Conservation Science Volunteer, Palmyra Program
The Nature Conservancy
Application Instructions:
To apply to be a Conservation Science Volunteer at Palmyra Atoll, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online. (You can upload the cover letter in the same location as the resume.)
This is an ongoing application period that will be used to fill multiple 6-month positions, starting in June 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 below. If you have any questions about this position, please contact the Palmyra Science Coordinator, Dana Sabine, at dana.sabine@tnc.org.
What We Can Achieve Together:
Located 1,000 miles south of Hawai‘i, Palmyra Atoll lies at the center of one of the world’s most spectacular marine wilderness areas. The atoll contains 580 acres of emergent land surrounded by 480,000 acres of lagoons, coral reefs, and submerged lands. The Nature Conservancy owns and stewards 230 acres of this land, managing it as a Preserve. The TNC Preserve is encircled by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, which extends 12 nautical miles from shore, and the entire atoll is further protected as part of a Marine National Monument that stretches 50 miles offshore. TNC operates the Climate Adaptation and Resilience Laboratory at Palmyra, which focuses on three core strategies for developing actionable solutions to the accelerating effects of climate change: coral reef resilience, pelagic ecosystem protection, and island ecosystem conservation.
Conservation Science Volunteers are recruited for six-month assignments to support scientific studies and conservation initiatives led by TNC, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and research partners. The duration of this assignment may be amended for safety reasons; if any adjustments are necessary, volunteers will be notified and fully supported by The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Volunteers 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 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. WWII-era fuel), and hazards (e.g. rusted metal from WWII-era equipment).
Conservation Science Volunteers are remotely supervised by the Palmyra Island Conservation Strategy Lead and must be capable of working safely and independently with minimal day‑to‑day 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 plant removal, seabird and shorebird monitoring, maintenance and monitoring of seabird social attraction project sites, and many other varied conservation science activities led by TNC and partners. Regular tasking also includes equipment and facilities maintenance, lab operations, data management, and reporting. Occasionally, volunteers may be asked to participate in community-based or visitor-facing activities, such as supporting philanthropy trips, presenting or demonstrating key conservation science projects to visitors, or assisting in other roles.
We’re Looking for You:
We seek early‑career conservation practitioners and scientists who are eager to volunteer to gain hands‑on experience with innovative, globally relevant conservation science projects on a remote tropical atoll. This is a six‑month, contiguous volunteer assignment designed for individuals who are motivated to learn, contribute meaningfully, and grow professionally in a field‑based research environment.
Well‑qualified applicants have experience supporting or conducting scientific studies, show curiosity and initiative, and bring a strong drive to learn. They are adaptable, exercise sound judgment, and demonstrate resilience in dynamic field conditions. Experience living in an island community or working with island communities to support conservation or resource‑management goals 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.
Ability to perform physical work in a hot, humid, wet, and salty conditions, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Comfort and sound judgement around waterfront environments, including swimming, recreating, and navigating in open water.
Proficiency with MS Office programs, especially Word and Excel.
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.
Comfort using various hand tools and equipment.
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.
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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One 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. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the 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. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.