Hōlanikū Kure Atoll) Volunteer Opportunity

Location: Hōlanikū (KureAtoll), Papahānaumokuākea
Duration: Field seasons are typically 6-12 months long - inquire for more details.
Application deadline: Applications reviewed upon receipt until positions are filled

Inquiries: Email kureatoll@gmail.com
To apply: Send resume, cover letter, and three references to Naomi Worcester and Dwight Moss: kureatoll@gmail.com

Description: 
Kure Atoll Conservancy (KAC) and The State of Hawai'i’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) are seeking Habitat Restoration Volunteers for work at  Hōlanikū  (Kure Atoll Wildlife Sanctuary) in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Hōlanikū is a part of the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary and is located 1,400 miles northwest of O'ahu. Hōlanikū provides important habitat for wildlife, including the endangered Koloa Pōhaka (Laysan duck) and 'llioholoikauaua (Hawaiian monk seal). Eighteen species of seabirds nest on Hōlanikū (Kure Atoll) including Kaʻupu, (Black-footed Albatross) and ʻAoʻū, (Christmas Shearwater).

KAC and DLNR are 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! Hōlanikū is an extremely remote work location and transportation to the atoll is limitedand infrequent. Deployment to any remote field station is a serious under taking. Delays in travel dates due to weather or ship mechanical issues may occur. Due to Hōlanikū being a 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 4 to 6 personnel. There are only 2 field seasons per year (approximately 6-8 months each). There is no cell phone service available. Contact with friends/family is limited to Starlink internet (weather permitting), satellite phone or inReach devices.

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: wildlife monitoring, 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 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.

Volunteers can expect to work 40 hours per week. Work hours are project dependent and may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Additionally, volunteers will assist with camp upkeep and chores outside of regular work hours. Travel dates are tentative and subject to change. DLNR/ DOFAW will provide transportation between Honolulu and Hōlanikū. Lodging and food while on Hōlanikū and in transit between Honolulu and Hōlanikū are provided. Most clothing and work-related gear is provided.

Examples of tasks and physical requirements for the position are listed below.
Weather conditions may be sunny, hot, cold, windy, and/or rainy

Onloading/Offloading (minimum 2x per season)
• Ability to lift, carry, and cart loads in a wheelbarrow up to 50 lbs. for multiple hours over
uneven, sandy terrain.

Treatments (5x per week)
• Carry/lift a backpack sprayer weighing 20-40 lbs. for 4+ miles for 4-8 hours per day.
• Use tools, such as loppers, to cut trail for 4-8 hours per day.

Wildlife Surveys (1x per week)
• Ability to walk 5+ miles in sandy, uneven terrain.
• Carry/drag/cut up entanglement hazards up to 150 lbs. as needed.

Seabird Monitoring (1 full-atoll survey per winter/summer season)
• Multitask counting via a counter, marking areas with a spray wand, and checking GPS points for 4+ miles, up to 800+ times per day for 8+ hours.