Job Type: Habitat Restoration Volunteer

Location: Hōlanikū (Kure Atoll Wildlife Sanctuary) Northwestern Hawaiian Islands

Duration: 5-6 months (Approximately May 1 to end of October 2024)

Application deadline: Applications reviewed upon receipt until positions are filled

Inquiries: Email Cynthia Vanderlip, Michelle Smith, and Alyssa Mincer at kureatoll@gmail.com

To apply: Send resume, cover letter, and three references to kureatoll@gmail.com

Description: The State of Hawai'i’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is seeking Habitat Restoration Volunteers for work at Kure Atoll Wildlife Sanctuary in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Kure Atoll is a part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and is located 1,400 miles northwest of O'ahu. Kure Atoll provides important habitat for wildlife, including the endangered Laysan teal (Anas laysanensis) and Hawaiian monk seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi). Eighteen species of seabirds nest on Kure including Black-footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) and Christmas shearwaters (Puffinus nativitatis).

DLNR is committed to eradicating non-native and invasive plant species such as Golden crown-beard (Verbesina encelioides) from the atoll. Invasive plants are a significant management concern because they displace native plants, which are necessary for wildlife habitat and to promote dune stability. This position is a rare opportunity to protect and recover a unique ecosystem while living in a remote wildlife sanctuary!

Kure Atoll is an extremely remote work location and transportation to the atoll is limited and infrequent. Deployment to any remote field station is a serious undertaking. Delays in travel dates due to weather or ship mechanical issues may occur. Due to Kure’s remote location and difficult access, response times for emergencies, including evacuation, may be uncertain. The ability to live and work in close quarters with a small group of people for an extended period of time is of the utmost importance. Field teams typically consist of 2 to 5 personnel.  Field season varies depending on ship schedules, but in general there are winter (October to April) and summer (May - October) field seasons. Occasionally there are shorter field seasons depending on projects. The primary mode of communication is via text-only emails sent by a satellite phone; however, the recent installation of Starlink has made internet access available as conditions allow.

Volunteers will be trained to conduct: Invasive plant removal (manual and chemical), invasive species monitoring, plant identification, wildlife monitoring and species identification, native plant propagation and distribution, safe animal handling, and beach cleanups to remove wildlife entanglement and ingestion hazards.

Although the program objectives are diverse, the majority of time is dedicated to invasive plant removal.

Volunteers will acquire skills in: Data collection and entry, Excel and GPS equipment, binocular/spotting scope use. Hawaiian cultural activities are incorporated into the program.

Requirements: Strong interpersonal skills, excellent physical and mental health, able to walk 10 miles per day with a 40 lb. pack over soft sand and uneven terrain, able to lift and carry 50 lbs., data collection and management skills, able to work for long hours in uncomfortable and/or unpredictable weather, bend or stoop for short periods of time, ability to swim, 20/20 color vision or correctable lenses. Must be able to obtain medical clearance for embarking/working on research vessels. Must be comfortable with use of pesticides. See full list of physical requirements below.