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Volunteer Opportunity: 6-month Field Crew Positions at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking volunteers for the biological program at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge from September 6, 2022 to late March 2023. This is an unpaid volunteer position. Deadline to apply: 5/20/2022. The biological program focuses on controlling and removing non-native species and to maintain, conserve, and restore quality habitat to meet the needs of indigenous plants, seabirds, water birds, monk seals, and sea turtles. In addition to being a National Wildlife Refuge, Midway Atoll is also designated as the Battle of Midway National Memorial and is part of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Midway Atoll is a remote field site located over 1,300 miles from the main Hawaiian Islands and is inhabited by a small community of ~50 residents comprising FWS staff, volunteers, and contractors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Volunteers work 40 hours/week, (typically Monday-Friday) with additional nights, early mornings, and weekend work as needed. Volunteer work includes invasive plant and rodent removal using manual and chemical applications of pesticides, native plant propagation, seed collection and processing, seabird and Laysan duck monitoring, marine debris removal, data entry and proofing, equipment maintenance, and other tasks depending on current projects and refuge needs.

Special Considerations:
Midway Atoll is an extremely remote site and receives supplies occasionally by plane or ship. However, this is not reliable and due to weight restrictions volunteers must be prepared to have all necessary amenities (i.e. toiletries and medications) with them upon arrival. Communication is limited to landline phones (no cellular service) and slow internet access. Transportation on island will primarily be by foot or bicycle. Weather conditions can be harsh with strong winds, tropical storms, and hot sun. Safety is of primary concern. Although a physician’s assistant is on staff to provide some medical care, volunteers should be aware that evacuation for emergencies or medical issues can typically take at least 24 hours and can be very expensive. All volunteers are strongly encouraged to carry medical-evacuation insurance. Any medical concerns should be discussed (with staff and/or a medical provider) prior to arrival to Midway (i.e. adverse reactions to jelly fish or bee stings, food allergies, asthma, etc.); these concerns should be discussed to determine if being on a remote, isolated island is in the best interest of the volunteer and the Service. Due to current public health concerns, volunteers could be exposed to COVID-19 during your volunteer duties and must follow protective measures implemented by the Service and the CDC. We currently require all incoming personnel to be fully vaccinated against COVID and to wear face masks and practice social distance for their first 10 days on Midway.

Selected applicants will be sent a packet of required forms and additional information on the island, duties, and suggested items to bring. These required forms must be submitted before the volunteer arrives for duty in Honolulu. Volunteers are required to follow instructions for obtaining a government PIV card before arriving to Honolulu, which can take up to one month. A current physical, tetanus shot, and TB test are also required, and proof of COVID vaccination. The Service will provide transportation between Honolulu and Midway Atoll, and housing and meals while on Midway Atoll. This is an unpaid volunteer position; volunteers are also responsible for purchasing their own field clothing/gear and transportation to and from Honolulu, Hawaii.

Desired Skills/Experience:

  • Remote field experience in the Hawaiian archipelago with a focus on:
    • invasive species control
    • plant identification and plant propagation
    • avian identification, handling, and reproductive monitoring
  • Ideal candidates will possess:
    • strong interpersonal skills
    • able to work well independently as well as closely in a small group
    • easy-going with a good sense of humor
    • flexibility for adapting to changing conditions and schedules
    • experience working in the Hawaiian archipelago or other island systems
    • boating, kayaking, and snorkel experience

Qualifications:

  • Must be willing and able to work 40+ hours per week.
  • Must be in excellent physical and mental condition; able to walk 10 miles a day over variable terrain, lift and carry 25 lbs., ride a bicycle, swim, and be able to perform repetitive stooping and bending motions.
  • Must be able to perform all duties in inclement weather including high heat and humidity during the summer, strong winds, and heavy rain.
  • Must be able to pass a swim test (100 m swim, 100 m snorkel, and 2 minutes treading water).
  • Must be comfortable with the use of pesticides and follow recommended safety protocols.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and current passport that does not expire for at least one year.

To Apply:
Please email a single PDF file in the following format: YourLastName_Winter2022.pdf that includes your cover letter, resume/CV, relevant certifications, and at least three references. You may send your application materials with the subject line “Midway Atoll Volunteer Application” to Laura Brazier at laura_brazier@fws.gov. Please direct any questions to Laura as well. Applications are due by May 20, 2022.