Join Our ʻOhana
The People Behind the Mission
None of our work would be possible without the people behind it. From our dedicated staff and interns to the hundreds of volunteers who show up, again and again, to care for Maui's marine life, our 'ohana is the heartbeat of everything we do. Whatever your background or however much time you have to give, there is a place for you here.
Job Opportunities
We are not currently hiring, but will continue to look for passionate team members to join us as we continue to grow. Check back here for openings, or sign up for our newsletter to be notified when new positions become available.
Internships
We provide meaningful professional development opportunities for students interested in protected species management and marine conservation. Through lectures, field work, and hands-on experience at our facility, interns build the skills and connections needed for a career in ocean stewardship.
Our team works daily to protect and advocate for marine life through four core programs: coral restoration, sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation, Hawaiian monk seal response, and conservation education. Through these programs, we engage communities, inspire stewardship, and work to ensure a healthier future for Hawaiʻi's marine ecosystems.
This unpaid internship does not require a marine biology degree, but a passion for learning is essential, and familiarity with Hawaiʻi's native plants and wildlife is a plus. If you're a student or recent graduate with an interest in marketing, communications, social media, nonprofit outreach, conservation, or a related field, we'd love to hear from you.
While applicants from all locations are welcome, candidates currently residing in Hawaiʻi, particularly on Oʻahu or Maui, are encouraged to apply due to opportunities for local content creation and community engagement.
Primary Responsibilities:
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Min. 8 hrs/week, 6 month minimum
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Source and create social media content
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Assist with marketing campaigns & fundraising initiatives
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Minor graphic design work
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Interact with and assist staff via chat or in-person (if local)
Minimum Requirements:
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16 years or older
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Serious interest in conservation issues in Hawaiʻi
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Access to reliable transportation and internet
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Excellent communication and out-of-the-box thinking
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Passionate storyteller and unafraid to be creative
To apply, please submit a cover letter describing why you're a great fit for this position, and a resume to holly@mocmarineinstitute.org
Volunteer
At MOCMI, our volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization, providing the professional expertise and tireless dedication necessary to safeguard Maui's marine resources. In 2025, our 'ohana of 145 active volunteers logged an incredible 13,661 hours across our conservation and education programs. This collective effort is the equivalent of a single person working full-time for over six and a half years solely to protect our island’s irreplaceable marine heritage. When you volunteer with us, you are not just supporting a program — you are becoming part of the living network of people who protect Maui's ocean every single day.
Dispatchers play a key role in guiding the public, relaying information to field responders, and promoting marine life conservation.
Responsibilities include answering hotline calls, collecting important details from callers, providing educational information, maintaining accurate call logs, and ensuring professional and compassionate communication with the public.
Position Requirements:
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Must be at least 18 years of age
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Must commit to 6 months of service and reside on Maui
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Strong communication, multitasking, and problem-solving skills
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Basic familiarity with sea turtles, Hawaiian monk seals, and Maui beaches preferred; training provided
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Reliable phone and internet connection
Steps to Become a Volunteer
Because we work with protected species under federal and state permits, all volunteers complete a thorough onboarding process. The exact training required depends on the program you are interested in.
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Attend a New Volunteer Information Session (offered approximately every two months—invitations will be sent via email 2-3 weeks ahead of time).
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Review and sign the volunteer handbook and waiver (sent via email after New Volunteer Information Session).
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Complete the program-specific training required for your chosen volunteer role(s).
Program-specific Training
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In-field Response
Complete response training
(offered quarterly).
In-field Response
Attend a virtual presentation, an in-person practical training, and complete 5 mentored shifts.
On-site Dispatch
Complete training with a Level 3 Lead Responder.
On-site Dispatch
Complete training with a Level 3 Lead Responder.
On-site Husbandry
Complete training with a Sea Turtle Technician.
On-site Husbandry
Complete training with a Coral Technician.