Summer Field Internship – Hawai'i

Organization: Conservation International

Position Title: Summer Field Intern

Location: Honolulu, Hawai’i

Hours & Compensation: Full-time. All travel expenses covered, including travel to Hawai’i, accommodations, and food.

Position Dates: June 24 – August 9, 2013.

Application Deadline: April 21, 2013.

Organization Overview:

Building upon a strong foundation of science, partnership and field demonstration, CI empowers societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature, our global biodiversity, for the well-being of humanity.

Description:

Conservation International Board Member Byron Trott has generously provided Conservation International with funding to support immersive field based summer internships for US based students. These internships will provide selected students with a unique opportunity to experience the hands-on conservation work in our programs and provide exposure to management and leadership skills in a non-profit organization.

For the summer of 2013, Conservation International is offering a summer internship for two students with our Hawai`i Fish Trust (HFT) program based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Conservation International’s Hawai`i Fish Trust (HFT) program has a unique opportunity for motivated, passionate young leaders looking to broaden their horizons and to learn more about Hawai`i, its fishing culture, and small-scale fisheries management. Hawai`i is often considered the gateway to the Pacific, and provides an opportunity to experience Polynesian culture and heritage within the US. The HFT program seeks individuals who are interested in furthering our mission to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of nearshore fisheries enforcement, enhance community-based nearshore marine resource stewardship, and develop innovative approaches to local and sustainable nearshore seafood production and distribution.  The internship will include travel to fishing communities on two other islands, such as Maui, Lana`i, or Hawai`i Island.

The internships will include a one week orientation at Conservation International Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Conservation International will cover all travel expenses including, travel to Hawaii, accommodations, and food.  Interns must supply their own health insurance and sign a volunteer waiver.

Responsibilities:

• Promote sustainable fishing practices through education and outreach activities
• Collect and enter demographic and fishing data from local fishing communities with HFT staff and local partners; data will be used to inform long-term community-based fisheries management decisions
• Collect and process fish samples to determine local spawning times with the University of Hawai`i, HFT, and local community members
• Provide logistical support to HFT staff and community partners at sustainable family fishing camps/workshops, fishing tournament(s), and/or other fisher events;
• Participate in coastal permaculture project to remediate reef sedimentation;
• Learn about integrated marine resource monitoring techniques (coupling Hawaiian and western science) and apply them in the field;
• Work with HFT team to help communicate activities through social media;
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Must commit to internship from June 24, 2013 to August 9, 2013.
• Must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree with emphasis on a non-conservation degree
• Must be familiar with basic principles of conservation and biodiversity concepts and ready to learn more about Hawai`i’s local and fishing cultures
• Must be able to work in field conditions including physical labor and adverse weather conditions
• Must have proof of medical insurance and sign volunteer waiver
• Must have strong swimming skills and comfort in open water
• Must be flexible and open to changing schedules
• Willingness to learn and adapt to a variety of cultural situations
• Strong interpersonal communication skills

How to Apply: 

Submit your resume, cover letter expressing interest, and a recommendation/reference letter by April 21, 2013 on the Conservation International website, http://ch.tbe.taleo.net/CH08/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=CONSERVATION&cws=1&rid=413.

Contact Information:

Conservation International, http://www.conservation.org

Job URL: http://tbe.taleo.net/CH08/ats/careers/jobSearch.jsp?org=CONSERVATION&cws=1 (search for jobs located in Hawai’i)