Organization Details
The Hawai'i Island Hawksbill Project (HIHP) is based at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park in Volcano, HI.
Since 1989, volunteers from around the world and members of the local community have aided project biologists with monitoring and protecting nesting hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). Within the Hawaiian archipelago, approximately 90% of all documented hawksbill nesting activity occurs along the southern coastline of Hawaiʻi Island. A total of 195 nesting hawksbills have been tagged since 1991. Hawaiian hawksbills are considered one of the rarest populations of sea turtles in the world. Each nesting season only 10 to 15 nesting hawksbills and 40 to 80 nests are documented.
Opportunity Details
For the 2025 season, 4 volunteers will work with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park and Hawaiʻi Island Hawksbill Project staff to monitor hawksbill (honuʻea) sea turtles at remote beaches within and adjacent to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island. Two volunteers will be selected for a shorter 3-month term (May 21st – August 15th), and two will be selected for a longer 6-month term (May 21st – November 21st). Volunteers must commit to the entire term for which they are selected, but there may be some flexibility with the start and end date for students.
Monitoring will entail a team of 2-3 personnel camping 3-4 consecutive nights at remote beaches so that night patrols (5 pm – 6 am) can be conducted to observe nesting turtle activity and emerging hatchlings. During camping trips, the team may also conduct day checks at nearby nesting beaches to look for signs of turtle activity. The nesting beaches are accessed by hiking up to 12 miles per day over rugged lava terrain with a 30+ pound backpack or by 4-wheel drive on long, rough roads.
Non-native predators pose a serious threat to hawksbill nests and thus predator control is an integral part of the recovery plan for hawksbill sea turtles in Hawaiʻi. All volunteers are required and trained to humanely euthanize mongooses, rats, and feral cats.
Other duties include handling nesting hawksbills (e.g., restraining, measuring, applying flipper tags); ensuring that hatchlings reach the ocean by monitoring nests, rescuing stranded hatchlings, and conducting nest excavations; recording data in a field notebook and on data sheets; interacting with the public regarding sea turtle conservation; assisting with project logistics (e.g., equipment and camp maintenance, vehicle inspections).
Applicants are not required to have prior experience working with sea turtles or a science background, but it is preferred.
Requirements for the position include:
● A positive attitude, diligent work ethic, and love for the outdoors.
● Commitment to the project for the entire term.
● Be at least 18 years of age.
● Possess a valid U.S. driver's license.
● Be first aid and CPR certified by the start date.
● Be comfortable with camping for consecutive nights in remote areas.
● Be able to hike up to 12 miles per day over rugged lava terrain with a 30+ pound backpack.
● Be a team player and work well with others.
● Be positive in adverse or challenging situations.
● Be able to stay awake late at night.
● Be able to work with minimum sleep.
Shared, dorm-style housing is provided at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Park housing is located within walking distance of both the visitor center and our office, in a rainforest environment at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Bedrooms may have up to two volunteers.
It is important that you know there will be times when volcanic fumes, primarily sulfur dioxide will be at constant low levels and occasional high levels in working and living areas in the park. Such fumes can present an immediate and cumulative health hazard particularly to persons with breathing and heart difficulties. We take measures to avoid or reduce exposure when possible.
This is an unpaid position. Up to $25 per workday food reimbursement will be provided with submission of food receipts. However, it can take approximately three months to receive payment. Additional funds are needed to supplement this stipend for basic needs and entertainment. Furthermore, a vehicle will not be provided for personal transportation.
To apply as a volunteer please submit:
1. A resume detailing your education and information for at least two past job, internship, or volunteer experiences.
2. A cover letter indicating why you are interested in the position, what skills you would bring to the project, your past hiking, camping, and outdoor experiences, your future goals, and how you meet each of the listed requirements for the position.
3. Three professional references (work or school related) that are familiar with your qualifications for the position. For each reference provide a phone number, email, and a brief explanation of your relationship with the reference (e.g., professor for biology course, supervisor for zoo volunteer position).
Submit all documents as one PDF document to info@hawaiiislandhawksbillproject.org with the subject as “2025 VIP Application” and an indication of the term-length for which you wish to apply. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Mahalo!