• HMAR Volunteer / Internship Application

  • PLEASE START HERE: Please select the type of application before continuing.

  • IMPORTANT NOTE FOR INTERNSHIP APPLICANTS:  Additional information is required.

    In addition to the completion of this form, to be considered for an internship position you will need to attach the following documents using the attachments box at the bottom of this form:

    • A cover letter of interest (maximum 1 page) with your availability (i.e. preferred internship period and confirmation that you have, or will have access to a reliable car or truck during the internship period.
    • Your resume or CV describing your training, experience, relevant skills and GPA (maximum of 2 pages).
    • The names and contact information for three references.

    At the bottom of this form, you will have the opportunity to attach these documents. You may want to have these materials ready to attach before completing the rest of this application. Your online application cannot be reviewed unless the items above are attached to this application.

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  • Aloha and thank you for your interest in Hawaii Marine Animal Response (HMAR) and for your support for Hawaii's marine protected species and our critically important ocean ecosystem.

    We are a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, recovery and stewardship of Hawaii's marine protected species and the coastal ecosystem we share.

    Before you complete your volunteer applications, please review the information about our different programs HERE. It is best for you to review what activities are included in each program as well as the physical, equipment and time commitments that are required. Again, please take a few minutes to review the activities and requirements for each program before completing this application. HMAR programs information is HERE.

    Once you have reviewed the information about the programs that interest you, please complete the information requested below. HMAR receives many volunteer applications but it is important that potential volunteers understand the minimum training, monthly minimum activity that is required as well as any additional requirements that are associated with specific HMAR programs. HMAR conducts important work and we offer rewarding opportunities but our expectations for volunteers and interns are high.

    After submitting this application, we will reach out to you to give you the next steps to become a HMAR team member.

    Mahalo,
    The HMAR Team

  • I'm sorry, we are not able to accept volunteers or interns that are less than 18 years of age.

  • Note: If you are not a U.S. citizen you may not be able to participate in some training opportunities that require special access to certain government facilities.

  • Here are the general requirements for all HMAR volunteer or internship programs. In addition to these general requirements, specific HMAR programs have additional requirements. You will be able to review those requirements when you choose up to two programs for participation below.

    General volunteer or internship requirements:

    • To be effective in your role, you need to be fully trained. Depending on the HMAR program(s) you choose, training will consist of completing some online training materials and taking one or more online quizzes. After you have completed the online pre-work, you will participate in some field training before you will become a member of our team.
    • Because best practices and policies may change, we ask that you attend occasional but mandatory in-field or virtual training sessions.
    • When you join HMAR as a volunteer you become part of a team. That team, the marine ecosystem and the animals we help, rely on you to COMMIT to the minimum level of activity for the program(s) selected. These will be described below.
    • For us to be effective, volunteers need to have an interest and a desire to engage with the public.
    • You must be at least 18 years old.
    • You must be physically fit. Most of HMAR's programs involve physical activity that may occur in hot, windy, rainy or other challenging conditions.
    • Volunteers need to have a team-based work ethic and attitude.
    • If required, you may be asked to provide a background check.
    • Communication is critical for volunteers. For all HMAR programs you will need a smartphone with 4G data service.
    • For some HMAR programs you will need a separate digital camera (see specific program requirements).
    • You will be asked to complete reports of the activities you performed in an accurate and timely manner.
  • I'm sorry, you may not participate in HMAR volunteer or internship programs unless you meet our general programs requirements.

  • Please choose the PRIMARY program that interests you. If you need to review the requirements for a particular program, you can find that information HERE.

  • Please choose the SECONDARY program that interests you if you wish to participate in two programs. If you need to review the requirements for a particular program, you can find that information HERE.

  • Field Support & Outreach (FS&O) Program Additional Information and Requirements:

    As a Field Support & Outreach Volunteer you will be making a positive impact on the conservation and recovery of our crucial marine ecosystem, Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles and seabirds.

    In this program, you will be asked to do the following: 

    • Respond in the field to reports of Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles and seabirds.
    • Make a general assessment of the animal's condition, identify the individual animal (for monk seals) and obtain photographs.
    • Identify potential animal health concerns.
    • Perform public outreach at locations where monk seals, sea turtles and seabirds may be on the shoreline in the vicinity of humans.
    • Perform directed surveys to find specific animals of interest or concern.
    • When appropriate, establish perimeters around monk seals to decrease interactions.
    • Assist Rescue & Stranding Response staff or volunteers with limited rescue activity.
    • Be on call and ready to perform ALL of these activities during your volunteer shifts.
    • Maintain the minimum activity requirements for this program (see below)

    Additional volunteer requirements:

    • Volunteers must meet all of the general HMAR volunteer requirements listed above.
    • Ability to walk in sandy, rocky and unstable shoreline conditions for 2 miles.
    • Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 35 pounds for 100 feet in beach and rocky conditions.
    • Ability to conduct outdoor activity during hot, rainy or windy conditions. Able and willing to work on your feet in these conditions for a minimum of 4 continuous hours.
    • Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in potentially stressful conditions.
    • Access to a reliable car.  Motorcycles or scooters will not be sufficient.
    • Possess a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance with minimum Hawaii liability coverage.
    • Possess a digital camera (a smartphone is not sufficient) with at least a 35X zoom. The digital camera must have the ability to upload photos taken to your smartphone so they may be emailed from the field in real time. This can be accomplished using WiFi, Bluetooth or through the use of a data card upload cable.
    • Possess a set of binoculars with at least 10X magnification. (Highly recommended but not required).

    Minimum volunteer activity:

    • Volunteers on this team commit to a minimum of 2 four-hour activity sessions each month. Volunteers that maintain an activity level of at least 4 four-hour activity sessions each month receive additional benefits.
    • Minimum activity requirement is 1 year.
    • Only applicants agreeing to the minimum activity commitment will be accepted for this assignment.
  • I'm sorry, you may not participate in the FS&O Program unless you meet the minimum program requirements. Please scroll up to choose a different PRIMARY or SECONDARY program for your participation.

  • Education & Engagement (E&E) Program additional information and requirements:

    As a volunteer in the Education & Engagement Program, you will be doing the all-important work of informing people, educating and creating active supporters of Hawaii's protected marine species and our critically important ocean ecosystem.

    As a volunteer in this program, you will be asked to do the following:

    • Conduct presentations and education activity at public locations and events.
    • Conduct presentations and education activity at public and private schools.
    • Assist in the creation and curation of educational resource materials.
    • Conduct training sessions with commercial operators and other businesses.
    • Maintain the minimum activity requirements for this program (see below).

    Additional volunteer requirements:

    • Volunteers must meet all of the general HMAR volunteer requirements listed above.
    • Must be comfortable speaking in front of a group of people.
    • Must be able and willing to work on your feet for a minimum of 2 hours.
    • Access to a reliable vehicle is required.
    • Possess a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance with Hawaii minimum liability coverage.
    • Experience with computer applications such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Docs and similar programs.

    Volunteer activity requirements:

    • Volunteers on this team commit to a minimum of at least 2 four-hour activity sessions each month.
    • Volunteers that maintain an activity level of at least 4 four-hour activity sessions each month receive additional benefits.
    • Minimum activity requirement is 6 months.
    • Only applicants agreeing to the minimum activity commitment will be accepted for this assignment.
  • I'm sorry, you may not participate in the E&E Program unless you meet the minimum program requirements. Please scroll up to choose a different PRIMARY or SECONDARY program for your participation.

  • Marine Debris Program (MDP) Additional Information and Requirements:

    As a volunteer in our Marine Debris Program you will be performing activity that directly helps Hawaii's protected marine species and our critically important ocean ecosystem.

    As a volunteer in this program you will be asked to do the following:

    • Assist in maintaining marine debris collection bins.
    • Perform outreach to members of the public.
    • If qualified, assist in nearshore (snorkel) underwater marine debris surveys and collection,
    • If qualified, properly certified and insured, assist in SCUBA underwater marine debris surveys and collection (see below for SCUBA requirements).
    • Be on call to perform these activities during your volunteer shifts.
      Maintain the minimum activity requirements for this program (see below).

    Additional volunteer requirements:

    • Volunteers must meet all of the general HMAR volunteer requirements listed above.
    • Ability to walk in sandy, rocky and unstable shoreline conditions for 1 mile.
    • Demonstrate the ability to lift and carry a minimum of 70 pounds for 100 feet in beach and rocky conditions.
    • Ability to conduct outdoor activity during hot, rainy or windy conditions. You must be able and willing to work on your feet in these conditions for a minimum of 4 continuous hours.
    • Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in potentially stressful conditions.
    • Access to a reliable vehicle.
    • Volunteers must be willing to carry marine debris in their vehicle for transport to collection sites.
    • Possess a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance with minimum Hawaii liability coverage.
    • If you wish to perform snorkel activity, the following additional requirements apply:
      -  Ability to swim in open ocean with surge and currents required
      -  Significant snorkeling experience (have dived with snorkel at least 20 times)
      -  Participants must provide their own snorkeling equipment
      -  Able to demonstrate satisfactory swimming and snorkeling competence
    • If you wish to perform SCUBA activity, the following additional requirements apply:
      -  Ability to swim in open ocean with surge and currents required
      -  Participants must provide their own SCUBA equipment
      -  Able to demonstrate satisfactory swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA competence
      -  Rescue Diver certification or above from a nationally recognized accreditation body
      -  Current DAN insurance at the "Preferred" level
      -  First aid, CPR, AED and lifeguard certifications should be acquired during the first 12 months of program participation
      -  Open ocean small boat operations experience desired

    Volunteer activity requirements:

    • Volunteers on this team commit to a minimum of 2 four-hour activity sessions each month.
    • Volunteers that maintain an activity level of at least 4 four-hour activity sessions each month receive additional benefits.
    • Minimum activity requirement is 1 year.
    • Only applicants agreeing to the minimum activity commitment will be accepted for this assignment.
  • I'm sorry, you may not participate in the MDP Program unless you meet the minimum program requirements. Please scroll up to choose a different PRIMARY or SECONDARY program for your participation.

  • Rescue & Stranding Response (R&SR) Program Additional Information and Requirements:

    IMPORTANT NOTE:  In order to participate as a volunteer in the Rescue & Stranding Response (R&SR) Program, volunteers will be required to demonstrate an increased level of time commitment and physical fitness and must also purchase required personal equipment. 

    Volunteers in this program are also REQUIRED to have access to a truck or full-sized van. No exceptions are allowed.

    Volunteers in this program MUST BE U.S. CITIZENS due to requirements to access certain government facilities. No exceptions are allowed. 

    As a volunteer in our Rescue & Stranding Response (R&SR) Program you will be performing activity that has a direct impact on the health and conservation of Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, seabirds, dolphins and whales. 

    Below are the types of activities to be conducted by volunteers in the Rescue & Stranding Response (R&SR) Program. Applicants for this program will be interviewed prior to acceptance into training. Members of the Rescue & Stranding Response (R&SR) Program team must be willing to commit to additional time for training, a greater level of monthly activity and the willingness to complete necessary training and certifications.

    As a volunteer in this program, you will be asked to do the following:

    • Have access to one of these required types of vehicles. Because of the nature of the work conducted in the R&SR Program, only these vehicles will be acceptable. There are NO exceptions.

                          Ford Ranger, 150, 250, 350 or 450 truck
                          Toyota Tacoma or Tundra truck
                          Chevrolet Colorado or Silverado truck
                          Dodge Ram 1500, 2500 or 3500 truck
                          GMC Sierra or Canyon truck
                          Nissan Frontier or Titan truck
                          Honda Ridgeline truck
                          Ford Freestyle or Transit van
                          Dodge Ram ProMaster van
                          Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van
                          GMC Savana van
                          Nissan NV van

    • Respond in the field to reports of live or dead Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, seabirds, dolphins or whales.
    • Assist with or perform animal assessments, disentanglement, recovery, stranding response or other intevention activity.
    • Conduct surveys for protected marine animals in nearshore waters or on offshore islets.
    • Assist in natural disasters or environmental incidents affecting animal health.
    • Transport live or dead seals, seabirds, sea turtles, dolphins, and small whales.
    • While performing the above activities, conduct outreach to the public.
    • Be on call and ready to perform ALL of these activities during your volunteer shifts.
    • Maintain the minimum activity requirements for this program (see below).

    Additional volunteer requirements for the Rescue & Stranding Response (R&SR) Program:

    • Meet all of the general HMAR volunteer requirements listed above.
    • Due to the need to access certain government facilities, participants in the Rescue & Stranding Response program must be U.S. citizens.
    • Able to walk in sandy, rocky and unstable shoreline conditions for at least 2 miles.
    • Demonstrate the ability to lift and carry 75 pounds for 100 feet in beach and rocky conditions.
    • Demonstrate the ability to swim for 100 yards and tread water for 10 minutes.
    • Ability to conduct outdoor activity during hot, rainy or windy conditions.
    • Able and willing to work on your feet in these conditions for a minimum of 6 consecutive hours.
    • Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in potentially stressful conditions.
    • Rescue & Stranding Response (R&SR) volunteers must be willing to transport live or dead marine animals in the bed of their truck or in their van.
    • Possess a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance with minimum Hawaii liability coverage.
    • Possess a digital camera (a smartphone is not sufficient) with at least a 35X zoom. The digital camera must have the ability to upload photos taken to your smartphone so they may be emailed from the field in real time. This can be accomplished using WiFi, Bluetooth or through the use of a data card upload cable.
    • Possess a set of binoculars with at least 10X magnification.
    • Open ocean small boat operations experience highly desired.
    • HAZWOPER and ICS training and certifications.(This must be completed within the first 12 months of program participation.)
    • First aid, CPR and AED certifications.(This must be completed within the first 12 months of program participation.)
    • Lifeguard certification. (It is highly desired that you complete this training within the first 12 months of program participation.
    • State of Hawaii boat operators certification. (This must be completed within the first 12 months of program participation.
    • Pinniped, sea turtle or seabird handling experience or training desired.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: Some Rescue & Stranding Response (R&SR) Program activities will involve interactions with animals that are expired and in various stages of decomposition. Participants must be able to see and do unpleasant things without feeling sick.

    Volunteer activity requirements:

    • Volunteers on this team commit to a minimum of 1 six-hour activity session each week, preferably on the same day and time period each week.
    • Minimum activity requirement is 2 years.
    • Only applicants agreeing to the minimum activity commitment will be accepted into the Rescue & Stranding Response Program.
  • I'm sorry, you may not participate in the R&SR Program unless you meet the minimum program requirements. Please scroll up to choose a different PRIMARY or SECONDARY program for your participation.

  • I'm sorry, you may not participate in the R&SR Program unless you meet the minimum program requirements. Please scroll up to choose a different PRIMARY or SECONDARY program for your participation.

  • Dispatch & Reporting (D&R) Program Additional Information and Requirements:

    As a volunteer in our Dispatch & Reporting (D&R) Program you will be performing critical activity that helps Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, seabirds and our critically important ocean ecosystem. Volunteers in this program take phone calls from members of the public and government agencies, dispatch responders and document important information that is used in protected species management and research.

    As a volunteer in this program will be asked to do the following:

    • Take phone calls and email submissions of protected marine species sightings and animals in distress from the public, government agencies and staff/volunteers.
    • Coordinate as needed with law enforcement and/or other government agencies in escalated situations.
    • Complete computerized dispatch reports and contact appropriate personnel for field response.
    • Enter field data into reports.
    • Update internal social media streams.
    • Update and create activity reports.
    • Maintain the minimum activity requirements for this program (see below).

    Additional volunteer requirements:

    • Volunteers must meet all of the general HMAR volunteer requirements listed above.
    • Must be able to perform more than one important activity at the same time.
    • Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in potentially stressful conditions.
    • Access to a reliable computer, phone and Internet service.
    • Access to a work location with minimal background noise.
    • Experience with computer applications such as Microsoft Excel and Google Docs.

    Volunteer activity requirements:

    • Volunteers on this team commit to a minimum of at least 1 four-hour activity session each week. Volunteers that maintain an activity level of at least 8 hours each week receive additional benefits.
    • Minimum activity requirement is 1 year.
    • Only applicants agreeing to the minimum activity commitment will be accepted for this assignment.
  • I'm sorry, you may not participate in the D&R Program unless you meet the minimum program requirements. Please scroll up to choose a different PRIMARY or SECONDARY program for your participation.

  • Field Support & Outreach (FS&O) Intern Duties and Other Requirements:

    As an intern in our Field Support & Outreach Program, you'll learn important skills that will be important in a marine animal conservation career. You will participate in, and perform activity including field response, animal condition assessment, intervention (such as disentanglement), stranding support, rescue and transport. You will conduct outreach and education functions in the field to teach the public about protected marine species and the importance of a healthy ocean ecosystem.  You will also assist in the all-important functions of data collection, hotline management and dispatching of field responders.

    INTERN DUTIES INCLUDE:

    • Responding to sightings of, or performing directed surveys for endangered, threatened or protected marine species such as Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles and seabirds and to provide shoreline response to haul-outs, strandings and animals of concern.
    • Report on animal behavior, provide basic animal assessment information, provide photo-documentation and other important data used in endangered marine species research, health management and species recovery efforts.
    • Perform outreach to the public to encourage stewardship of Hawaii's protected marine species.
    • Duties may also include escalated or emergency field response and assisting with protected marine species interventions, strandings and rescue activity.
    • Participate in dispatch and reporting activity such as the taking and documenting of phone calls regarding marine species activity, coordinating field response activity, data entry and generating reports.

    GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

    • This is an unpaid internship opportunity that requires the intern to live on the island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii for the period beginning 4 weeks prior to the start of the internship until the end of the internship.
    • The intern is responsible for all lodging, living and transportation costs associated with the internship.
    • Interns are required to possess all needed equipment and supplies such as a suitable vehicle, fuel, hiking shoes, hat, sunglasses, water bottles and all equipment listed below. HMAR does not provide lodging, food, supplies or financial support.
    • U.S. citizenship, applicable visas or other immigration status documents.
    • 18 or more years of age.
    • English language fluency.
    • Must be a degree-seeking student or a graduate of a college or university program associated with one of the following courses of study: marine biology, marine ecology, conservation or a related field.
    • Minimum grade point average (GPA).  For college/university graduates - a 2.7 cumulative GPA prior to the internship. For current students - a 2.7 cumulative GPA prior to and during the internship.
    • College credit: If college credit for this internship is desired it is the intern’s responsibility to obtain necessary approvals from the applicable college or university.
    • Ability to walk in sandy, rocky and sometimes unstable conditions for 2 miles.
    • Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 75 pounds for 100 feet in beach and rocky conditions.
    • Ability to conduct outdoor activity during hot, rainy or windy conditions. You must be able and willing to work on your feet in these conditions for a minimum of 4 continuous hours.
    • Ability to swim required.
    • Experience with small boat operations and open ocean in-water environments (desired but not required).
    • Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in potentially stressful conditions.
    • Possess an interest and desire to engage with the public.
    • Possess a team-based work ethic and attitude.
    • Acceptance of our Intern Policies, Waivers, Releases and Indemnifications.
    • Attend mandatory in-field or classroom training sessions as required.
    • Must have access to a reliable car or truck (truck preferred) during the internship period. Motorcycles or scooters will not be sufficient.
    • Possession of a valid driver’s license.
    • Proof of automobile insurance carrying Hawaii minimum liability coverage levels.
    • Access to a cellular phone with 4G data service and camera.
    • Access to a digital camera (a smartphone is not sufficient) with at least a 35X zoom. The digital camera must have the ability to upload photos taken to your smartphone so they may be emailed from the field in real time. This can be accomplished using WiFi, Bluetooth or through the use of a data card upload cable.
    • Access to binoculars with at least a 10X magnification level.
    • Pass a background check.

    ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS:

    • Internship term: Minimum of 3 months (may be extended for up to 1 year upon mutual agreement)
    • Hours per week: 20 hours minimum however due to the unpredictable nature of marine animal response, the intern may sometimes be required to work beyond their normal scheduled hours. Travel time to and from training or field activity locations is not included in these minimum hours. The intern must be able and willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays.
    • The intern is expected to be available for activity anywhere on the Island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii.
  • I'm sorry, you may not participate in the FS&O Program Internship unless you meet the minimum program requirements.

  • Marine Debris Program (MDP) Intern Duties and Other Requirements:

    As an intern in our Marine Debris Program, you'll learn important skills that will be important in a marine animal conservation career. You will participate in, and perform activity including planning and executing marine debris survey and removal missions, and supporting HMAR staff and other volunteers in program needs.

    INTERN DUTIES INCLUDE:

    • Planning, executing and documenting in-water marine debris and cleanup missions.
    • Maintaining, cleaning and preparing marine debris and diving equipment.
    • Servicing and maintaining fishing debris collection bins.
    • Participating in needed training and drills.
    • Perform outreach to the public to encourage stewardship of Hawaii's protected marine species.

    GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

    • This is an unpaid internship opportunity that requires the intern to live on the island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii for the period beginning 4 weeks prior to the start of the internship until the end of the internship.
    • The intern is responsible for all lodging, living and transportation costs associated with the internship.
    • Interns are required to possess all needed equipment and supplies such as a suitable vehicle, fuel, diving equipment, hiking shoes, hat, sunglasses, water bottles and all equipment listed below.
    • HMAR does not provide lodging, food, supplies or financial support.
    • U.S. citizenship, applicable visas or other immigration status documents.
    • 18 or more years of age.
    • English language fluency.
    • Must be a degree-seeking student or a graduate of a college or university program associated with one of the following courses of study: marine biology, marine ecology, conservation or a related field.
    • Minimum grade point average (GPA).
    • For college/university graduates - a 2.7 cumulative GPA prior to the internship. For current students - a 2.7 cumulative GPA prior to and during the internship.
      College credit: If college credit for this internship is desired it is the intern’s responsibility to obtain necessary approvals from the applicable college or university.
    • Ability to walk in sandy, rocky and sometimes unstable conditions for 2 miles.
    • Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 75 pounds for 100 feet in beach and rocky conditions.
    • Ability to conduct outdoor activity during hot, rainy or windy conditions. You must be able and willing to work on your feet in these conditions for a minimum of 4 continuous hours.
    • Ability to swim 100 yards and ability to tread water for 10 minutes required.
    • Snorkel / free diving experience (greater than 30 dives).
    • SCUBA diving experience (Rescue or higher certification from an internationally recognized SCUBA accreditation organization).
    • DAN insurance at "Preferred" or higher level.
    • Experience with and comfortable in small boat operations and open ocean in-water environments (desired but not required).
    • Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in potentially stressful conditions.
    • Possess an interest and desire to engage with the public.
    • Possess a team-based work ethic and attitude.
    • Acceptance of our Intern Policies, Waivers, Releases and Indemnifications.
    • Attend mandatory in-field or classroom training sessions as required.
    • Must have access to a reliable car or truck (truck preferred) during the internship period. Motorcycles or scooters will not be sufficient.
    • Possession of a valid driver’s license.
    • Proof of automobile insurance carrying Hawaii minimum liability coverage levels.
    • Access to a cellular phone with 4G data service and camera.
    • Pass a background check.

    ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS:

    • Internship term: Minimum of 3 months (may be extended for up to 1 year upon mutual agreement),
    • Hours per week: 20 hours minimum however due to the unpredictable nature of marine debris and marine operations interns may sometimes be required to work beyond their normal scheduled hours. Travel time to and from training or activity locations is not included in these minimum hours.
    • The intern must be able and willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays.
    • The intern is expected to be available for activity anywhere on the Island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii.
  • I'm sorry, you may not participate in the MDP Program Internship unless you meet the minimum program requirements.

  • Education & Engagement (E&E) Program Intern Duties and Other Requirements:

    As an intern in our Education and Engagement Program, you'll learn important skills that will be important in a marine animal conservation career. You will participate in education and community outreach events, assist in development of learning resources and work to inform and inspire stewardship of Hawaii's marine protected animals and our ocean ecosystem.

    INTERN DUTIES INCLUDE:

    • Planning and performing educational activities at schools, community events and public meetings.
    • Developing education and teaching resources.
    • Perform outreach to the public to encourage stewardship of Hawaii's protected marine species.

    GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

    • This is an unpaid internship opportunity that requires the intern to live on the island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii for the period beginning 4 weeks prior to the start of the internship until the end of the internship.
    • The intern is responsible for all lodging, living and transportation costs associated with the internship.
    • Interns are required to possess all needed equipment and supplies such as a suitable vehicle, fuel, diving equipment, hiking shoes, hat, sunglasses, water bottles and all equipment listed below.
    • HMAR does not provide lodging, food, supplies or financial support.
    • U.S. citizenship, applicable visas or other immigration status documents..
      18 or more years of age.
    • English language fluency.
    • Must be a degree-seeking student or a graduate of a college or university program associated with one of the following courses of study: marine biology, marine ecology, conservation or a related field.
    • Minimum grade point average (GPA).  For college/university graduates - a 2.7 cumulative GPA prior to the internship. For current students - a 2.7 cumulative GPA prior to and during the internship.
    • College credit: If college credit for this internship is desired it is the intern’s responsibility to obtain necessary approvals from the applicable college or university.
    • Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 35 pounds for 100 feet.
    • Ability to conduct indoor or outdoor activity and be able and willing to work on your feet in these conditions for a minimum of 4 continuous hours.
    • Possess an interest and desire to engage with the public.
    • Possess a team-based work ethic and attitude.
    • Acceptance of our Intern Policies, Waivers, Releases and Indemnifications.
      Attend mandatory in-field or classroom training sessions as required.
    • Must have access to a reliable car or truck (truck preferred) during the internship period. Motorcycles or scooters will not be sufficient.
    • Possession of a valid driver’s license.
    • Proof of automobile insurance carrying Hawaii minimum liability coverage levels.
    • Access to a cellular phone with 4G data service and camera.
    • Pass a background check.

    ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS:

    • Internship term: Minimum of 3 months (may be extended for up to 1 year upon mutual agreement).
    • Hours per week: 20 hours minimum however due to the unpredictable nature of marine conservation activity interns may sometimes be required to work beyond their normal scheduled hours.
    • Travel time to and from training or activity locations is not included in these minimum hours.
    • The intern must be able and willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays.
    • The intern is expected to be available for activity anywhere on the Island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii.
  • I'm sorry, you may not participate in the E&E Internship Program unless you meet the minimum program requirements.

  • I'm sorry, participation in HMAR's volunteer or internship program requires access to a reliable car, truck or van. Your application cannot be considered unless you have, or will have, access to a reliable vehicle during your volunteer or internship activities.

  • IMPORTANT NOTE FOR INTERNSHIP APPLICANTS:  Additional information is required.

    In addition to the completion of this form, to be considered for an internship position please attach the following documents in the attachment box below:

    • A cover letter of interest (maximum 1 page) with your availability (i.e. preferred internship period and confirmation that you have, or will have access to a reliable car or truck during the internship period.
    • Your resume or CV describing training, experience, relevant skills and GPA (maximum of 2 pages).
    • The names and contact information of three references.

    Your online application cannot be reviewed unless it includes the items above.

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