Hawaiʻi Hawksbill Project Volunteer

Show Hawaiʻi Island Hawksbill Project Volunteer

The Hawai'i Island Hawksbill Project (HIHP) is based at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park in Volcano, HI. Since 1989, volunteers from around the world and members of the local community have aided project biologists with monitoring and protecting nesting hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata). Within the Hawaiian archipelago, approximately 90% of all documented hawksbill nesting activity occurs along the southern coastline of Hawaiʻi Island.

A total of 195 nesting hawksbills have been tagged since 1991. Hawaiian hawksbills are considered one of the rarest populations of sea turtles in the world. Each nesting season only 10 to 15 nesting hawksbills and 40 to 80 nests are documented.

For the 2026 season, four to six volunteers will work with Hawaiʻi Island Hawksbill Project and Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park staff to monitor hawksbill sea turtles at remote beaches within and adjacent to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park on Hawaiʻi Island. The term will begin on May 20th and end on November 20th (6 months). Preference will be given to applicants that can commit to the entire term, but there may be some flexibility with the end date.

• Monitor hawksbill sea turtles on remote beaches: camp 3-4 consecutive nights at remote beaches to conduct night patrols (5 pm – 6 am) and observe nesting turtles and emerging hatchlings.
• Conduct day checks at nearby nesting beaches to look for signs of turtle activity.
• Make long hikes up to 12 miles per day over rugged lava terrain with a 30+ pound backpack or use 4-wheel drive vehicles on rough roads.
• Perform predator control: train and humanely euthanize non-native predators such as mongoose, rats, and feral cats.
• Handle nesting hawksbills: restrain, measure, and apply flipper tags; ensure hatchlings reach the ocean by monitoring nests, rescuing stranded hatchlings, and conducting nest excavations.
• Record data in a field notebook and on data sheets.
• Interact with the public regarding sea turtle conservation.
• Assist with project logistics, including equipment and camp maintenance and vehicle inspections.

• A positive attitude, diligent work ethic, and love for the outdoors.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Team player who works well with others.
• Valid U.S. driver's license.
• Comfortable with camping for consecutive nights in remote areas.
• Ability to hike up to 12 miles per day over rugged lava terrain with a 30+ pound backpack.
• Positive in adverse or challenging situations.
• Ability to stay awake late at night.

Shared, co-ed housing is provided at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Park housing is located within walking distance of both the visitor center and our office, in a rainforest environment at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Bedrooms may accommodate up to two volunteers.

Volcanic fumes, primarily sulfur dioxide, can be present at constant low levels and occasionally at higher levels in working and living areas in the park. Fumes can present an immediate and cumulative health hazard, particularly to people with breathing or heart difficulties. Measures are taken to avoid or reduce exposure when possible.

This is an unpaid position. Up to $25 per workday food reimbursement will be provided with submission of food receipts. Payment may take approximately three months to receive. Additional funds may be needed to supplement this stipend for basic needs and entertainment. A vehicle will not be provided for personal transportation; public transportation is available on the island.

Send all documents as one PDF to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). with the subject 2026 VIP Application and indicate which term you wish to apply. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Mahalo!