Voluntariado en un remoto atolón de Hawaii

The US Fish and Wildlife Service seeks Refuge Biology volunteers for a Six-month tour of duty for the Fall-Winter 2017-18 Season at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and the Battle of Midway National Memorial (NM).

About the refuge: Located on the far northern end of the Hawaiian archipelago within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. It is one the oldest atoll formations in the world that provides nesting habitat for millions of seabirds and it a touchstone for one of the most significant naval battles in our human history. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff, volunteers and contractors live on Midway Atoll NWR to support the recovery and integrity of wildlife habitat and species and to protect historical resources while balancing their own human impact on the land and seascapes.

Dates: The fall/winter volunteer season begins on September 5, 2017 and will end in mid-March 2018 (2018 flight schedule TBD). Applications are due by June 15, 2017. Start dates are set due to limited contract flights to Midway Atoll NWR and training requirements for new volunteers. Round-trip flights between Midway Atoll NWR and Honolulu, three meals a day, and housing at Midway Atoll NWR are provided..

Responsibilities: Volunteer work emphasizes habitat restoration including native plant propagation and out-planting, seed collection and processing, removal of invasive plants both by hand and through chemical application of herbicide, and monitoring plant populations. Other work includes seabird and Laysan duck monitoring, marine debris removal, data entry, and equipment maintenance, along with other tasks depending on current projects and refuge needs.

Volunteers:
o are expected to work 40 hours/week with additional weekend work when necessary
o should have a strong work ethic along with the ability to live and work closely with a small group of people for six months
o are responsible for the proper upkeep of their living quarters which includes individual bedrooms, a common living area, and a full kitchen
o must be willing and able to perform all duties in sub-tropical wind, sun, rain and humidity extremes
o must be physically fit and able to confidently ride a bike
o able to hike up to three miles in the sand or on uneven terrain while carrying a spray pack, lift 50 pounds
o must be willing to spray herbicide with proper protective gear
o must be willing to handle albatrosses and other seabirds for banding, monitoring studies, and disentanglements.
o able to pass a swimming proficiency test


Midway Atoll NWR is a remote site and accessible by plane twice a month. Because of the isolated nature of this work, safety is of the utmost importance. Volunteers should be aware that evacuation for emergencies or medical issues can typically take at least 24 hours and be potentially very expensive. All volunteers will need to carry medical-evacuation insurance. A current passport is required for travel to and from Midway Atoll NWR. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel to Honolulu.

The “Clipper House” on Midway Atoll NWR serves cafeteria-style food with a wide variety of dishes, including vegetarian options and a full salad bar, courtesy of the hydroponics garden. There is also a small convenience store on Midway Atoll NWR that provides some basics: toiletries, refreshments, etc. Midway Atoll NWR is a small community where volunteers will be working and living amongst Service employees, cooperators, and contractors. For everyone’s well being, there is a zero tolerance policy for harassment or abuse of any kind, including alcohol or drug abuse.

TO APPLY: Email deisha_norwood@fws.gov one .pdf file titled, YourLastName_Winter2017-18
which includes the following: cover letter
resume outlining relevant education and work experience
three work-related references (with phone and e-mail)


Preference will be given to those with an educational or professional background in biology, conservation science, or botany. Habitat restoration, plant propagation, weed control, remote field, and/or bird handling experience preferred.

For more information, please call: Deisha Norwood, 808-954-4817.

Selected applicants will be sent a packet of additional information on the island, duties, and suggested items to bring, as well as required forms. A current physical, tetanus shot, and TB test are also required. The required documentation must be submitted by September 1st.

The National Wildlife Refuge System has owed its very existence to concerned citizens eager to protect America's natural resources. Over 42,000 volunteers and more than 200 nonprofit Refuge Friends organizations support national wildlife refuges. Friends and volunteers are crucial to conserving and protecting our nation’s wildlife and teaching millions of Americans that their actions today determine the conservation legacy of tomorrow.