We are the largest Hawai’i-based non-profit marine species response, rescue and conservation organization, covering the islands of O’ahu and Molokai with our team of dedicated and hard-working volunteers, interns and staff. Our team spends thousands of hours each year responding to calls involving protected marine species such as Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles and seabirds to provide shoreline response, stranding assistance, outreach, health management, rescue and rehabilitation. Our work helps save these animals from deaths and injuries caused by hookings, entanglement, disease, and other human-caused threats. This extensive presence in the field, combined with regular outreach and education activity at community events and public venues allows us to engage with tens of thousands of people each year to build understanding, stewardship and support for Hawai’i’s protected marine species and the coastal ecosystem we share.

If you are a degreed or degree-seeking individual engaged in fields of study such as marine biology, ecology, ocean sciences or related fields, we offer great internship opportunities as a Field Operations intern.

Interns assist with:

• Sea Turtle Rehabilitation — help care for patients at our HMAR Care Center and gain valuable experience supporting sea turtle recovery.
• Field Response/rescue & Monitoring — respond to stranded or injured marine protected animals, observe Hawaiian monk seals (including mom–pup pairs), support seabird rescues, and contribute to daily field operations across Oʻahu.
• Hotline & Dispatch Work — support our wildlife hotline by helping track reports, manage data, and provide real-time outreach and communication to the public.

You may also have opportunities to participate in water-based activities, such as turtle rescues or kayak-assisted responses, depending on case needs and training level.

General requirements:

• The majority of internships are unpaid positions that do not include housing or living expenses. HMAR does not provide any housing or transportation.
• Internships require a 6-month commitment and a weekly minimum of 21 hours.
• Full-time internships are also available.
• All internships require access to a reliable car or truck. Motorcycles or scooters are not acceptable due to the nature of the work involved.
• Internships can be applied as college credit if your institution allows. Interns are responsible for coordinating the requirements for college credit.
• Interns are responsible for acquiring their own needed equipment such as binoculars, hiking shoes, vehicle, fuel, camera, and other materials outlined in our applications.
• Interns must be 18 years of age, be a U.S. citizen or hold applicable visas, and be very fluent in the English language.
• All interns must be capable of strenuous physical activity due to the nature of field activities. Interns must be able to walk for at least 3 miles in sandy/rocky shorelines, able to carry 75 pounds for at least 100 feet, be able to swim in the ocean, and capable of working in variable weather conditions.
• For your safety, the safety of others near you, and the safety of animals we work with, you must not have a physical or mental incapacity that would limit your ability to effectively participate as an intern or to perform assigned HMAR activities. HMAR, in its sole discretion, shall determine the ability and suitability of an intern to perform HMAR functions safely and effectively.
• You will need to submit a CV/resume, cover letter, and provide three references as part of your application process.
• Interns must also provide documentation showing full COVID-19 vaccination status (at least initial vaccination and at least one booster).
• Due to the nature of HMAR’s activities, it’s essential that interns can maintain a calm demeanor in stressful situations, enjoy communicating with the public, are able to work as part of a team, and are eager to learn new skills.

Click here to learn more about our internship program and what work you will be doing, the additional requirements (other than those listed above), and to apply.

Note that applications for our internship program are evaluated on a competitive basis. Not all internship applicants will be offered an internship assignment.