such as State Revolving Funds (SRF)
Developing a strong local workforce is essential to meeting these challenges and ensuring that Hawai‘i’s water systems are cared for by professionals who understand the communities they serve.
FIELDS OF INTEREST
Opportunities in Hawai‘i’s water sector span a wide range of professional fields, including:
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Finance and Grant Management
- Public Administration
- Law and Policy
- Urban and Regional Planning
Individuals with backgrounds in these areas, or a strong interest in water and environmental work, are encouraged to explore opportunities through this program.
Join the Water Workforce Interest List
PARTICIPATING WATER UTILITIES INCLUDE:
- City & County of Honolulu – Department of Facility Maintenance
- City & County of Honolulu – Department of Environmental Services
- County of Hawai‘i – Wastewater Division
- County of Hawai‘i – Department of Water Supply
- State of Hawai‘i – Department of Health, Environmental Management Division
HOW THE FELLOWSHIP WORKS:
The Hawai‘i Water Workforce Fellowship Program supports individuals after they are hired into participating agencies.
Step 1: Apply for an Open Position
Candidates apply directly to job openings with participating water utilities and government agencies.
Step 2: Get Hired
Selected candidates are hired through the agency’s standard hiring process.
Step 3: Participate in the Fellowship
New hires may be invited to participate in the Hawai‘i Water Workforce Fellowship Program.
The fellowship provides:
- Peer learning with other water professionals across Hawai‘i
- Mentorship opportunities through the Urban Sustainability Directors Network
- Professional development support
- A network of peers working in water and environmental fields
The goal is to help new professionals build lasting careers in Hawai‘i’s water sector and strengthen the long-term capacity of local utilities.