STATE LANDS ADMINISTRATOR - DLNR, OAHU

State Lands Administrator

This position is for the State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Land Division. This position is located in Downtown, Oahu. Salary : $10,948 to $17,526 (EM-08, Minimum to Maximum). Hiring rate will be based on availability of funds, the applicant's qualifications, and other relevant factors. This continuous recruitment may be closed at any time. The notice of the last day to file applications will be posted on the State of Hawaii's Civil Service Job Opportunities Listing page of our website.

Direct all inquiries regarding this position to : Ryan Kanakaole, First Deputy. Email : ryan.kp.kanakaole@hawaii.gov. Monday - Friday, 7 : 45 am - 4 : 30 pm (HST).

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Land Division, is entrusted with managing and protecting the State's public lands and water resources. Its mission is to provide for the planning, development, leasing, and stewardship of public lands under DLNR jurisdiction to support public, social, environmental, and economic goals. The Division ensures the effective use and conservation of natural resources through the acquisition, disposition, and development of land in alignment with state plans and priorities. It also serves as the custodian of all official transactions related to public lands as defined in HRS 171-2.

The State Lands Administrator leads DLNR's Land Division and oversees the planning, development, leasing, and management of state public lands. This role involves strategic oversight of policies and programs that govern the use of commercial, industrial, agricultural, conservation, and other public lands. The Administrator ensures land dispositions are in alignment with the State's goals and legal requirements, and that management practices reflect responsible stewardship. The Administrator is also responsible for coordinating land acquisitions deemed necessary for public purposes and guiding the long-term planning of land use and development across the State. The Administrator represents DLNR in complex negotiations involving land transactions and development, prepares recommendations on land use policies, and testifies at public hearings. The position requires frequent interaction with community groups, private entities, and the public.

The Administrator role demands extensive professional experience in public land management, real estate planning, and policy development. Applicants must demonstrate in-depth knowledge of laws and administrative rules governing land use, acquisition, and disposition; and the ability to manage complex programs, develop policy, and supervise diverse teams. Strong communication, negotiation, and public speaking skills are essential, especially in legislative and public hearing settings.

Knowledge and Abilities Required : Knowledge of principles and practices of real estate planning, development and management for commercial, industrial, agricultural or other income-producing purposes; laws, ordinances and codes governing land use, management and development; terminology and legal documents used in land management transactions; research methods and techniques; report writing; principles and practices of management and supervision; and principles and practices of administration. Ability to administer the State's land management, water development and Conservation District regulation programs; establish priorities and formulate program policies; plan, direct, supervise and evaluate the work of others; make sound recommendations on land management matters; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with staff, consultants, representatives of other government agencies, community interest groups and the general public; speak effectively in public hearings and before Legislature; represent the State in negotiating real estate acquisition and disposition transactions, land use and development and engineering matters; and prepare clear and concise reports. Basic Education Requirement : Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a bachelor's degree. General Experience Requirement : Two and one-half (2-1 / 2) years of progressively responsible professional work which involved gathering, evaluating and analyzing facts and other pertinent information required to resolve problems and / or to determine and recommend appropriate courses of action. Specialized Experience Requirement : Two (2) years of responsible professional or administrative experience in land management which involved determining appropriate uses of lands; managing lands for commercial, industrial, agricultural or other income-producing purposes; making recommendations on the acquisition and disposition of real property; and identifying and resolving problems and conducting studies on land-related issues. Supervisory Experience Requirement : One (1) year of work experience which included : (1) planning, organizing, scheduling, and directing the work of others; (2) assigning and reviewing their work; (3) advising them on difficult work problems; (4) training and developing subordinates; and (5) evaluating their work performance; and disciplining when necessary. Managerial Experience Requirement : One (1) year of experience which involved responsibility for identifying program goals and objectives and evaluating their attainment; identifying resource needs (manpower, materials, equipment); planning, organizing and coordinating program activities to attain program objectives within time, resource and budgetary limitations; developing procedures; and actively participating in policy determination, budget formulation and execution. Administrative Experience Requirement : One (1) year of administrative experience which involved active participation in, and major responsibility for the development, management, execution and coordination of policies and programs. License Requirement : All Applicants must possess a valid license, type 3 or higher, to drive in the State of Hawaii.