HAWAII HAWKSBILL TURTLE RECOVERY PROJECT​ VOLUNTEER WORK

If you are someone that is a team player, self-motivated, and have a love for the outdoors, the Hawaii Hawksbill Turtle Recovery Project is for you. Since 1988, their mission is to help protect Hawaii’s hawksbill turtles. Volunteers help with monitoring, protecting, and collecting baseline data on nesting hawksbill turtles. People interested in volunteering don’t need to have prior experience working with sea turtles. They are looking for anyone who wants to make a positive impact on our island. Interested? Help this Turtle Recovery Project save and protect our hawksbill turtles!

Volunteer Expectations Cont'd:

• Handling adult turtles (i.e., restraining, measuring, applying flipper tags, and checking for injuries).
• Ensuring that hatchlings reach the ocean by monitoring nests, rescuing stranded hatchlings, and conducting nest excavations.
• Recording data by using a daily field notebook and data sheets.
• Controlling non-native predator populations by baiting and checking live-traps on a daily basis and by euthanizing mongooses, feral cats, and rats using carbon dioxide gas.
• Interacting with the public regarding sea turtle conservation.
• Assisting with logistics (e.g., equipment and camp maintenance, vehicle inspections, and office work).

HAWAII HAWKSBILL WEBSITE
Non-Profit Organization
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CONTACT
​​Kupono McDaniel
hawksbillturtleproject@gmail.com
​808-985-6015

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
You must be at least 18 years old to volunteer.
To volunteer, request an application via the email above. ​
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Volunteer Requirements:

• Commit to the project for the entire term period requested on application.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Possess a valid U.S. driver's license.
• Be First Aid and CPR certified.
• Be able to hike daily up to 12 miles over rugged lava terrain with a 30+ pound backpack.
• Be able to hike/work in vog (Sulphur dioxide emitted from the nearby volcano, which can be problematic for people with respiratory concerns).
• Be a team player and work well with others.
• Be positive in adverse or challenging situations.
• Be able to stay awake late at night.
• Be able to work on little sleep.​

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Volunteer Expectations:

• ​Camping 6+ consecutive nights at remote beaches with a project technician or other trained interns.
• Conducting nightly watches (from 5 p.m. until at least 2 a.m.) to observe nesting turtles and emerging hatchlings.
• Hiking daily up to 12 miles over rugged lava terrain with a 30+ pound backpack to reach remote field sites. 4-wheel driving on long, rough roads to reach remote field sites.
• Day-checking other nesting beaches daily to look for signs of turtle activity by hiking up to 12 miles or four-wheel driving.​