Join our Team

We are the largest Hawai'i-based non-profit marine species response organization, covering the islands of O'ahu and Molokai with our team of dedicated and hard-working volunteers, interns and staff. Our team spends thousands of hours each year responding to calls involving protected marine species such as Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles and seabirds to provide shoreline response, stranding assistance, outreach, health management and rescue. Our work helps save these animals from deaths and injuries caused by hookings, entanglement, disease, and potentially dangerous or inappropriate interactions with humans and pets. This extensive presence in the field, combined with regular outreach and education activity in schools, community events and public venues allows us to engage with tens of thousands of people each year to build understanding, stewardship and support for Hawai'i’s protected marine species and the coastal ecosystem we share.

Be a Volunteer

Our volunteers are at the core of our work. Without these dedicated individuals we could not do the work we do.  Are you physically fit and able to commit to certain minimum volunteer activity levels to help save Hawaii’s protected species such as the Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles and seabirds? If so, CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT EACH HMAR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM to better understand the activities and expectations of a volunteer in each program. After reviewing our different programs, you can submit a volunteer application.

Apply as a Volunteer

Be an Intern

If you are a degreed or degree-seeking individual engaged in fields of study such as marine biology, ecology, ocean sciences or related fields, we offer internship opportunities in a variety of HMAR programs.

As an intern, it is important to note:

  • The majority of internships are unpaid positions that do not include housing or living expenses. HMAR does not provide any housing or transportation. 
  • Internships require a minimum of 20 hours per week of work for at least 3 months. Full-time internships are also available.
  • Access to a reliable car or truck is required and is the responsibility of the intern. Motorcycles or scooters will not be accepted due to the nature of the work involved. There are no exceptions.
  • Internships can be applied as college credit if your institution allows. Interns are responsible for coordinating the requirements for college credit.
  • Interns are responsible for acquiring their own needed equipment such as binoculars, hiking shoes, vehicle, fuel, camera, and other materials outlined in our application.
  • Interns must be 18 years of age, be a U.S. citizen or hold applicable visas, and be very fluent in the English language.
  • Interns must be capable of certain physical requirements due to the nature of field activities. Interns should be able to walk for at least 3 miles in sandy/rocky shorelines, able to carry 75 pounds for at least 100 feet, be able to swim in the ocean, and capable of working in variable weather conditions.
  • You will need to submit a CV/resume, cover letter, and provide three references as part of your application process.
  • Due to the nature of HMAR’s activities, it’s essential that interns can maintain a calm demeanor in stressful situations, enjoy communicating with the public, are able to work as part of a team, and are eager to learn new skills.

Click below to learn more about each internship program, what work you will be doing, the minimum requirements, and to apply.

Apply as an Intern

Employment Opportunities

This job posting will close on March 31, 2023 however an offer of employment may be issued prior to that date depending on applications received.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Marine Support Technician

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Part Time, Non-Exempt

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION. Hawaiʻi Marine Mammal Alliance, operating under our registered trade name Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response (HMAR) is a 7-year old Hawaiʻi-based nonprofit organization that works through agreements and relationships with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of Hawaiʻi, and other entities. Our work is focused on the conservation and recovery of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, endangered and threatened sea turtles, protected seabird species, the reduction of marine debris, and the stewardship of the ocean ecosystem. Further information about HMAR can be found HERE.

OUR MISSION: To undertake substantial actions that result in the preservation, recovery and stewardship of Hawaiʻi’s marine protected species and the ocean ecosystem we share. We operate on the islands of Oʻahu and Molokai with our team of dedicated volunteers, interns and staff that are supported by private donations, corporate funding, contracts and government grants. We work to achieve our mission through activity every day of the year that impacts our core objectives: (1) growing an active and engaged public, (2) mitigating threats to marine protected species, and (3) saving animals that need help. Thousands of times each year, our field response, intervention, rescue, standing support, education and outreach activities help us move towards our vision of Hawaiʻi’s ocean ecosystem shared in harmony by humans and marine protected species.

 ABOUT THE JOB OPENING: The title of the position is Marine Support Technician. This is an opportunity to join the largest Hawaiʻi-based marine species conservation, education, and rescue organization in a multi-faceted position that leads or assists in a variety of important functions. The position is a part-time non-exempt position, based in Kailua on the island of Oʻahu, currently planned for 5 days per week, 25 hours per week, and is responsible for the following:

  • Assisting other staff members with the recruiting, training and managing of volunteers and interns assigned to the our Field Support & Outreach (FSO); and Rescue & Stranding Response (RSR)
  • Performing and coordinating field support activity and marine protected animal interventions, escalations, rescues, and stranding responses.
  • Recruiting, training and managing volunteers and interns assigned to our Marine Debris Program (MDP).
  • Conducting or overseeing nearshore marine debris removal dive operations and on-shore debris removal.
  • Assisting in the operations of our small boats including a RIB boat, jetski, and kayaks.
  • Managing facilities and equipment upkeep, and the inventory of supplies.
  • Assisting other staff members with gaps in personnel coverage and on completing key projects.

Information about HMAR’s Field Support & Outreach (FSO), Rescue & Stranding Response (RSR) program, and our Marine Debris Program (MDP) can be found HERE.

NEEDED CORE COMPETENCIES:

  • Have a passion for and an understanding of environmental, conservation or wildlife issues.
  • Possess demonstrated experience in effective personnel training and management skills.
  • Possess excellent written and oral command of the English language.
  • Be a person with a professional and open personal demeanor that enjoys contact with the public, volunteers and staff.
  • Schedule flexibility and a sense of urgency that matches the unpredictable nature of marine animal response.
  • Possess a team-based work ethic and attitude.
  • Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in stressful conditions.
  • Ability to conduct strenuous and demanding field response, shallow diving, and animal rescue activity.
  • Ability to thrive in a highly dynamic environment and the flexibility to navigate changing organizational needs.
  • Experience with computers and software programs including Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Google Docs, Google Drive, and Dropbox.

 REQUIRED AND DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • 21 years of age or older required.
  • U.S. citizenship required.
  • A least 1 year in prior supervisory or training positions or relevant experience desired.
  • Relevant work experience, preferably in marine animal management, conservation or environmental matters desired.
  • Hawaiʻi residents or candidates with prior experience working/living in Hawaiʻi are preferred.
  • Physical abilities to support strenuous activities associated with restraint or transport of heavy marine animals in difficult shoreline terrain, shallow diving, in-water marine debris removal, and challenging environmental conditions required.
  • Ability to walk at least 3 miles over shoreline conditions including rocky and unstable substrate required.
  • Ability to stand on your feet for at least 6 hours in hot, windy, or other adverse conditions required.
  • Ability to lift and carry at least 70 pounds over 100 feet required.
  • Be available for emergency response anywhere on the Island of Oʻahu required.
  • Experience in handling of pinnipeds, cetaceans, sea turtles and seabirds desired.
  • Possession a valid driver’s license required.
  • Full-time access to a reliable vehicle required.
  • Proof of insurance with Hawaiʻi minimum liability coverage required.
  • Full COVID-19 vaccination required.
  • Good driving record required, candidates must produce a driver’s extract if requested, the costs of which are borne by the candidate.
  • Passing a background check is required, the costs of which will be paid for by HMAR.
  • Strong ability to swim in a variety of open ocean conditions required.
  • Strong snorkel (breath hold) diving experience required.
  • Divemaster certification required, or must be obtained within 3 months of employment start date, certification costs to be paid for by employee.
  • HAZWOPER 24-hour Operations level certification or higher required, or must be obtained within 3 months of employment start date, certification costs will be paid for by HMAR.
  • American Red Cross lifeguard, first aid, CPR and AED certification required, or must be obtained within 3 months of employment start date, certification costs will be paid for by HMAR.
  • Hawaiʻi Boater’s Certification required, or must be obtained within 1 month of employment start date, certification costs will be paid for by HMAR.
  • Hawaiʻi Personal Watercraft (PWC) Certification required, or must be obtained within 3 months of employment start date, certification costs will be paid for by HMAR.
  • Access to cellular phone with 4G data service required.
  • Access to a personal computer with Internet access required.
  • Due to the potential for injury to yourself, others, or animals, external body jewelry (i.e. piercings, etc.) is not permitted during work hours.

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:

Please send a cover letter (maximum 1 page) and your resume/CV (maximum 2 pages) to info@h-mar.org