Since 1989, volunteers have assisted project biologists with monitoring, protecting, and collecting baseline data on nesting hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). For the 2012 season, approximately 15-30 volunteers will at any given time be needed to monitor the nesting beaches from June 1st to December (possibly later).
Applicants are not required to have prior experience working with sea turtles. Successful applicants will be self-motivated, conservation-minded, and able to get along well with others. A positive attitude, diligent work ethic, and a love for the outdoors are amust.
Turtle Volunteers must:
• Be able to commit to work on the project for a minimum of 10 weeks. Preference given to those able tocommit longer.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Possess a valid driver’s license (U.S. or international).
• Possess current first aid and CPR card.
• Be able to hike up to 12 miles over rugged lava terrain in difficult conditions with a 30+ pound backpack.
• Be able to hike/ work in vog (sulphur dioxide emitted from the nearby volcano, which can be problematic for people with respiratory concerns).
• Be able to get along well with others.
• Be able to stay awake late at night.
Turtle Volunteer duties include:
• Camping from 6 up to 12 consecutive nights at remote beaches with a project technician or other trained volunteers.
• Conducting nightly watches (from 5 p.m. until at least 2 a.m.) to observe nesting turtles and emerging hatchlings.
• Hiking up to 12 miles (one-way) over rugged lava terrain with a 30+ pound backpack to reach field sites.
• 4-wheel driving on long, bumpy roads to reach field sites.
• Day-checking other nesting beaches on a regular basis to look for signs of turtle activity by hiking up to 12 miles (one-way) or 4-wheel driving.
• Handling adult turtles which includes: restraining, measuring,applying flipper tags, and checking for injuries.
• Ensuring that hatchlings reach the ocean by monitoring nests that are ready to hatch, rescuing stranded hatchlings, and excavating nests.
• Recording baseline data, which includes keeping a field notebook, filling out data sheets, drawing maps, and entering data into the computer.
• Controlling predators by baiting and checking live-traps daily and euthanizing mongooses, feral cats, and rats using carbon dioxide gas.
• Picking up trash and debris along the coastline.
• Photographing turtle activity if needed.
• Interacting with and educating the local community about sea turtle conservation on a
regular basis both in the field and in formal presentations.
• Assisting project technicians with logistics such as equipment and camp maintenance, vehicle inspections, office work, and various other duties as assigned.
• Keeping volunteer houses clean and following all housing policy rules.(if living in housing)
Housing
Shared dorm style housing can be provided at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The housing is located near the project’s office and National Park’s visitor center in a rainforest environment at an elevation of 4,000 feet.
Stipend
A $10 per work day food stipend will be provided, although additional funds are needed to supplement this stipend for basic needs and entertainment.
How to Apply:
Inquire about an application at: Hawksbillturtleproject@gmail.com
Then please send or email cover letter, resume, and completed application to:
Email address: Hawksbillturtleproject@gmail.com
Or
Mailing Address: Hawaii Island Hawksbill Turtle Recovery Project
Resources Management Division
P.O. Box 52
Hawaii National Park, HI 96718
If you have any questions or would like to find out more information, please contact us at Hawksbillturtleproject@gmail.com.