Description:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a volunteer for six months with potential to be extended to a full year at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. The volunteer will upstart and sustain implementation of social media postings and website updates while assisting with development of internal Refuge reporting on or about March 12, 2019.  This position will craft and post stories on-line including on the Refuge’s, non-profit Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (FOMA) website using imagery and interpretive skills to share what’s happening on Midway Atoll.  The volunteer’s efforts will engage an audience to ultimately help support the conservation and protection of island and marine based wildlife and habitat and historical stabilization of structures and artifacts.  In addition to its’ National Wildlife Refuge status, Midway Atoll is also designated as the Battle of Midway National Memorial and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Midway Atoll is a remote atoll site located over 1,300 miles from the main Hawaiian Islands and is inhabited by a small community of ~50 residents comprising of FWS staff, volunteers, and contractors.

Duties and Responsibilities: Volunteers are expected to work 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday with additional nights, early mornings, and weekend work as needed. Volunteer work includes developing reports and social media posts on an extraordinary diversity of work occurring on Midway Atoll by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and their contractors as well as the projects funded by FOMA. The volunteer captures the day-to-day work and successes occurring in native plant propagation, seed collection and processing, seabird and Laysan duck monitoring, coral-reef and marine research, debris removal, data and proofing, equipment maintenance, and other tasks depending on current projects and refuge needs.  Story subject matter will also highlight the many historical facets of the Battle of Midway National Memorial and human-interest stories intrinsic to Midway’s modern and ancient human history.  Other stories include the crucial role Midway plays as an FAA emergency runway, historical stabilization of structures and artifacts including landscape and building remediation and changes overtime due to environmental changes and human caused impacts.

Special Considerations: Midway Atoll is an extremely remote site and receives supplies occasionally by plane or ship. However, this cannot be reliable and due to weight restrictions, volunteers must be prepared to have all necessary amenities (i.e. toiletries and medications) with them upon arrival. Communication on island is limited to landline phones and slow internet access. Transportation on island will primarily be by foot or bicycle. Weather conditions can be harsh with strong winds, tropical storms, and hot sun. Safety is of primary concern. Volunteers should be aware that evacuation for emergencies or medical issues can typically take at least 24 hours and can be very expensive. All volunteers will need to carry medical- evacuation insurance. Any medical concerns should be discussed prior to arrival to Midway (i.e. adverse reactions to jellyfish or bee stings, food allergies, asthma, etc.). If an issue is of concern, we can work with the incumbent and their medical provider to determine if being on a remote, isolated island is in the best interest of the volunteer and the service.

The selected applicant will be sent a packet of additional information on the island, specific duties, and suggested items to bring, as well as required forms. These items must be submitted before the volunteer arrives for duty in Honolulu. Volunteers are required to obtain a PIV card before arriving to Honolulu which can take up to one month. A current physical, tetanus shot, and TB test are also required. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will provide transportation between Honolulu and Midway Atoll, housing, and meals while on Midway Atoll.

 Desired Skills/Experience:

·     Remote outreach/communication/public relations and interpretive focused experience in the Hawaiian archipelago or similar remote marine and island-based work.

·     Ideal candidates will possess:

o   good writing and photography skills

o   the ability to administer social media and website software

o   able to work well independently most of the work day, yet get along well with others

o   keen interest in crafting scientific and historic based stories

o   easy-going with a good sense of humor

o   flexible to changing conditions

o   boating, kayaking, and snorkel experience

 Qualifications:

·     Must have an up to date valid Passport good for at least one year from start date.

·     Must be willing and able to work 40+ hours per week.

·     Must be in excellent physical and mental condition; able to walk 10 miles a day over variable terrain, lift and carry 25 lbs., ride a bicycle, swim, and be able to perform repetitive stooping and bending motions.

·     Must be able to perform all duties in inclement weather including high heat and humidity, strong winds, and heavy rain.

·     Must be able to pass a swim test (100 m swim, 100 m snorkel, and 2 minutes treading water).

·     Must be comfortable with working independently.

·     Must have a valid driver’s license and current passport that does not expire for at least one year.

To Apply: Please email a single PDF file in the following format:

Your lastName_Comms2019.pdf that includes your cover letter, resume / CV, relevant certifications, and at least three references.  You may send your application materials with the subject line, “Midway Atoll Volunteer COMMS Application” to both Robert L. Peyton, Refuge Manager at bob_peyton@fws.gov  and Ann Bell, FOMA, at annieb4002@gmail.com. 

 Applications Due by February 28, 2019