INFORMATION SPECIALIST III - OAHU
Salary
See Position Description
Location
Island of Oahu
Job Type
Various
Job Number
26-0152
Department
Various
Opening Date
04/09/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Recruitment Information
Recruitment Number 26-0152
Salary: $4,961 - $6,043 per month (SR-20, Step D to I)
Note: Hiring rates will be based on availability of funds, the applicants qualifications, and other relevant factors.
A continuous recruitment may be closed at any time. The notice of the last day to file applications will be posted on the State of Hawaiis Civil Service Job Opportunities Listing page of our website.
Duties Summary
The primary duties of an Information Specialist is to transmit informational material of the activities, plans, developments, etc., of a State agency and/or of the State government to the general public and/or special interest groups.
The Information Specialist III is the journey level worker in the series. They are responsible for preparing informational material for dissemination to the general public or special interest groups through various media; and perform other duties as required.
Positions are generally of three types:
The journeyman Information Specialist in one of the States larger departments performing work covering the full range of a departments informational activities under the supervision of a higher-level position (may or may not be an information specialist) who is responsible for the departments informational services activities;
The Information Specialist responsible for the informational activities of a division in a State agency;
The Information Specialist in the States major public information agency who performs less than the full range of informational services activities. Generally, this level would represent the sub-journeyman in the States major public information agency whose assignments are diverse but usually do not include the most complex cases except under closer supervision and guidance.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Legal Authorization to Work Requirement:
The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States.
To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements:
Basic Education/Experience: A bachelors degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university.
General Experience: Two years of professional work experience in information research and dissemination or public relations work which involved analyzing and gathering pertinent information and writing materials for presentations, publications or news releases using accepted rules of standard English grammar, syntax, sentence structure, punctuation, etc.; selecting and utilizing various writing and other communication methods (e.g., brochures, radio announcements, newspaper articles) and styles to best reach target audiences; editing and analyzing materials; and establishing and maintaining effective relationships.
Specialized Experience Aptitude: For some positions, applicants must demonstrate possession of aptitude or potential ability to organize, plan and conduct a program to disseminate information.
Substitutions Allowed: Relevant substitutions as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements, will apply.
The information provided above represents a summary of the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements. To view the Requirements in their entirety, CLICK HERE.
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Other Information
The State of Hawaii complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations in completing an application, any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please call 808-587-1111 for assistance.
PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF) PROGRAM
The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation
ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS
The Department of Human Resources Development (HRD) will use electronic mail (email) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of their applications as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs.
Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails or fail to check your email-box in a timely manner. In addition, please be aware that you may no longer receive notification about applications submitted if you choose to disable the Job Application Emails feature in your Account Settings.
accomplish.
TESTING INFORMATION
The examination for this recruitment will be conducted on an unassembled basis where the examination score is based on an evaluation and rating of your education and experience. It is therefore important that your employment application provide a clear and detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of each position you held.
In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawaii may be required at the discretion of the hiring agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing is a requirement, applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are referred to the vacancy must be available to participate in person and at their own expense in this required phase of the selection process.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. In addition to employment availability and score, the referral of qualified applicants may be based upon other factors including date of receipt of application.
CLICK HERE for further information about Equal Employment Opportunity, the Merit Civil Service System, Citizenship and other requirements, Reasonable Accommodation, Veterans Preference, Examination Requirements, and the State Recruiting Offices Levels of Review.
YOUR JOB BENEFITS WITH THE STATE OF HAWAII
The State of Hawaii offers its employees who are members of the civil service a range of benefits. Some benefits are offered as a result of collective bargaining agreements and changes may occur.
A summary of these benefits, which is based on full-time employment, is listed below.
Note: Benefits for NON-CIVIL SERVICE appointments will be provided by the hiring department at the time of interview.
With Civil Service modernization, effective July 1, 2002, employees appointed to temporary positions may also gain membership in the civil service upon satisfactory completion of an initial probation period of at least six months. As a temporary member of the civil service, you will be eligible to apply for promotion and transfer opportunities to permanent as well as other temporary positions. You may also enjoy other rights and benefits afforded to members of the civil service, with the exception of return rights and placement rights associated with a reduction-in-force of a permanent member of the civil service.
Paid Holidays
You may be eligible for 13 paid holidays each year; 14 holidays during an election year.
Paid Vacation
You may earn vacation leave at a rate that other employers find tough to match - 21 days each full year from the FIRST year of employment. This compares to an average of 10 days offered by private companies. You may accumulate up to a total of 90 days (720 hours) of vacation.
Paid Sick Leave
You may earn sick leave at the same rate as vacation - 21 days per year from the FIRST year, and there is no limit on the amount you can accumulate. Expectant mothers may also use sick leave for pre-natal or post-natal check-ups or any illness related to pregnancy. Plus, unused accumulated sick leave may eventually be used to increase your retirement benefits in certain situations.
Other Leaves
Reasonable time off with pay may be provided for jury or witness duty, a death in the family, some military duty, and donation to the Blood Bank. Leave sharing donations may be granted to eligible employees who have serious personal illnesses or injuries or need to care for a seriously ill or injured family member. Various leaves without pay may also be granted with full re-employment rights.
Health Insurance
The State pays a part of the premiums for each employees enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Dental Plan. For more information, visit the Employer Union Trust Fund website www.eutf.hawaii.gov for coverage and options.
Group Life Insurance
The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees.
Retirement Plan
The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees under the Hybrid Plan with 10 years of credited service and who have reached 65 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and have reached 60 years of age may retire and receive benefits. To find out more about the options you have, go to http://ers.ehawaii.gov.
Premium Conversion Plan
Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex. This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis.
Transportation Benefits
Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct qualified transportation expenses (i.e. eligible parking fees, monthly bus passes for TheBus, fare coupons for The Handi-Van, Vanpool Hawaii participation fee, etc.) through pre-tax payroll deductions.
Deferred Compensation
The State offers employees a voluntary pre-tax retirement savings plan designed to give employees a tax break today and an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several types of investment options are available.
Temporary Disability Insurance
Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.
Social Security
As an employer, the State also contributes to an employees social security account.
Promotions & Transfers
For employees with membership in the civil service, the State offers promotion and transfer opportunities throughout the State Executive Branch.
Training & Continuing Education
The State supports developmental activities related to an employees work. In many departments there are numerous in-service training opportunities available. Sabbatical leaves with pay are available for qualified employees.
Travel Expenses
The State may pay for certain business related travel expenses including mileage reimbursement for use of a personal car during work, airfare, meals and lodging expenses for trips to neighbor islands or out of state.
Incentive & Service Awards
The State has a program that recognizes employees for their years of service and provides cash awards for their superior accomplishments and other contributions that improve State operations.
Union & Collective Bargaining
Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. Employees may also decide not to join a union, however, employees are required to pay union service fees unless the employees job is excluded from collective bargaining.
The above information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available to State of Hawaii employees and is subject to change. Whether or not you are entitled to a particular benefit will depend on your specific appointment and employment status (included, excluded, exempt, non-exempt). Please refer to the appropriate collective bargaining agreement or executive order and all applicable laws, rules, policies, or plan documents for further details. Nothing herein shall be deemed as creating an employment contract, promise of employment, promise of continued employment, or obligation of any kind on the part of the State of Hawaii.
CLICK HERE for more information on the State of Hawaiis Benefits At-A-Glance.
The State of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Revised 01/13
01
RECRUITMENT SURVEY (MANDATORY) Completion of this survey is mandatory. You must select one option; multiple selections permitted. The information you provide will be used to improve our recruitment efforts. We appreciate your cooperation.
What led you to explore career opportunities with the State of Hawaii?
02
EMPLOYMENT STATUS SURVEY #1
Completion of this survey is mandatory. You must select one option. This information will assist us with our recruiting efforts. We appreciate your cooperation.
Which of the following reflects your current employment status?
03
EMPLOYMENT STATUS SURVEY #2
Completion of this survey is mandatory. This information will assist us with our recruiting efforts. We appreciate your cooperation.
If you selected recently laid off in response to Employment Status Survey #1, please indicate the name of the employer from which you were laid off.
If you selected other in response to Employment Status Survey #1, please explain.
if these two options do not apply to you, please indicate "N/A."
04
APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT - REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
The responses you provide to these Supplemental Questions will be used in combination with your application to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements and/or your final score. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected or receiving a lower score.
Please do not submit a resume in place of completing the Supplemental Questions.
You must submit verification (e.g., copies of official transcripts or diploma as directed below) in order to receive credit for education. In general, proof of education downloaded from and/or submitted through the internet will not be accepted. Education obtained outside the United States must be comparable to education earned at a regionally accredited school in the United States. We also reserve the right to request further information about your academic program, evidence of comparability (e.g., foreign credential evaluation), or an original transcript.
To receive credit for substitute, temporary assignment, internship, or volunteer experience, applicants must submit an official letter of verification. The letter should include the job title, employment dates, number of hours worked, a description of the duties performed, and a contact name and phone number.
Any information you submit may be verified. Supporting documents must be either electronically attached to your application or submitted to our office as soon as possible. Our mailing address is: State of Hawaii Department of Human Resources Development, 235 South Beretania Street--11th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813. Documents should be identified by job title and recruitment number.
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APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT (Continued)
Applicants must meet all the requirements for the position they are seeking as of the date of the application, unless otherwise specified. In general, concurrent experiences and/or education will not be double credited unless otherwise specified. Your possession of the required amount of experience will not in and of itself be accepted as proof of qualification for the position. The overall paid or unpaid experience must be of such scope and responsibility as to conclusively demonstrate that you have the ability to perform the duties of the position
Our calculation of experience will be based upon a full-time, 40-hour work week. Part-time experience will be pro rated.
Example: Twelve months of experience at 20 hours/week will be pro rated to six months of experience.
Also, hours worked in excess of 40 hours/week will not be extra credited.
Example: Twelve months of experience at 60 hours/week will be credited as one year of experience, not one and a half years.
06
APPLICANTS ACKNOWLEDGMENT - MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (Complete information and details)
A summary and link to the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements are provided in the job announcement.
07
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
Please indicate how you meet this requirement by selecting one of following choices. (Refer to the Minimum Qualification Requirements for more detailed information.)
In order to receive credit for your academic training, you MUST SUBMIT a legible copy of your OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS by attaching it to your online application.
NOTE: If you are using relevant work experience in lieu of a Bachelors degree to fulfill the Education Requirement, you must clearly describe this work experience in your application. In order to receive credit, this experience must be comparable in scope, level, and quality to knowledge and skills gained via completion of study leading to a Bachelors degree.
08
GENERAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
Do you possess at least two (2) years of professional work experience in information research and dissemination or public relations work as specified in the Minimum Qualification Requirements?
If you do not possess this requirement, please indicate N/A below.
If you do possess the General Experience, please provide the following information to address your relevant background.
All employment information listed below should also be listed on your application. Address each change in employer or position separately.
The information for EACH employer should include:
A. Employer name, complete dates of employment (mo/yr to mo/yr), average number of hours worked per week, and your official title.
B. Describe this employer. Was this a government agency? Privately held or owned public relations company? Self employed consulting firm? What kinds of services did it provide and to whom?
C. Which department or section did you work in? What was the function of this department?
D. What was the primary function of your position? What were your major duties and responsibilities?
E. Describe your experience below, if any, in each of the following areas. If no experience, please state N/A. Be sure to include your specific role, the steps you took, and what happened as a result of your involvement. Give relevant examples.
Information research and dissemination. What kind of research did you do? Where did you go to get the information? How did you determine which information should be disseminated?
Analyzing and gathering pertinent information and writing materials for presentations, publications or news releases using accepted rules of standard English grammar, syntax, sentence structure, and punctuation. What kind of information did you gather? How did you gain knowledge in the correct use of standard English grammar, syntax, sentence structure and punctuation?
Selecting and utilizing various writing and other communication methods (e.g., brochures, radio announcements, newspaper articles) and styles to best reach target audiences. What kind of brochures, radio announcements and newspaper articles did you do? Who were your target audience? What was involved? How did you determine the order of presentation and choice of words?
Editing and analyzing materials. What was involved? What kinds of problems did you encounter? How were they resolved?
Establishing and maintaining effective relationships. Who did you work with? How did you establish and maintain these relationships?
F. Which best describes the level or work you performed (choose one): trainee/assistant, fully independent, or supervisor?
G. Describe your supervisory experience, if any. Include dates, number and titles of positions supervised, and a description of your supervisory duties.
H. Did this employer have an internal public relations department or use outside consultant(s) to address its publication needs? If so, explain. Include how your position interfaced with this entity.
A resume submitted in lieu of addressing the supplemental questions and/or answering "n/a," "no experience," "will discuss in interview," or any other manner that does not address the above questions will not be accepted and your application will be deemed ineligible.
If your write up is unclear, you may be asked to provide a copy of your official Job/Position Description.
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PARTIAL SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Please indicate if you are using the substitution to meet some of the specialized experience requirement.
In order to receive credit for your academic training, you MUST SUBMIT a legible copy of your OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS by attaching it to your online application.
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SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE APTITUDE:
Specialized Experience is not required, however, some Information Specialist III positions must demonstrate possession of aptitude or potential ability to organize, plan, and conduct a program to disseminate information. Do you possess this type of experience?
If no, please state N/A. If yes, identify each experience you would like us to consider and provide the following information.
All employers listed below should also be listed on your application. Treat each change in employer or position separately.
Treat each change in employer or position separately.
A. Name of employer, your job title; complete dates of employment (mo/yr to mo/yr), and the average number of hours worked per week performing these duties. Use your best estimate.
B. A description of this employer. Was this a government agency, private corporation, etc.? What were the major sections of this agency? What products or services did it provide and to whom?
C. Which section did you work in? What was its major function?
D. What was the primary focus of your position?
E. Describe your experiences, if any, as they demonstrate your experience, knowledge and ability to organize, plan and conduct a program to disseminate information to the general public. Be sure to describe your specific role, the steps you took, and provide relevant examples.
F. Describe your supervisory experience, if any. Include dates, number and titles of positions supervised, and a description of your supervisory duties.
G. How did your duties and authority differ from your supervisor?
Required Question
Employer State of Hawaii
Address DHRD - Employee Staffing Division
235 S. Beretania Street, 11th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813-2437
Phone 808-587-1111 or 1-877-447-5990 (TTY)