Conservation Science Volunteer, Palmyra Program

Located 1,000 miles south of Hawai‘i, TNC’s Palmyra Preserve is in the middle of one of the most spectacular marine wilderness areas on Earth. Palmyra Atoll has 580 acres of emergent land with 480,000 acres of lagoons, coral reefs, and submerged lands and is a US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wildlife Refuge out to 12 nautical miles from shore and a Marine National Monument out to 50 miles. The Nature Conservancy owns and cares for 230 acres of land and manages this property in partnership with the USFWS. TNC maintains wildlife habitat and owns and operates a conservation research station on the preserve focused on ecosystem adaptation and resilience to climate change.

Established in 2019, the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Laboratory (CARL) at Palmyra focuses on three key strategies for investigating actionable solutions to the increasing effects of climate change: coral reef restoration, pelagic ecosystem protection, and conservation of island ecosystems.

Seasonal Conservation Science Volunteers are recruited for six-month assignments to support the conservation science and management projects that are a part of CARL. The duration of this term of service may be amended for safety purposes – volunteers will be notified and supported by TNC if any such decision is made. Volunteers will work six 8-hour days with one day off per week in hot, humid, and/or wet weather on difficult and hazardous terrain under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions will involve considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain, frequent possibility of injury, long hours in isolated settings, exposure to chemicals (e.g. herbicide), contaminants (e.g. WW2-era fuel), and hazards (e.g. rusted metal from WW2-era equipment).

The Conservation Science Volunteer is responsible for aiding scientific studies and conservation initiatives led by TNC, USFWS, and/or our research partners. This position will be remotely supervised by the Palmyra Island Conservation Strategy Lead; therefore, volunteers must be able to operate safely with minimal guidance. Tasking priorities will be discussed with the Island Conservation Strategy Lead on a weekly basis. Daily, weekly, and monthly tasking varies according to the needs of priority conservation science projects, which may include native plant establishment and monitoring, invasive species control, seabird and shorebird monitoring tasks, insect monitoring and collection, and many other varied conservation science activities. Regular tasking also includes equipment and facilities maintenance, lab operations, data management, and reporting. Occasionally, volunteers may be asked to participate in community-based functions including, but not limited to, supporting philanthropy trips, presenting or demonstrating key conservation science projects to visitors, or assisting alternate roles.

We’re Looking for You:

We’re looking for early career conservation practitioners/scientists who are eager to volunteer for hands-on experience with innovative conservation science projects that have global relevance on a remote, tropical atoll for six contiguous months. Well qualified applicants have some prior experience with scientific studies, demonstrate a drive to learn, and ability to be adaptable. Experience living in an island community and/or experience working with island communities on conservation-related objectives is preferred.

Volunteers must possess (or be able to obtain) a valid passport and, if applicable, the appropriate visa and/or work permit for working/volunteering in the US with an expiration date at least one month later than the term of the assignment. They must also possess (or be able to obtain) a valid First Aid and CPR certification before the start of the volunteer term. Additionally, all volunteers must provide evidence of a physical examination showing good health, current tetanus vaccination, and health insurance.

If you are eager to be part of a dedicated group that supports scientific research and conservation of island systems, apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

High school diploma/GED and 1 year of college-level coursework in biological sciences, conservation science, or natural resource management (OR equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience).
Experience with scientific studies and following established scientific protocols, including accurate data recording, entry, and organization.
Experience living and/or working in remote environments or small communities.

Desired Qualifications

Experience living in an island community and/or collaborating with island communities on conservation initiatives.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Clear motivation for participating in this opportunity and how it supports your personal or professional growth.
Strong task management skills with the ability to adapt and make sound decisions in remote, dynamic field conditions.
Comfortable using various hand tools and equipment.
Ability to perform physical work in a hot, humid, wet, and salty conditions, including ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Comfort and safety around waterfront environments, including swimming, recreating, and navigating in open water.
Proficiency with MS Office programs, especially Word and Excel.

Additional Information:

For this volunteer position, TNC will provide up to $1200 of round-trip travel costs from the volunteer’s home to Honolulu as well as up to three nights stay at a TNC-selected hotel in Honolulu. During the week prior to traveling to Palmyra, volunteers will participate in orientation trainings in Honolulu or virtually that give an overview of TNC’s mission, values, and Code of Conduct, and of the Palmyra Program, including CARL. TNC will provide round-trip travel to Palmyra from Honolulu, board and lodging at Palmyra, and key supplies and equipment for the six-month volunteer term at Palmyra. TNC also provides remote medical coverage for non-emergency physician and emergency evacuation insurance for all staff and volunteers at Palmyra.

To apply to be a Conservation Science Volunteer at Palmyra Atoll, submit your materials ( resume and cover letter ) online. This is an ongoing application period that will be used to fill multiple 6-month positions, starting in December 2025 and extending into 2026. If you are interested in being considered for any of the upcoming 6-month volunteer terms, we encourage you to apply at your earliest convenience. Your application must clearly indicate how you meet all six of the minimum qualifications presented. If you have any questions about this position, please contact the Palmyra Science Coordinator, Dana Sabine, at dana.sabine@tnc.org.

Who We Are :

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor .

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.