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 application, please review the information about our different opportunities HERE. It is best for you to review what activities are included in each volunteer opportunity 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 volunteer opportunity before completing this application. HMAR programs information is HERE.

Once you have reviewed the volunteer opportunity information, please complete the form 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 volunteer opportunities. 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?*

YesNo

Cell phone:*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Cell phone:*

On which island are you seeking a volunteer opportunity?*

OʻahuMolokai

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

General volunteer or internship requirements:

This is a competitive application process and not all applicants will be accepted.
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 animals we help rely on you to COMMIT to the minimum level of activity for the opportunities 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 volunteer opportunities involve physical activity that may occur in hot, windy, rainy or other challenging conditions.
For your safety, the safety of others near you, and the safety of animals we work with, you must not have a physical or mental incapacity that would limit your ability to effectively participate as a volunteer or intern, or to perform assigned HMAR activities. You acknowledge that HMAR, in its sole discretion, shall determine the ability and suitability of a volunteer or intern to perform HMAR functions safely and effectively.
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 volunteer opportunities there will be the need for you to have certain equipment (see specifics below).
You will be asked to complete reports of the activities you performed in an accurate and timely manner.

Do you meet and agree with the general HMAR volunteer or internship requirements listed above? If you do not meet or agree with 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 opportunities. Please review the volunteer activities and the additional volunteer requirements.

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 Volunteer Information and Requirements:

As a Field 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 Field Volunteers begin as a Level 1 team member. After Level 1 training and conducting Level 1 activity for a period of time, and based on your personnel qualifications and desire, you may be invited to become a Level 2 field volunteer and later, a Level 3 field volunteer.

Persons with prior field experience with marine protected animals may be invited to progress at a faster pace.

These three Field Volunteer levels are described below.

Level 1 Field Volunteers: Level 1 field volunteers can do some or all of the following important work depending on your schedule, interests, availability, season, and the needs of the field each day:

Respond in the field on shorelines to reports of Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles and seabirds.
When responding to monk seals, make a general assessment of the animal's condition, identify the individual animal, obtain photographs and identify potential animal health concerns.
Perform public outreach at locations where monk seals may be around humans.
When appropriate, establish perimeters around monk seals to decrease interactions.
Perform seabird habitat maintenance or restoration work.
Perform seabird population surveys.
Conduct seabird behavorial data collection and public outreach at established seabird colonies managed by HMAR.
Assist HMAR staff and other HMAR volunteers in performing other animal interventions, stranding response, rescue and animal transport.

Level 2 Field Volunteers: Volunteers with the needed experience, qualifications and desire may be invited to progress to Level 2 field work. Level 2 field volunteers do the following important work:

Perform all of the functions of a Level 1 Field Volunteer described above.
Assist with or perform monk seal, sea turtle or seabird escalations, interventions, rescues and stranding responses on the shore.
Assist with or perform sea turtle rehabilitation and medical care at the HMAR Care Center facility.
With additional experience and qualifications, Level 2 Field Volunteers may be invited to become Level 3 Field Volunteers.

Level 3 Field Volunteers: Volunteers with the needed experience, qualifications and desire may be invited to progress to Level 3 field work. Level 3 Field Volunteers do the following important work:

Perform all of the functions of a Level 1 and Level 2 Field Volunteer described above.
Assist with or perform monk seal, sea turtle or seabird escalations, interventions, rescues and stranding responses in or on the ocean. Note that additional physical and in/on-water qualifications apply for volunteers progressing to Level 3 activity.

Field Volunteer Requirements:

Volunteers must meet all of the general HMAR volunteer requirements (listed above on this page).
Level 1 Field Volunteers must be able to walk in sandy, rocky and unstable shoreline conditions for 2 miles. Level 2 and Level 3 Field Volunteers must be able to walk in these conditions for 3 miles.
Level 1 Field Volunteers must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 35 pounds for 100 feet in beach and rocky conditions. Level 2 and Level 3 Field Volunteers must be able to lift and carry 70 pounds in the same conditions.
Field Volunteers must be able to conduct outdoor response and rescue activity during hot, rainy or windy conditions and be able and willing to work on your feet in these conditions for 6 hours.
Level 2 and Level 3 Field Volunteers must be willing and able to respond anywhere on the island of Oʻahu.
Level 3 Field Volunteers must also meet certain in/on-water qualifications such as swimming, breath holding, and kayak paddling.
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 and Level 3 Field Volunteers must possess a set of binoculars with at least 10X magnification.

Minimum volunteer activity:

Level 1 Field Volunteers commit to a minimum of 2 four-hour activity shifts each month.
Level 2 and Level 3 Field Volunteers commit to a minimum of one 5-hour shift each week on the same days and times each week.
Minimum activity requirement is 1 year.
Some exceptions to these minimum commitment levels may be granted under certain circumstances (i.e. military duty, etc.

Do you wish to participate as a Field Volunteer and agree to meet all of the requirements? If you are not able to meet all the requirements you may request an exception below.*

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

Operations Support Volunteer Information and Requirements:

As an Operations Support Volunteer you will be performing critical activity that helps Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles, seabirds and our critically important ocean ecosystem. Operations Support Volunteers respond to phone calls, texts and email submissions from members of the public and government agencies, dispatch responders and document important information that is used in protected species management and research.

As an Operations Support Volunteer you will perform the following activities:

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

Additional requirements for Operations Support Volunteers:

Operations Support volunteers must meet all of the general HMAR volunteer requirements listed above except those associated with physical abilities, access to a vehicle and access to a separate digital camera.
Operations Support Volunteers 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.

Operations Support Volunteer Activity Requirements:

Operations Support Volunteers commit to a minimum of at least 1 five-hour activity session each week.
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 as an Operations Support Volunteer and agree to meet all of the requirements? If you are not able to meet all the requirements, you may request an exception below.*

Yes, I want to participate as an Operations Support Volunteer and I will meet all of the requirements.I want to participate as an Operations Support Volunteer 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 as an Operations Support Volunteer.

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:

Level 1 Field Volunteers = Two 4-hour activity shifts each month.
Level 2 and Level 3 Field Volunteers = One 5-hour activity shift each week on the same day and times each week.
Operations Support Volunteers - 1 activity shift each week (minimum 5 hours each)

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

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: For those interested in being an Operations Support Volunteer, 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 Intern Duties and Other Requirements:

As a Field Intern, you'll learn important skills that will be important in a marine 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:

Interns must meet all of the general volunteer and intern requirements listed above.
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 FO 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.
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.

Do you want to apply as a Field Intern and agree to meet all of the program requirements?*

Yes, I want to apply as a Field Intern and I will meet all of the requirements.No, I do not want to apply as a Field Intern.

For which internship period are you applying?*

1st Term Annual Cohort Internship: January 5th - June 30th - Deadline to apply is December 15th of the prior year. Interns must be on-island and ready to begin training on January 5th. No exceptions are made on the internship start date.2nd Term Annual Cohort Internship: June 15th - December 15th - Deadline to apply is May 15th. Interns must be on-island and ready to begin training on June 15th. No exceptions are made on the internship start date.

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 Operations Support (OS) volunteers or the Operations Support (OS) 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 limit your response to 500 words with a focus on how your experience will reinforce HMARʻs mission and goals.)*

0/500

Please describe your motivations or reasons for wanting to volunteer or intern with Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response (HMAR): (Please limit your response to 500 words with a focus on how your motivations will reinforce HMARʻs mission and goals.)*

0/500

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).