Conservation Science Volunteer, Palmyra Program

About the role

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is recruiting Conservation Science Volunteers for six-month assignments at Palmyra Atoll, a remote tropical atoll in the Pacific Ocean. The assignment is remote-supervised by the Palmyra Island Conservation Strategy Lead, with weekly discussion of tasking priorities. It is an ongoing application period intended to fill several 6-month positions starting in June 2026.

Key responsibilities

• Support scientific studies and conservation initiatives led by TNC, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and research partners
• 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 conditions
• Tasks vary with conservation science projects, including native plant establishment and monitoring, invasive plant removal, seabird and shorebird monitoring, and maintenance and monitoring of seabird social attraction project sites
• Perform equipment and facilities maintenance, lab operations, data management and reporting
• Occasionally take part in community-based or visitor-facing activities such as supporting philanthropy trips or presenting projects to visitors

Required profile

• High school diploma/GED and 1 year of college-level coursework in biological sciences, conservation science or natural resource management (or equivalent education and experience)
• Experience with scientific studies and established protocols, including accurate data recording, entry and organization
• Experience living in or working with remote environments or small communities; island community experience preferred
• Valid passport and, if applicable, visa and/or work permit for the United States, expiring at least one month after the assignment ends
• First Aid and CPR certification before the start of the term, evidence of a physical examination, current tetanus vaccination and health insurance

Required skills

• Proficiency with MS Office, especially Word and Excel
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and comfort around waterfront environments, including swimming and open-water navigation
• Desired: excellent written and verbal English, strong task management, comfort using hand tools and equipment

What we offer

• TNC covers up to $1,200 of round-trip travel from home to Honolulu and up to three nights' hotel stay in Honolulu
• TNC provides round-trip travel to Palmyra from Honolulu, board and lodging at Palmyra, and key supplies and equipment for the six months
• Orientation training in Honolulu or virtually before departure
• Remote medical coverage and emergency evacuation insurance