HMAR Volunteer or Internship Application

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

What is your interest in HMAR?*

Iʻm interested in volunteering.I want to apply for an internship.

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.

Date:*

Date

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 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

Your name (one person per application):*

First NameLast Name

Your address:*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Your email address:*

name@example.com

Are you at least 18 years of age? If you are not at least 18 years of age, you may not participate as a volunteer or intern.*

YesNo

Date of birth:*

MM/DD/YYYY

Are you a U.S. citizen? U.S. citizenship is required for participation in our Field Support & Rescue (FSR) volunteer program. U.S. citizenship is not required for our other volunteer programs or our internships.*

YesNo

Cell phone:*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Cell phone:*

On which island are you seeking a volunteer opportunity?*

Oʻahu (All programs are available)Molokai (Only Field Support program is available)

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.

Do you meet the general HMAR volunteer or internship requirements listed above? If you do not meet all of the general volunteer or internship requirements you may not participate in HMAR volunteer or internship programs.*

YesNo

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.

Field Support Program (FSP) Information and Volunteer Requirements:

As a Field Support Program (FSP) 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'll perform the following activities:

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 in the vicinity of humans.
Perform educational outreach at public venues and community events.
Perform directed surveys to find specific animals of interest or concern.
When appropriate, establish perimeters around monk seals to decrease interactions.
Assist HMAR staff and Field Response & Rescue volunteers in animal assessments, interventions, stranding response and animal transport.
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 Field Support Program (FSP):

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 Hawaiʻi 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. Because of the nature of the work we do, this requirement to have a digital camera can not be waived.
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. Minimum activity requirement is 1 year.
Only applicants agreeing to the minimum activity commitment will be accepted for this assignment.

Do you wish to participate in the Field Support Program (FSP) and agree to meet all of the program requirements? If you are not able to meet all program requirements you may request an exception below.*

Yes, I want to participate in the Field Support Program (FSP) and I will meet all of the requirements.I want to participate in the Field Support Program (FSP) but am requesting an exception to one or more of the requirements (please complete exception box below).No, I do not want to participate in the Field Support Program (FSP).

Field Support & Rescue Program (FSRP) Additional Information and Requirements:

IMPORTANT NOTE 1: In order to participate as a volunteer in the Field Support & Rescue Program (FSRP), volunteers will be required to demonstrate an increased level of time commitment and physical fitness and must also possess required personal equipment.

IMPORTANT NOTE 2: Due to the experience and training required to join our Field Support & Rescue Program (FSRP), note that unless you have prior marine animal rescue experience, all volunteers joining this program will be conducting duties as volunteers in our Field Support Program (FSP) for a minimum of 3 to 6 months prior to any progress towards joining our Field Support & Rescue Program (FSRP).

IMPORTANT NOTE 3: Volunteers in this program MUST BE U.S. CITIZENS or your participation may be limited due to the need to access certain restricted-access government facilities. If you are not a U.S citizen, you are required to possess all applicable government visas.

As a volunteer in our Field Support & Rescue Program (FSRP) 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.

As a volunteer in this program, you will perform the following activities:

All activities included in the Field Support Program (FSP) above.
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 intervention activity.
Conduct surveys for protected marine animals in nearshore waters or on offshore islets.
Assist at the HMAR Care Center, our marine animal hospital and rehabilitation center for sea turtles. Work includes sea turtle medical care, husbandry, facility upkeep and visitor outreach.
Assist in natural disasters or environmental incidents affecting animal health.
Assist in the transport of 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 Field Support & Rescue Program (FSRP):

Volunteer applicants with a truck or full-sized van will be given priority.
Meet all of the general HMAR volunteer requirements listed above.
Due to the need to access certain government facilities, participants in this program must be U.S. citizens.
Willing and able to respond anywhere on the island of Oʻahu.
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 on the water surface, swim underwater for 30 feet, 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.
Volunteers in this program with trucks or full-sized vans must be willing to transport live or dead marine animals in their vehicle.
Possess a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance with minimum Hawaiʻi 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. This requirement to have a digital camera cannot be waived.
Possess a set of binoculars with at least 10X magnification. This requirement to have a set of binoculars cannot be waived for FSRP volunteers.
Open ocean small boat operations experience highly desired.
HAZWOPER and ICS training and certifications.(It is desired that this is completed within the first 12 months of program participation.)
Pinniped, sea turtle or seabird handling experience or training desired.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Some Field Support & Rescue Program (FSRP) 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 on the same day and time period each week.
Minimum activity requirement is 1 year.
Only applicants agreeing to the minimum activity commitment will be accepted into the Field Support & Rescue Program (FSRP).

Do you wish to participate in the Field Support & Rescue Program (FSRP) and agree to meet all of the program requirements? If you are not able to meet all program requirements you may request an exception below.*

Yes, I want to participate in the Field Support & Rescue Program (FSRP) and I will meet all of the requirements.I want to participate in the Field Support & Rescue Program (FSRP) but I am requesting an exception to one or more of the requirements (please complete the exception box below).No, I do not want to participate in the Field Support & Rescue Program (FSRP).

Marine Debris (MDP) Additional Information and Requirements:

As a volunteer in our Marine Debris Program (MDP) 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.

As a volunteer in this program, you will perform the following activities:

Participate in near-shore snorkel dives (you must meet specific requirements below) to identify and remove marine debris that can harm marine protected animals.
Participate in SCUBA dives (you must meet specific requirements below) to identify and remove marine debris that can harm marine protected animals.
During dive activity, engage with the public to educate people about marine debris and the impacts of marine debris on the environment and marine animals.
Document, weigh, and record information about marine debris recovered.
Participate in near-shore SCUBA dives (you must meet specific requirements below) to identify and remove marine debris that can harm marine protected animals.
Remove marine debris that has been deposited in HMAR fishing debris bins.
Maintain the minimum activity requirements for this program (see below).

Additional volunteer requirements for the Marine Debris Program (MDP):

Meet all of the general HMAR volunteer requirements listed above.
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 on the water surface, swim underwater for 30 feet, and tread water for 10 minutes.
Participants must be strong free divers (snorkel), the ability to dive to a depth of 15 feet, and possess their own diving equipment.
Ability to conduct outdoor activity during hot, rainy or windy conditions.
Possess a vehicle, a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance with minimum Hawaii liability coverage.
For SCUBA operations, program participants must have "Rescue Diver" certification (or above) from an internationally accredited dive education organization such as PADI, NAUI, etc. and proof of current Divers Alert Network (DAN) Dive Accident Insurance coverage at the "Master" level or higher (or equivalent).
For SCUBA operations, program participants must have their own equipment or be willing to rent equipment as needed.

Volunteer activity requirements:

Volunteers on this team commit to a minimum of 1 activity session each month (each activity is an average of 4 hours long).
Minimum activity requirement is 1 year.
Only applicants agreeing to the minimum activity commitment will be accepted into the Marine Debris Program (MDP).

Do you wish to participate in the Marine Debris Program (MDP) and agree to meet all of the program requirements? If you are not able to meet all program requirements you may request an exception below.*

Yes, I want to participate in the Marine Debris Program (MDP) and I will meet all of the requirements.I want to participate in the Marine Debris Program (MDP) but I am requesting an exception to one or more of the requirements (please complete the exception box below).No, I do not want to participate in the Marine Debris Program (MDP).

Pup Watch Program (PWP) Additional Information and Requirements:

As a Pup Watch Program (PWP) volunteer you will be making a positive impact on the conservation and recovery of our crucial marine ecosystem and Hawaii monk seals.

In this program, you will perform the following activities:

Respond in the field to reports of Hawaiian monk seal mom and pups.
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 seal mom and pups reside.
When appropriate, establish perimeters around monk seal mom and pups to decrease interactions.
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 Pup Watch Program (PWP):

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 Hawaiʻi 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. Because of the nature of the work we do, this requirement to have a digital camera can not be waived.
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 week.
Minimum activity requirement is 1 season (typically March-September).
Only applicants agreeing to the minimum activity commitment will be accepted for this assignment.

This is a seasonal volunteer position, where your primary resonsibilies will be between the months of March-September.

Do you wish to participate in the Pup Watch Program (PWP) and agree to meet all of the program requirements? If you are not able to meet all program requirements you may request an exception below.*

Yes, I want to participate in the Pup Watch Program (PWP) and I will meet all of the requirements.I want to participate in the Pup Watch Program (PWP) but I am requesting an exception to one or more of the requirements (please complete the exception box below).No, I do not want to participate in the Pup Watch Program (PWP).

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.
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.

Do you wish to participate in the Operations Support Program (OSP) and agree to meet all of the program requirements? If you are not able to meet all program requirements you may request an exception below.*

Yes, I want to participate in the Operations Support Program (OSP) and I will meet all of the requirements.I want to participate in the Operations Support Program (OSP) but I am requesting an exception to one or more of the requirements (please complete the exception box below).No, I do not want to participate in the Operations Support Program (OSP).

If you are requesting an exception to one or more of the volunteer requirements, please describe your requested exception(s). Your request will be evaluated by HMAR staff and you will be contacted.

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 Support Program (FSP) - 2 four-hour activity shifts each month
Field Support & Rescue Program (FSRP) - 1 six-hour activity shift each week on the same day and time each week.
Marine Debris Program (MDP) - 1 activity shift each month (usually about 4 hours)
Operations Support Program (OSP) - 1 activity shift each week (minimum 3 hours each)

Please tell us what days and times you are available to help (check all that apply):*

Please list other days and times you are available not listed above:

Please tell us what geographic areas you are available to help (please check all that apply) Note: If you are applying for the Field Support & Rescue Program (FSRP) or the Operations Support Program (OSP), please check "All of Oʻahu").*

Oʻahu North Sector - Kaena Point light station to Kawela BayOʻahu East Sector - Kawela Bay to Coconut IslandOʻahu Southeast Sector - Coconut Island to Honolulu AirportOʻahu Lower West Sector - Iroquois Point to Electric BeachOʻahu Upper West Sector - Electric Beach to Kaena Point light stationAll of OʻahuIsland of Molokai

Field Support & Rescue Program (FSRP) Intern Duties and Other Requirements:

As a Field Support & Rescue 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.

(FSRP internship) Do you want to apply for a Field Support and Rescue Program (FSRP) internship and agree to meet all of the program requirements?*

Yes, I want to apply as a Field Support and Rescue Program (FSRP) intern and I will meet all of the requirements.No, I do not want to apply as a Field Support and Rescue Program (FSRP) intern.

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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.

(PSMP internship) Do you want to apply for a Protected Species Monitoring Program (PSMP) internship and agree to meet all of the program requirements?*

Yes, I want to apply as a Protected Species Monitoring Program (PSMP) intern and I will meet all of the requirements.No, I do not want to apply as a Protected Species Monitoring Program (PSMP) intern.

Operations Support Program (OSP) Intern Duties and Other Requirements:

As an Operations Support Program (OPS) intern, you will learn important skills that you will use in your conservation career. You will answer calls and texts coming into our hotline (forwarded to your phone and computer), document critical protected species activity, assist in dispatching and scheduling field responders and assist in maintaining critical databases and other systems that support protected species management, recovery, and research. While conducting these activities you will also conduct outreach and education functions over the phone to teach the public about protected marine species and the importance of a healthy ocean ecosystem.

INTERN DUTIES INCLUDE:

Answer hotline calls and texts of reports of protected species and documenting important information concerning animal location, behaviors, conditions and other critical data.
Dispatching field response resources to address needed activity in the field to support protected species.
Assisting in coordination of field activity with government and law enforcement agencies.
Perform outreach to the public over the phone to encourage stewardship of Hawaii's protected marine species.
Assist in data reconcilliation, data cleaning, and data filing.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is an unpaid internship opportunity that requires the intern to be available for the period of 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 personal computer and a cell phone. HMAR does not provide lodging, food, supplies or financial support.
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 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-person or virtual classroom training sessions as required.
Access to a cellular phone with 4G data service and camera.
Pass a background check.

ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS:

Internship term: See internship terms below
Hours per week: 15 hours per week minimum.

(OSP internship) Do you want to apply for an Operations Support Program (OSP) internship and agree to meet all of the program requirements?*

Yes, I want to apply as an Operations Support Program (OSP) intern and I will meet all of the requirements.No, I do not want to apply as an Operations Support Program (OSP) intern.

For which internship period are you applying?*

1st Term Annual Cohort Internship: January 5th - June 30th - Deadline to apply is December 5th of the prior year. (Note: The Protected Species Monitoring Program internship can begin and end prior to the normal cohort internship period of January 5th - June 30th.)2nd Term Annual Cohort Internship: June 15th - December 15th - Deadline to apply is May 15th. (Note: The Protected Species Monitoring Program internship can begin and end prior to the normal cohort internship period of June 15th - December 15th.)

Do you have, or will you have, access to one of the following during your volunteer or internship participation with HMAR?*

I have, or will have, access to a car. (Mopeds, scooters or motorcycles are not acceptable)I have, or will have, access to a truck or van.I do not have, and will not have, access to a vehicle. Note that only the Operations Support Program (OSP) volunteer program or the Operations Support Program (OSP) internship is available for participation if you do not have access to a reliable car, truck or van. All other volunteer and internship programs require a car, truck or van.

Make and model of your vehicle:*

How did you hear about our organization?*

How long have you lived in Hawaiʻi?*

I do not live in Hawaiʻi and do not plan to move to Hawaii.I am planning to move to Hawaiʻi, or will live in Hawaii during an internship.I have lived in Hawaiʻi less than 1 year.I have lived in Hawaiʻi 1 to 3 years.I have lived in Hawaiʻi 3 to 5 years.I have lived in Hawaiʻi 5 to 10 years.I have lived in Hawaiʻi more than 10 years.

Do you have any prior volunteer or intern experience?*

YesNo

Please describe your prior volunteer or intern experience:*

Please describe your motivations or reasons for wanting to volunteer or intern with Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response (HMAR):*

All volunteer and intern applicants must show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (i.e. initial vaccination and at least 1 booster). Please upload an image or other documents showing full COVID-19 vaccination status.*

You can send multiple documents that together do not exceed 20 MB (megabytes).

If you are applying for an internship we require you to submit your resume or CV (maximum 2 pages), a cover letter of interest (maximum 1 page), and at least two academic or professional references. If you are applying to be a volunteer, you do not need to submit these documents.*

You can send multiple documents that together do not exceed 20 MB (megabytes).