HMAR Volunteer or Internship Application

Attention Internship Applicants

To apply for an internship, you will be required to upload a resume or CV (1 page maximum), a cover letter of interest (1 page maximum), and 2 academic or professional references. ALL of these documents are required for consideration. Please make sure that your resume and/or cover letter includes your current address. It is advisable that you have these documents complete and ready to upload before beginning your application.

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

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

Before you complete your volunteer application, 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

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:

• All volunteers and interns must provide documentation showing full COVID-19 vaccination status. You will be asked to upload a copy of your proof of vaccination below.
• To be effective in your role, you need to be fully trained. Depending on the HMAR program(s) you choose, training will consist of studying provided materials, in-person classroom training, in-field training, and a written test.
• 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, and 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.
• To be successful, you must have very strong English-speaking skills because volunteers regularly engage in outreach with the public.
• 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 there will be the need for you to have certain equipment (see specific program requirements).
• You will be asked to complete reports of the activities you performed in an accurate and timely manner.

Below are the currently available HMAR volunteer program choices. Please review the volunteer activities and the additional volunteer requirements for the programs. After each program description you may select the program for your participation. We recommend participating in no more than 2 different programs. 

MOLOKAI VOLUNTEERS: For volunteering opportunities on Molokai, please inquire by emailing info@h-mar.org. Please provide your place of residence on the island of Molokai and your volunteer time availability. Mahalo.

Field Operations Program (FOP) Information and Volunteer Requirements:

As a Field Operations Program (FOP) volunteer you will be making a positive impact on the conservation and recovery of Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, seabirds, and the ocean they call home. All volunteers in this program begin as a Level 1 FOP team member. After Level 1 training and activity, and based on your personnel qualifications and desire, you may be invited to become a Level 2 FOP volunteer. Persons with prior field experience with marine protected animals may be invited to progress at a faster pace. These two volunteer levels are described below.

All Level 1 volunteers in this program do the following important work: 

• 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), obtain photographs and identify potential animal health concerns.
• Perform public outreach at locations where these animals may be around humans.
• When appropriate, establish perimeters around monk seals to decrease interactions.
• Assist HMAR staff and other HMAR volunteers in performing animal interventions, stranding response, rescue and animal transport.

Level 2 volunteers in this program will do the following:

• Perform all of the function of a Level 1 volunteer.
• Assist with or perform monk seal, sea turtle or seabird escalations, interventions, rescues and stranding responses.
• Assist with or perform sea turtle rehabilitation and medical care at the HMAR Care Center facility.

Volunteer requirements for the Field Operations Program (FOP):

• Volunteers must meet all of the general HMAR volunteer requirements (listed above on this application).
• Must reside on the island of Oʻahu for the minimum duration of program participation (i.e. 1 year).
• Level 1 volunteers must be able to walk in sandy, rocky and unstable shoreline conditions for 2 miles. Level 2 volunteers must be able to walk in these conditions for 3 miles.
• Level 1 volunteers must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 35 pounds for 100 feet in beach and rocky conditions. Level 2 volunteers must be able to lift and carry 70 pounds.
• Ability to conduct outdoor response and rescue activity during hot, rainy or windy conditions. Able and willing to work on your feet in these conditions for 6 hours.
• Level 2 volunteers must be willing and able to respond anywhere on the island of Oʻahu.
• 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 Hawaiʻi liability coverage.
• Possess a digital camera (a smartphone only is not sufficient) with at least a 35X zoom.
• Level 2 volunteers must possess a set of binoculars with at least 10X magnification.

Minimum volunteer activity:

• Level 1 volunteers on this team commit to a minimum of 2 four-hour activity shifts each month. Level 2 volunteers commit to a minimum of one 6-hour shift each week on the same days and times each week. (Note: If Level 2 volunteers in this program are also members of our Marine Operations Program (MOP) team, only one 6-hour shift each week is the minimum participation level for both programs combined.)
• Minimum activity requirement is 1 year.
• Some exceptions to these minimum commitment levels may be granted under certain circumstances (i.e. military duty, etc.)
   

Marine Operations Program (MOP) Information and Volunteer Requirements:

Volunteers in the HMAR Marine Operations Program (MOP) perform a variety of important activities in or on the ocean that benefit Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, seabirds, and the ocean they call home. Volunteer activity may occur in or on the water, and may involve kayaking, swimming, free diving, and operations from vessels.

NOTE: To be a volunteer in our Marine Operations Program (MOP), you must also be a Level 2 volunteer in our Field Operations Program (FOP). Please see more about that program above.

Marine Operations Program (MOP) volunteer activity may include: 

• Responding to reports of live or dead Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, or seabirds that may need assistance on or in the water.
• Assist with or perform animal assessments, disentanglement, recovery, stranding response or other intervention activity on or in the water.
• Assist with or perform marine debris removal affecting marine protected animals in or on the water.

Volunteer requirements for Marine Operations Program (MOP):

• Volunteers must meet all of the general HMAR volunteer requirements (listed above on this application).
• Volunteers in this program must have access to a reliable car or truck. Volunteer applicants with a truck will be given priority.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance with minimum Hawaiʻi liability coverage.
• Must reside on the island of Oʻahu for the minimum duration of program participation (i.e. 1 year).
• Willing and able to respond anywhere on the island of Oʻahu.
• Able to walk in sandy, rocky and unstable shoreline conditions for at least 3 miles.
• Able to lift and carry 70 pounds for 100 feet in beach and rocky conditions.
• Able to swim for 400 yards on the ocean surface without stopping in less than 15 minutes (flippers allowed).
• Able to swim underwater for 25 yards without surfacing (flippers allowed).
• Able to tread water on the surface for 10 minutes without additional flotation aids.
• Able to breath hold for 1 minute.
• Demonstrate the above physical capabilities a minimum of once yearly.
• Possess your own swimming and free diving equipment (i.e. mask, snorkel, fins, etc.)
• Ability to conduct outdoor activity during hot, rainy or windy conditions for a minimum of 6 hours.
• Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in potentially stressful conditions.

Volunteer activity requirements:

• Volunteers on this team commit to a minimum of one 6-hour activity session each week on the same days and time periods each week. (Note: MOP program volunteers are also Level 2 Field Operations Program (MOP) volunteers, but only one 6-hour shift each week is the minimum participation level for both programs combined.)
• Minimum activity commitment is 1 year.
• Some exceptions to these minimum commitment levels may be granted under certain circumstances (i.e. military duty, etc.)
   

Operations Support Program (OSP) Additional Information and Requirements:

As a volunteer in our Operations Support Program (OSP) 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 perform the following activities:

• 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 for the Operations Support Program (OSP):

• Volunteers must meet all of the general HMAR volunteer requirements listed above.
• Volunteers in this program do not need to reside in Hawaiʻi however prior experience living in Hawaiʻi is highly desireable.
• 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 three-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.

Volunteer Activity Requirements

HMAR is a team of volunteers, interns and staff that all work together to make an important impact. To accomplish this, it's very important for each team member to meet certain activity minimums that apply to each of our programs:

• Field Operations Program (FOP) - Level 1 volunteers = Two 4-hour activity shifts each month. Level 2 volunteers = One 6-hour activity shift each week on the same day and times each week.
• Marine Operations Program (MOP) - One 6-hour activity shift each week on the same day and times each week.
• Operations Support Program (OSP) - 1 activity shift each week (minimum 3 hours each)

Field Operations Program (FOP) Intern Duties and Other Requirements:

As a Field Operations Program (FOP) intern, 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, interventions (such as disentanglement, stranding support, rescue, transport, husbandry and rehabilitation. You will also 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.
• Work under supervision to perform or assist in sea turtle assessments, interventions, stranding response, and transport.
• Carefully follow instructions provided by HMAR staff and veterinarians in the care, husbandry, treatment and rehabilitation of sea turtle patients at the HMAR Care Center facility.
• Conduct upkeep, cleaning and other facility management tasks at the HMAR Care Center facility.
• Perform outreach and education to the public at the HMAR Care Center facility and while in the field.
• 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 Oʻahu in the State of Hawaiʻi for the period 1 week prior to the start of the internship for training until the end of the internship. The internship start dates for the FOP internship are not flexible.
• 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 are required.
• 18 or more years of age.
• A high degree of 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 3 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 6 continuous hours.
• Ability to swim in the ocean 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. No exceptions are allowed for this motor vehicle requirement.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Proof of automobile insurance carrying Hawaiʻi 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. No exceptions are allowed for this digital camera requirement.
• Access to binoculars with at least a 10X magnification level.
• Pass a background check.

ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Internship term: See internship terms below
• Hours per week: 21 hours per week (generally in 5 hour shifts).
• 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. Because travel time to some remote locations may take 1 hour or more, interns are expected to arrive at their assigned location of activity at the beginning of their shift.
• Internships may be extended beyond normal end dates if mutually agreed by the intern and HMAR.
• Due to the unpredictable nature of marine animal response, the intern may sometimes be required to work beyond their normal scheduled hours.
• The intern must be available for activity anywhere on the Island of Oʻahu in the State of Hawaiʻi.

Protected Species Monitoring Program (PSMP) Intern Duties and Other Requirements:

As a Protected Species Monitoring Program (PSMP) intern, you'll learn important skills that will be important in a marine conservation career. You will perform activity including field surveys, field monitoring, and data collection in the context of projects where these services are critical to protected species and habitat conservation such as film production, construction, and land and infrastructure development. As priorities allow and needs arise, you will also assist with field response, animal assessment, intervention and rescue. While conducting these activities you will also conduct outreach and education functions in the field to teach the public about protected marine species and the importance of a healthy ocean ecosystem.  

INTERN DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Conducting protected species and human presence surveys and monitoring in  specifically assigned geographic areas.
• Report on animal presence and behavior, human behavior and presence, provide photo-documentation and other important data used in endangered species management 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.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This is an unpaid internship opportunity that requires the intern to live on the island of Oʻahu in the State of Hawaiʻi for the period 1 week prior to the start of the internship for training 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.
• A high degree of 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 3 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 6 continuous hours.
• Ability to swim in the ocean 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. No exceptions will be allowed for this motor vehicle requirement.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Proof of automobile insurance carrying Hawaiʻi 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. No exceptions will be allowed for this digital camera requirement.
• Access to binoculars with at least a 10X magnification level.
• Pass a background check.

ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Internship term: See internship terms below
• Hours per week: 20 hours per week minimum.
• 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. Note that some duty assignments may require 1 hour or more of driving to reach the location. Interns are expected to be at their assigned duty location at the beginning of their shift.
• Internships may be extended beyond normal end dates if mutually agreed by the intern and HMAR.
• Due to the unpredictable nature of marine animal response, the intern may sometimes be required to work beyond their normal scheduled hours.
• The intern must be available for activity anywhere on the Island of Oʻahu in the State of Hawaiʻi.