Hawksbill Turtle Recovery Project Volunteer Position

Turtle Volunteers must: -Be able to commit to work on the project for a minimum of 10 weeks. Preference given to those able to commit 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).