Volunteer Opportunities

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument relies on volunteers to assist in various projects in the continuing effort to "bring the place to the people." See information below for various volunteer opportunities.

Monument Office and Mokupāpapa Discovery Center

We frequently need eager and enthusiastic personalities to help us in numerous roles. Volunteers should have excellent communication skills and an interest in the Monument, marine ecosystems and environmental issues. Contact Virginia Branco, Monument Volunteer Coordinator at virginia.branco@noaa.gov or 808-933-8180.

Monk Seal Research Program Volunteer

The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center/Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program is seeking an unpaid intern/volunteer to assist with monk seal data related projects. The primary responsibilities involve entering monk seal sighting data into a master database, managing volunteer sighting reports and photos, and other data related projects as they arise. There may be opportunities to participate and assist program staff in field research activities, monk seal emergency response, necropsies, monk seal monitoring and other program activities on an opportunistic basis.

Read full Position Description here.

Kure Atoll Seabird Sanctuary

Kure Atoll is a part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (PMNM) and is located 1,400 miles northwest of Oʻahu. Kure Atoll occupies a unique position referred to as the ‘Darwin Point’, which is the northern extent of coral reef development, and the atoll is estimated to be 29.8 million years old. Kure is an important breeding site for a sizable and diverse population of wildlife, with several rare or endangered species. Eighteen species of seabirds nest on Kure Atoll, including Mōlī or Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis), Kaʻupu or Black-footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes), and ʻEwaʻewa or Sooty tern (Sterna fuscata). There are currently 15 native and 28 introduced plant species known on Green Island. Native plants are an integral resource for seabird nesting habitat and dune stabilization. Invasive plants are a significant management concern because they displace native plant habitat and seabird nesting areas, entrap seabirds in dense vegetative mass and out-compete native plants. Check back periodically for volunteer opportunities at Kure Atoll.

Current positions:

• Job Type: Habitat Restoration Worker - Volunteer Positions
• Location: Kure Atoll Wildlife Sanctuary, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI)
• Duration: 7 months (Approximately August 23, 2017 to April 2018)
• Position closed: Applications reviewed upon receipt until positions are filled
• Inquiries: Email Andy Sullivan-Haskins and Eryn Opie at kureatoll@gmail.com

See full posting here.

Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Volunteer opportunities exist on Tern and Laysan Islands at Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Each year a total of 15-20 applicants are selected for six month (minimum) assignments on Laysan and Tern. There are no internships, as such, although we are happy to assist volunteers with their paperwork for obtaining university credit for volunteer service. The schedule for recruiting is irregular with opportunities coming up throughout the year. Because of the variable lengths of stay for our volunteers, and the few numbers of flights and ship sails to the islands, our timing needs for volunteers rarely matches university summer break periods. Click here for more information.

Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks Refuge Biology volunteers for a Six-month tour of duty for the Fall-Winter 2017-18 Season at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and the Battle of Midway National Memorial within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

Responsibilities: Volunteer work emphasizes habitat restoration including native plant propagation and out-planting, seed collection and processing, removal of invasive plants both by hand and through chemical application of herbicide, and monitoring plant populations. Other work includes seabird and Laysan duck monitoring, marine debris removal, data entry, and equipment maintenance, along with other tasks depending on current projects and refuge needs.

See full description and application information here.