Island Volunteer

Volunteer your time!

Each summer about 30 volunteers work side by side with our research staff on a ll seven research island field station sanctuaries managed by NAS in the Gulf of Maine. Students, naturalists, aviculturists, avid birders, and biologists give their time and energy to assist our research.

Volunteer assignments are worked out on an individual basis in the early spring, prior to the start of the field season. Commitments range from two to twelve weeks. Volunteers assist in all aspects of our research including banding, band reading, burrow monitoring, feeding and productivity studies.

Depending on the field station assigned, volunteers will assist with field studies on puffins, terns and other species. Must be over 18 years old and available for a minimum of two weeks between June 4 and July 30, with exact dates to be negotiated depending on schedule openings. Volunteers contributing $1500 or more will receive preference for available openings.

Project Puffin volunteer research opportunities are based on these categories:

Contributing Research Assistant	Project Puffin offers up to nine Contributing Research Assistant positions. These reserved positions are blocked during the three periods of greatest seabird activity at our colonies and are designed to provide full participation in our research. Donations defray the cost of meals provided and transportation from our base to and from the research site. Funds also support student research positions.
Aviculturist	Individuals employed in aviculture or related fields are invited to participate to gain valuable field experience while increasing their knowledge of colonial seabirds and research techniques. Participating organizations have included: Sea World (FL, TX, CA), New England Aquarium (MA), National Aquarium (MD), San Antonio Zoo (TX), Lincoln Park Zoo (IL), and the North Carolina Zoo. Project Puffin encourages participating institutions to make a contribution towards field expenses.
Student	Individuals enrolled in biology, environmental studies, natural history, ornithology, science education and related fields at the college or graduate level. Participants gain valuable field experience while increasing their knowledge of colonial seabirds and research techniques. Student volunteers can participate from two weeks to the entire season. Student volunteers often return in subsequent years as Research Assistants.
Volunteer	If all volunteer positions are not filled by student, aviculturist and contributing research assistants, remaining positions will be filled by other applicants.

To apply: Fill out the application (PDF Format | M S Word Format) and email it to: Susan.Schubel@audubon.org. The yearly window for submission of applications is January 1 through March 15.