Hawaiian Monk Seal Response Intern (Paid)

Location of Position: Maui Island

Reports to: Hawai’i Response Manager

Position Classification: This is a five-month internship (November 2023 to April 2024) requiring 8-12 hours per week with additional training hours required at the start.

Benefits: Stipend available.

Stipend: $500/mo

Position Overview

The Maui Response Intern fulfills a vital role in continuing our mission of global ocean conservation. Each day, Hawaiian monk seals spend a third of their time hauled-out and resting on the beaches and shoreline of Maui, which is normal and healthy behavior. The Maui Response Intern is responsible for answering calls from the public, educating the public about marine mammals and the Center, and will help identify and assess the health of the monk seal and assess the beach use, dispatching Center volunteers to the seal. The person in this role will need to work well under pressure, be willing to work as part of a team, and have excellent customer service, phone, and problem-solving skills. If a Hawaiian monk seal is on a populated beach, the Response Intern will ensure the public’s safety by educating and promoting public awareness about Hawaiian monk seals and The Marine Mammal Center – Ke Kai Ola’s work. The Response Intern may help to rescue and transport sick or injured seals on Maui Island when deemed necessary. The person in this role will need to be alert, physically ready, and comfortable engaging the public. This position reports to the Hawai’i Response Manager and will benefit from the experience of working in a fast-paced environment, learning about marine mammals, and engaging with the public.

Key Responsibilities

• Keeping the public-seal safe.
• Identifying and assessing Hawaiian monk seals.
• Assist in rescuing injured or sick Hawaiian monk seals under the direction of the Response Manager.
• Educating the public about Hawaiian monk seals and the work of the Center.
• Transporting patients to the hospital in Kailua-Kona under the direction of the Response Manager.
• Maintaining equipment.
• Providing public outreach during rescues and responses.
• Willingness to support and participate in the Center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, initiatives, and trainings.

Qualifications and Experience

• Attend a New Volunteer Orientation.
• Complete Seal Awareness Zone/Seal Resting Area training and complete 3 mentored shifts.
• Pass a background check and provide electronic proof of COVID vaccine + booster.
• Commit to a minimum of one semester (6 months) after training.
• Have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Access to a phone with internet capabilities.
• Flexible schedule.
• Must pass a Motor Vehicle Report and be able to drive on behalf of The Marine Mammal Center.

Driving on behalf of The Marine Mammal Center:
Being eligible to drive on behalf of The Marine Mammal Center and be covered under the Center’s insurance means that you can:

• Drive any of the Center’s vehicles.
• Transport patients (in any vehicle).
• Transport the Center’s equipment (anything larger than a backpack) to or from a response, release or education or special event (in any vehicle).
• Run an errand on behalf of the Center (like retrieving live fish during an animal care shift, in any vehicle).
• Or transport any other Marine Mammal Center volunteer through a Center-organized carpool (in any vehicle).