Conservation Science Volunteer, Palmyra Program

Conservation Science Volunteer at Palmyra Atoll

Located 1,000 miles south of Hawai'i, Palmyra Atoll lies at the center of one of the world's most spectacular marine wilderness areas. The atoll contains 580 acres of emergent land surrounded by 480,000 acres of lagoons, coral reefs, and submerged lands. The Nature Conservancy owns and stewards 230 acres of this land, managing it as a Preserve. The TNC Preserve is encircled by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, which extends 12 nautical miles from shore, and the entire atoll is further protected as part of a Marine National Monument that stretches 50 miles offshore. TNC operates the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Laboratory at Palmyra, which focuses on three core strategies for developing actionable solutions to the accelerating effects of climate change: coral reef resilience, pelagic ecosystem protection, and island ecosystem conservation.

Conservation Science Volunteers are recruited for six-month assignments to support scientific studies and conservation initiatives led by TNC, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and research partners. The duration of this assignment may be amended for safety reasons; if any adjustments are necessary, volunteers will be notified and fully supported by The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Volunteers work six 8-hour days with one day off per week in hot, humid, and/or wet weather on difficult and hazardous terrain under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions involve considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain, frequent possibility of injury, long hours in isolated settings, exposure to chemicals (e.g. herbicide), contaminants (e.g. WWII-era fuel), and hazards (e.g. rusted metal from WWII-era equipment).

Conservation Science Volunteers are remotely supervised by the Palmyra Island Conservation Strategy Lead and must be capable of working safely and independently with minimal day-to-day guidance. Tasking priorities will be discussed with the Island Conservation Strategy Lead on a weekly basis. Daily, weekly, and monthly tasking varies according to the needs of priority conservation science projects, which may include native plant establishment and monitoring, invasive plant removal, seabird and shorebird monitoring, maintenance and monitoring of seabird social attraction project sites, and many other varied conservation science activities led by TNC and partners. Regular tasking also includes equipment and facilities maintenance, lab operations, data management, and reporting. Occasionally, volunteers may be asked to participate in community-based or visitor-facing activities, such as supporting philanthropy trips, presenting or demonstrating key conservation science projects to visitors, or assisting in other roles.

We seek early-career conservation practitioners and scientists who are eager to volunteer to gain hands-on experience with innovative, globally relevant conservation science projects on a remote tropical atoll. This is a six-month, contiguous volunteer assignment designed for individuals who are motivated to learn, contribute meaningfully, and grow professionally in a field-based research environment.

Well-qualified applicants have experience supporting or conducting scientific studies, show curiosity and initiative, and bring a strong drive to learn. They are adaptable, exercise sound judgment, and demonstrate resilience in dynamic field conditions. Experience living in an island community or working with island communities to support conservation or resource-management goals is preferred.

Volunteers must possess (or be able to obtain) a valid passport and, if applicable, the appropriate visa and/or work permit for working/volunteering in the US with an expiration date at least one month later than the term of the assignment. They must also possess (or be able to obtain) a valid First Aid and CPR certification before the start of the volunteer term. Additionally, all volunteers must provide evidence of a physical examination showing good health, current tetanus vaccination, and health insurance.

If you are eager to be part of a dedicated group that supports scientific research and conservation of island systems, apply today!

What You'll Bring:

• High school diploma/GED and 1 year of college-level coursework in biological sciences, conservation science, or natural resource management (OR equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience).
• Experience with scientific studies and following established scientific protocols, including accurate data recording, entry, and organization.
• Experience living and/or working in remote environments or small communities.
• Ability to perform physical work in a hot, humid, wet, and salty conditions, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Comfort and sound judgement around waterfront environments, including swimming, recreating, and navigating in open water.
• Proficiency with MS Office programs, especially Word and Excel.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience living in an island community and/or collaborating with island communities on conservation initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Clear motivation for participating in this opportunity and how it supports your personal or professional growth.
• Strong task management skills with the ability to adapt and make sound decisions in remote, dynamic field conditions.
• Comfort using various hand tools and equipment.

Additional Information:

For this volunteer position, TNC will provide up to $1200 of round-trip travel costs from the volunteer's home to Honolulu as well as up to three nights stay at a TNC-selected hotel in Honolulu. During the week prior to traveling to Palmyra, volunteers will participate in orientation trainings in Honolulu or virtually that give an overview of TNC's mission, values, and Code of Conduct, and of the Palmyra Program, including CARL. TNC will provide round-trip travel to Palmyra from Honolulu, board and lodging at Palmyra, and key supplies and equipment for the six-month volunteer term at Palmyra. TNC also provides remote medical coverage for non-emergency physician and emergency evacuation insurance for all staff and volunteers at Palmyra.