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.

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 March 2018 to October 2018)
• Position Closing Date: Applications reviewed upon receipt until positions are filled
• Inquiries: Email Matt Saunter or Naomi Worcester 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 & Wildlife Service is seeking wildlife biology volunteers for Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Volunteer time periods and application deadlines are:

• November - February, applications due between July 15 and August 15
• February - May, applications due between October 15 and November 15
• May - August, applications due between January 15 and February 15
• August - November, applications due between April 15 and May 15

See full description and application information here.