| Location | Lihue, HI |
PROFESSIONAL TRAINEE I AND II (ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST) - KAUAI
Salary
See Position Description
Location
Island of Kauai
Job Type
Various
Job Number
26-0391
Department
Various
Opening Date
10/06/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
Max Number of Applicants
25
Recruitment Information
Recruitment Number 26-0391
This vacancy is with the Department of Health and is located in Lihue.
THIS JOB POSTING WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 25 APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED. PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY AS THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME.
Professional Trainee I: $4,368 per month (SR-16, Step D)
Professional Trainee II: $4,725 per month (SR-18, Step D)
Note: Hiring rates will be based on availability of funds, the applicants qualifications, and other relevant factor.
This recruitment will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.
Duties Summary
Professional Trainee I:
This is an entry level trainee, receives on-the-job training in the principles, concepts, work processes, methods and techniques, and reference material fundamental to professional aspects of the professional work to be performed, and orientation to the goals, objectives, philosophy, policies, procedures, rules and regulations pertinent to the assigned program. Work assignments are clear cut, routine, and are selected and designed to develop the employee for work of a higher level and progression to the journey worker or higher level in the occupation/series.
Professional Trainee II:
This is the advanced trainee level through which the trainee advances as part of his/her progression to full performance as an independent worker. Work assignments range from the simple to the moderately complex and are generally characterized by clear and specific objectives to be reached by the application of basic methods and techniques of the occupational specialty and specific standards, guides and regulations. The primary work processes and tasks follow well-established procedures, and determinations can be made by the direct application of specific standards, guides, etc. Additional assignments are selected to develop the employee for eventual progression to the independent worker or higher level.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
To qualify, you must meet all of the following 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.
Prerequisite Knowledge and Abilities Required:
Professional Trainee I
Knowledge of: Research methods and techniques; report writing, problem solving methods and techniques.
Ability to: Learn the principles, concepts, work processes, and reference material fundamental to the work to be performed, and the goals, objectives, philosophy, policies, procedures, rules and regulations pertinent to the program; successfully complete assignments selected to develop the employee for higher level work; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Professional Trainee II
In addition to the knowledge and abilities required at the Professional Trainee I:
Knowledge of: Professional work processes.
Ability to: Apply basic methods and techniques of the occupational specialty and specific standards, guides, rules, and regulations pertinent to the work.
Basic Education Requirement:
Education: A bachelors degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university.
Experience Requirement:
Professional Trainee I: No experience required.
Professional Trainee II: Six (6) months of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of business administration, public administration or other responsible professional experience which requires a high degree of analytical skill (e.g., operations management, business analyst, budget/fiscal analyst, etc.) and which involved evaluating and improving elements such as managerial policies, systems, work methods and practices, personnel needs and utilization, and quality of services rendered, of an operating program.
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 for Professional Trainee I and II in their entirety, please CLICK HERE.
To view the requirements for the Administrative Specialist in their entirety, please CLICK HERE.
2.001:2.002:051812:13:DKA
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.
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 an accredited school in the United States. We also reserve the right to request further information about your academic program, evidence of comparability, or an original transcript.
To receive credit for substitute, temporary assignment, 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 professional 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 at: 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.
05
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
PREREQUISITE KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Do you have education or experience which provided you knowledge of each of the following areas below? If none, state NA.
If yes, please identify in detail below where or how you gained such knowledge.
Be sure to include the dates (from and to, month and year), the specific classes (include the school, course title and number) or work experiences (include employer name, dates and your job title) where you gained such knowledge, and at least several illustrative examples which will clearly demonstrate your role and the scope and depth of your knowledge. Treat each knowledge separately.
Professional Trainee I:
Knowledge of:
Research methods and techniques.
Report writing.
Problem solving methods and techniques.
Abilities to:
Learn the principles, concepts, work processes, and reference material fundamental to the work to be performed,
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
If your write up is unclear, you may be asked to provide a copy of your official Job/Position Description including Organizational Chart.
08
PREREQUISITE KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES (Continued)
Do you have education or experience which provided you knowledge of each of the following areas below? If none, state NA.
If yes, please identify in detail below where or how you gained such knowledge.
Be sure to include the dates (from and to, month and year), the specific classes (include the school, course title and number) or work experiences (include employer name, dates and your job title) where you gained such knowledge, and at least several illustrative examples which will clearly demonstrate your role and the scope and depth of your knowledge. Treat each knowledge separately.
Professional Trainee II:
In addition to the knowledge and abilities required at the Professional Trainee I:
Basic knowledge of professional work processes; and
Ability to apply basic methods and techniques of the occupational specialty and specific standards, guides, rules and regulations pertinent to the work.
If your write up is unclear, you may be asked to provide a copy of your official Job/Position Description including Organizational Chart.
09
BASIC EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
Do you possess a bachelors degree from an accredited 4-year college or university?
If Yes, you MUST attach a copy of your OFFICIAL diploma and/or transcripts to your on-line application.
NOTE: If you are using relevant work experience in lieu of a Bachelors degree to fulfill the Education Requirement, clearly describe this work experience in your application. In order to receive credit, this experience be comparable in scope, level, and quality to comparable knowledge and skills gained via completion of study leading to a Bachelors degree.
10
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
Do you have six (6) months of specialized experience which involved conducting business or public administration or other responsible professional experience (e.g., operations management, business analyst, budget/fiscal analyst, etc.) in the management of financial and human resources in an organization?
If no, please answer "N/A".
If yes, please provide the following information to address your relevant background in an organization or an operating program.
Address each change in employer or positions with the same employer separately. The information for EACH employer should include:
A. Employers name, employment dates (month/year to month/year) your official job title, and average number of hours per week spent collectively on duties below;
B. Describe this employer, including the type of organization (government or private firm, self-employment, etc.) kinds of services provided, and clientele served.
C. What department/division were you in charge of? What kinds of programs was it responsible for? Whom did these programs service? In your description, include specific and detailed information which will describe the scope and complexity of the subject programs.
D. What was the primary function of your position? What were your major duties and responsibilities? In your description, avoid the use of vague terms such as "developed policies and procedures," "analyzed manpower needs,", etc.
E. Describe your experience, if any, with this employer as it involved evaluating and improving elements in each of the following areas as they relate to the financial and human resources of your organization. Be sure to include your specific roles, the steps you took and what happened as a result. Include pertinent examples.
1) Managerial policies
2) Work systems and practices
3) Work methods and practices
4) Personnel needs and utilization
5) Quality of services rendered
F. Which best describes your skill and knowledge level with this employer: assistant-trainee, independent worker, or supervisor?
G. Did this employer have a separate department or entity that was primarily responsible for administrative functions and/or the review of program operations (e.g., personnel, budget, etc.)? If so, how did your position relate to this entity?
H. Please describe your supervisory experience with this employer, if any. Include dates, number and titles of positions supervised, and a description of your supervisory duties.
I. How did your duties and authority differ from those of your supervisor?
Be specific and complete in your responses. To receive credit, the employer(s) and each position held MUST be identified in the experience section of your application.
A resume submitted in lieu of answering each supplemental question completely will not be accepted. We do not make assumptions.
If your write up is unclear, you may be asked to provide a copy of your official Job/Position Description including Organizational Chart.
11
ALLOWED SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
Please indicate if you are using the substitution to partially meet the specialized experience.
In order to receive credit, you MUST SUBMIT a legible copy of your OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS by attaching it to your online application.
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)