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Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gear Liaison

Rockville, MD · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... conservation initiatives through collaboration with the commercial fishing industry, research ... Support research projects focused on mitigating large whale and sea turtle entanglements in fixed ...

Gear Liaison

Rockville, MD · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... conservation initiatives through collaboration with the commercial fishing industry, research ... Support research projects focused on mitigating large whale and sea turtle entanglements in fixed ...

Retail Manager

Lancaster, PA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Simply Southern donates to a variety of organizations, but are best known for our efforts to help sea turtle conservation and ChildFund International. To date, Simply Southern has donated over $6 ...

Retail Manager

Winston Salem, NC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Simply Southern donates to a variety of organizations, but are best known for our efforts to help sea turtle conservation and ChildFund International. To date, Simply Southern has donated over $6 ...

Scientific Data Manager

Miami, FL

$60K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SEFSC MMTD conducts marine mammal and sea turtle research in support of conservation, assessment, and management objectives. The division's work includes field-based research from research vessels ...

Scientific Data Manager

Miami, FL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SEFSC MMTD conducts marine mammal and sea turtle research in support of conservation, assessment, and management objectives. The division's work includes field-based research from research vessels ...

Showing results 41-60

Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer information

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How much do sea turtle conservation volunteer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for sea turtle conservation volunteer in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a sea turtle conservation volunteer do?

A Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer helps protect sea turtle populations by participating in activities such as monitoring nesting sites, collecting data, assisting with hatchling releases, and removing debris from beaches. Volunteers may also help educate local communities and tourists about the importance of sea turtles and conservation efforts. The role often involves working outdoors, sometimes at night, and requires a commitment to preserving marine habitats and ensuring the survival of these endangered creatures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sea turtle conservation volunteer?

To thrive as a Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer, you need basic knowledge of marine biology, physical fitness, and a passion for wildlife conservation, typically gained through relevant coursework or experience. Familiarity with data collection tools, GPS devices, and sometimes first aid certification is often required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication skills help volunteers collaborate with diverse groups and respond to dynamic field conditions. These skills ensure the safety of both turtles and volunteers, support accurate research, and foster successful conservation outcomes.

What are some common daily tasks for a sea turtle conservation volunteer, and how do they vary throughout the nesting season?

As a Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer, your daily tasks can include sunrise beach patrols to locate and protect new nests, monitoring and recording nesting activity, relocating nests threatened by tides or predators, and assisting with hatchling releases. Responsibilities often vary depending on the stage of the nesting season—for instance, early in the season, you may focus on tracking nesting females, while later months involve more hatchling monitoring and nest excavations. Volunteers also participate in data collection, beach cleanups, and community education initiatives, often working closely with local staff and other volunteers in a collaborative, outdoor environment.

What is the difference between Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer vs Marine Conservation Intern?

AspectSea Turtle Conservation VolunteerMarine Conservation Intern
Required CredentialsMinimal; passion and basic knowledgeRelevant coursework or degree preferred
Work EnvironmentBeach, nesting sites, coastal areasResearch labs, field sites, offices
Employer & IndustryEnvironmental NGOs, conservation projectsResearch institutions, NGOs, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteers typically focus on hands-on activities like nesting site protection and beach patrols, requiring minimal formal credentials. Marine Conservation Interns often engage in research, data collection, and analysis, usually needing relevant academic background. Both roles are within the conservation industry but differ in scope and responsibilities, with volunteers more field-oriented and interns more research-focused.

What cities are hiring for Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer jobs?

Cities with the most Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Sea Turtle Conservation jobs?

The most popular types of Sea Turtle Conservation jobs are:

What states have the most Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer jobs include:

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance

Title - Gear Liaison
Client: NOAA Fisheries (NMFS)
Location: Boston, MA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Position Overview
NOAA Fisheries is seeking an experienced Gear Liaison to support protected species conservation initiatives through collaboration with the commercial fishing industry, research institutions, and regulatory partners. This position will focus on the development, testing, evaluation, and implementation of fishing gear modifications designed to reduce interactions between commercial fisheries and protected marine species, including sea turtles, large whales, and marine mammals.
The Gear Liaison will serve as a key field representative, working directly with fishermen, conducting outreach and training activities, assisting with gear testing and analysis, and supporting compliance and conservation efforts throughout the New England region and other East Coast fisheries as needed.
Key Responsibilities
Fisheries Gear Research & Evaluation
  • Participate in field studies, data collection, analysis, and evaluation of fishing gear modifications aimed at reducing sea turtle, marine mammal, and protected species bycatch.
  • Support research projects focused on mitigating large whale and sea turtle entanglements in fixed gear fisheries, including:
    • Gillnets
    • Trap/Pot Fisheries
    • Trawl Fisheries
  • Assist regional and science center gear teams with the planning, implementation, and assessment of gear testing initiatives.
  • Participate in projects evaluating bycatch reduction technologies, including Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) and other conservation-oriented gear modifications.
  • Compile, analyze, and summarize project findings and technical results for program stakeholders.

Industry Outreach & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Develop and maintain productive working relationships with commercial fishermen, industry organizations, and partner agencies.
  • Conduct dockside outreach, demonstrations, and training sessions regarding proper installation and use of protected species gear modifications.
  • Serve as a liaison between NOAA Fisheries, the fishing community, and research partners to facilitate effective communication regarding gear requirements and conservation measures.
  • Provide technical assistance to fishermen implementing approved gear modifications.

Compliance & Enforcement Support
  • Support NOAA Fisheries Law Enforcement personnel with gear inspections and compliance monitoring activities.
  • Assist with investigations and analyses related to protected species entanglements and gear recovery efforts.
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation related to gear evaluations, inspections, and compliance activities.

Program Support
  • Assist with gear warehouse inventory management, curation, and recordkeeping.
  • Participate in Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Team (ALWTRT) meetings and related stakeholder engagements.
  • Support coordination and collaboration among regional offices, science centers, and external partners involved in protected species conservation efforts.

Work Environment & Travel
This position is heavily field-oriented, with approximately 70% of time spent conducting field activities, including:
  • Dockside meetings with fishermen
  • Port visits throughout New England
  • Gear testing and evaluation aboard commercial fishing vessels
  • Field investigations and gear analyses
  • Support for law enforcement and protected species response activities

The remaining work may be performed remotely and includes data analysis, reporting, meeting participation, and administrative support.
Primary work locations include:
  • Massachusetts (particularly near the NOAA Fisheries Woods Hole Office)
  • Maine
  • Rhode Island
  • New Hampshire

Occasional travel may be required throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and, less frequently, to locations such as Canada or Florida to coordinate with NOAA Fisheries partners and research teams.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in one or more of the following areas:
    • Commercial fishing operations
    • Fishing gear research and development
    • Fisheries management
    • Marine conservation programs
    • Protected species mitigation efforts
    • Fisheries field operations
  • Strong understanding of commercial fishing gear and fishing practices in the Northwest Atlantic region.
  • Experience conducting field-based research, data collection, and technical evaluations.
  • Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with commercial fishermen, researchers, regulators, and stakeholders.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and recordkeeping skills.
  • Ability and willingness to travel extensively and work aboard commercial fishing vessels and in marine environments.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working with NOAA Fisheries, fisheries management councils, or marine conservation organizations.
  • Knowledge of protected species regulations and bycatch mitigation programs.
  • Familiarity with Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP) requirements.
  • Experience with gear testing, marine mammal entanglement investigations, or Turtle Excluder Device (TED) evaluations.
  • Degree in Marine Science, Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a related field is preferred.
  • Experience working directly with commercial fishing communities in New England fisheries.

Compensation: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
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