Are you Meant for Something Extraordinary?

Ready to make some waves? Are you a self starter, able to work both independently and as a team? Live on O`ahu, or have a place to stay and transportation? The Wild Dolphin Foundation's boat 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 ocean habitats may be part of their life mission.

Marine research is difficult and challenging work, and not for everyone! Those wishing to participate must be in good physical health, especially free of back and leg injuries, as field hours can be long - though very satisfying! This is an experience that delivers a unique opportunity for education, development of field ecology research skills, travel, and enjoyment of Hawaii's marine wildlife.

Desired skills include ability to work in a conscientious, responsible and reliable manner, enthusiasm, interest in wildlife and conservation, background in biology helpful- particularly marine biology/environmental science, enjoy working with the public, good verbal and written communication skills, and literate in 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 and be available at least two days each week. 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 assistants will need to
be enrolled in a Federal random drug testing program (one time cost of $55). Vessel-based research takes place opportunistically on a dolphin and whale-watching tour boats.

Participation in field research may include:

• assisting the researcher by photographing dolphin dorsal fins, turtle faces and whale flukes 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 takes 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 reef and turtle monitoring REEF Survey efforts at snorkeling sites and possible shore-based observation.

We are also looking for people with an interest to:

• 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
• Perform shore-based observations. Watching from shore is priceless and can be done anywhere there are dolphins, but the Waianae Coast is preferred to get baseline data before and after visitation to the dolphins by tour boats.
• Design, facilitate, and/or present awareness programs at 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/ Check out the 2007 Fund For Teachers Grants
• Design and facilitate 7-day Camps: Dolphin Research, Turtle Treks, Underwater photography, etc. for different user groups – teens, single women, seniors, etc.
• Design and lead construction of dolphin/whale watching hale on Maili Point hillside

Benefits:
Participants will gain valuable education throughout the program and will meet potential role models who work in the fields of resource management and conservation biology. In addition they will gain career experience, improve in interpersonal skills, gain knowledge in conservation, and develop professional skills necessary for advancement in conservation and other fields. Volunteers help to preserve some of the most precious natural resources in Hawai‘i. 

Individuals interested in becoming volunteers 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. It is very useful to be informed about the Wild Dolphin Foundation's background and interests and point out ways that your interests interface. Please be specific about your availability; days, hours, length of committment, and that you have both lodging and transportation on Oahu. Please note that we do not provide monetary compensation for related costs, nor assist you to find transportation or lodging. Letters of Interest should be sent to us by e-mail.

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.

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