Department of Land and Natural Resources

Where to apply: The DHRD site https://jobs.hawaii.gov/careers/ is your starting point for tips, FAQs, and links to job postings. DHRD splits most of their job postings into two categories:

• Civil service jobs, meaning you are hired based on your merit through a competitive process. Most state jobs are part of the civil service. Current openings are posted at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/hawaii.
• Non-civil service jobs (also called “civil service exempt”) are a bit different in that employees may be appointed through special processes and are generally considered “at will,” meaning they can be dismissed at any time. Current openings are posted at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/hawaii/transferjobs. You may also need to complete the HRD 278 Application for Non-Civil Service Appointment.

How to find job current openings: At either of the “governmentjobs” links above, use the Filter button to find jobs in a specific location, at a specific department, by category, etc. For jobs with DLNR, click Filter>Department and check the box for “Land & Natural Resources.”

Tips for applying: DHRD provides resources to support applicants, including an FAQ, user guide, employment laws, and more. They also provide the video below to help you navigate the application website.

Keep in mind that the initial review of your application will be by HR specialists at DHRD, not by biologists or other subject-matter experts at DLNR. To make it easier for these HR specialists to evaluate your application, we recommend:

• Using broadly understood vocabulary (avoiding technical jargon)
• Making direct, clear connections between the minimum qualifications in the job posting and your information in your resume or cover letter
• Highlighting any classes on your transcript that are required by the posting and adding up the relevant credit hours
• If your transcript includes a course title that doesn’t sound like covers a required topic but you feel it does, make sure to include in your application a description of the course and why it is relevant
• If you receive a letter saying you are not qualified for a position but you believe that you are, you can contest this decision. You must do this within the timeframe described in the letter.

How to be notified when new opportunities arise:  You can subscribe to notifications for opportunities based on job categories such as Natural Resources, Water Agency, Green-Collar/Environmental, or others related to your interests.

For more guidance on how to apply, see the following video from the Department of Human Resources Development:

The Department of Land and Natural Resources offers a competitive compensation package. In addition to salary, which is an important part of the compensation package, an employee may be eligible for a broad range of valuable benefits, such as comprehensive health care insurance, life insurance, retirement programs, sick leave, vacation leave and paid holidays. The benefits information provided below is not a contract or binding agreement. It does not supersede laws, rules, collective bargaining agreements, policies and procedures, and benefit plan documents pertaining to the various subject matters covered. Benefits vary by type of employment appointment and applicable collective bargaining agreement, and are subject to change.

Learn more about employee benefits for state employees from the Department of Human Resources Development.