Life on small islands provides a microcosm for understanding how we can live in balance with our environment and each other.

The Wild Dolphin Foundations ocean and land-based volunteer opportunities are
open to a wide variety of participants who feel conservation and
environmental protection of dolphins, whales, turtles, coral reefs and their
habitats, may be part of their life mission. Some of issues with which we are involved include: how land and ocean activities impact marine life concerning (but not limited to): marine biology, coral reef ecology, toxicology, water quality sampling, watershed health, generation of biodiesel fuel, and vermicomposting, native plant, organic, and bio-intensive gardening.

Volunteers must be able to commit to one or more of the projects described below and work independently, with teams, and with the public.  Vessel-based volunteers need to be drug tested for USCG compliance. There is neither compensation nor a charge for the program, but we emphazize that accepted applicants must treat the position with the same dedication they would a paid job. Limited training is provided, volunteers are needed in the following areas:

• Diversify, add to, and strengthen our Board of Directors
• Broaden the vessel-based program to a state-wide effort, gathering information from all marine-mammal focused boats. Our online database allows volunteers to enter data from any location. We will need cameras/photo editing software for volunteers, and creative ideas about how to implement state-wide program. We need indentify willing operators and recruit/train volunteers
• Design, facilitation, and presentation of awareness programs at interested hotels. Volunteer will need to indentify target hotels and may need to contact/ find other volunteers to help implement programs
• Design, facilitation, and presentation of educational programs in local
  schools, to include after school programs such as ScienceQuest http://www2.edc.org/sciencequest/
• Design and facilitate 5-day Camps: Dolphin Research, Turtle Treks, Underwater photography, etc. for different user groups – teens, single women, seniors, etc.
• Mentors and leaders for school groups and research camps
• Volunteers for native planting and organic gardening of Maili Point facility
• Design and lead construction of dolphin/whale watching hale on Maili Point hillside
• Field work — onboard and shore observations of whales and dolphins, water quality sampling, reef and turtle monitoring REEF Survey and Reef Check efforts

• Photography and monitoring of turtles for identification and tumor presence

The Wild Dolphin Foundation volunteer field research positions are currently limited to folks residing on Oahu, who share a deep interest and commitment to the practical aspects of dolphin research. Desired skills include willingness to work in a conscientious, responsible and reliable manner, enthusiasm, interest in wildlife and conservation, background in biology - particularly marine biology/environmental science, experience working with the public, excellent verbal and written communication skills, computer skills. All volunteers must be self-directed and self-motivated, willing to work both alone and within a team, and have the ability to follow printed directions.

Unless participants have a well-grounded understanding of research methods, volunteers interested in field research must commit to a minimum 8 week period. College credit internships are available, however "lay people" are both wanted and needed, as long as they are enthusiastic, committed and can follow printed directions for independently-geared tasks.

To comply with USCG regulations, all onboard field researchers will need to
be enrolled in a Federal random drug testing program (or enter ours; one
time cost $110). Vessel-based research takes place opportunistically on a dolphin and whale-watching tour boat.

Participation in field research includes:

• assisting the researcher by photographing dolphin dorsal fins to aid with individual identifications
• recording environmental data at the dock, hourly, and in the vicinity of dolphins
• recording of all sighting information including location name, latitude and longitude, total number of animals, number of calves, initial behavior, field times and direct dolphin observation time
• recording of group activity patterns during behavioral surveys
• Prompt and accurate entry of gathered data (this entails about 2-3 hours for each day you are on the water)
• Contribution to all aspects of the research program, including the upkeep of materials, vessel maintenence and cleaning, providing naturalist narration, assistance to charter operations, etc.
• Availability for shore-based observation

Individuals interested in becoming volunteers or interns should apply for the program by writing a letter of interest. Please include a brief sketch of personal goals (what you hope to gain), special skills, experiences, and interests you think would assist us. Be specific about interests and period of participation. It is very useful to be informed about the Wild Dolphin Foundation's background and interests and point out ways that your interests interface.

Any data or media gathered, analyzed or disseminated in any fashion while interning or volunteering under the Wild Dolphin Foundation are solely the property of the Wild Dolphin Foundation, unless otherwise cleared in writing by the Program Director.

Letters should be sent to us by e-mail.

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