Pup Watch (PW) Program Additional Information and Requirements:
As a Pup Watch Volunteer you will be making a positive impact on the conservation and recovery of our crucial marine ecosystem and Hawaii monk seals. In this program, you will be asked to do the following:
-Respond in the field to reports of Hawaiian monk seal mom and pups.
-Make a general assessment of the animal's condition, identify the individual animal (for monk seals) and obtain photographs.
-Identify potential animal health concerns.
-Perform public outreach at locations where monk seal mom and pups reside.
-When appropriate, establish perimeters around monk seal mom and pups to decrease interactions.
-Be on call and ready to perform ALL of these activities during your volunteer shifts.
Maintain the minimum activity requirements for this program (see below)
Additional volunteer requirements:
-Volunteers must meet all of the general HMAR volunteer requirements listed above.
-Ability to walk in sandy, rocky and unstable shoreline conditions for 2 miles.
-Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 35 pounds for 100 feet in beach and rocky conditions.
-Ability to conduct outdoor activity during hot, rainy or windy conditions. Able and willing to work on your feet in these conditions for a minimum of 4 continuous hours.
-Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in potentially stressful conditions.
-Access to a reliable car. Motorcycles or scooters will not be sufficient.
-Possess a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance with minimum Hawaiʻi liability coverage.
-Possess a digital camera (a smartphone is not sufficient) with at least a 35X zoom. ---The digital camera must have the ability to upload photos taken to your smartphone so they may be emailed from the field in real time. This can be accomplished using WiFi, Bluetooth or through the use of a data card upload cable. Because of the nature of the work we do, this requirement to have a digital camera can not be waived.
Possess a set of binoculars with at least 10X magnification (highly recommended but not required).
Minimum volunteer activity:
Volunteers on this team commit to a minimum of 2 four-hour activity sessions each week. Volunteers that maintain an activity level of at least 4 four-hour activity sessions each week receive additional benefits.
Minimum activity requirement is 1 season (typically March-September).
Only applicants agreeing to the minimum activity commitment will be accepted for this assignment.
This is a seasonal volunteer position, where your primary resonsibilies will be between the months of March-September. The orientation and training will be held on Saturday March 23rd from 9am-3pm and is mandatory.