9th Annual Governor Tauese P.F. Sunia Memorial
Coral Reef Conservation Summer Internship Announcement 2014
Location: Maui, Hawai’i
Opening Date: April 25, 2014
Closing Date: May 10th, 2014
Internship winner notified: May 20th, 2014
Internship period: between June 2014 and August 2014 (8-10 weeks)
APPLY BY MAIL TO:
Tri-Isle Conservation and Development Council, Inc.
P.O. Box 338
Kahului, Hawai`i 96733
Attn: Sunia Internship
OR BY EMAIL TO: tri-isle@tri-isle.org, please have “Sunia” in the subject line.
The United States Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF); the U.S. Department of Interior,
and Tri-Isle Conservation and Development Council, Inc. are pleased to announce the
8th Annual Governor Tauese P.F. Sunia Memorial Coral Reef Conservation Summer
Internship based on Maui, Hawai’i. This internship is in recognition of the late
Governor’s outstanding leadership and contribution to the conservation of U.S. coral
reef ecosystems. The late Governor Sunia is most remembered for being an eloquent
and impassioned advocate for coral reef protection and management at the local level,
not only in American Samoa, but throughout the U.S. and the Pacific region.
This summer internship continues the Governor’s legacy by providing an outstanding
college or university student a unique opportunity to gain valuable, professionally
formative experience in coral reef conservation policy and management, while also
contributing to the overall efforts of the hosting agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (FWS), and the USCRTF. It provides an 8-10 week internship for an eligible
student interested in natural resource management and coral reef ecosystems to work
in a FWS office in Maui, Hawai’i, serving the watershed conservation needs of local land
users primarily on private lands. See eligibility information below.
The program is designed to provide career enhancing work experience to build capacity
in the jurisdictions. The student will be involved with productive, hands-on job
assignments involved with conservation and enhancement of watershed management
and natural resources as it relates to coral reef ecosystems and initiatives in the Pacific
Islands region. The student must be willing to work on a full-time schedule during the
summer break.
For more information about projects ongoing in the USCRTF Priority Watersheds in
West Maui please visit www.westmauir2r.com. Additional information about community
engagement in ridge to reef stewardship in this area can be found at
www.westmauikumuwai.org.
Location:
The selected student will be based at the FWS Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge,
Maui, Hawai’i and conduct field work in West Maui as needed.
Governor Sunia Internship Program provides:
This Sunia Internship allows temporary appointment of students for 8-10 weeks. The
position can be filled in the areas of natural resources and watershed management, with
emphasis on coral reefs, marine policy, science, biology, and soil conservation.
Requirements and Process
Who is Eligible?
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A student enrolled as a degree-seeking student in an accredited technical or
vocational school, 2-year or 4-year college or university, and has completed a
minimum of one academic year of study in that program;
Has demonstrated interest and/or previous work/involvement with coral reef
issues; and ,
Is at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen
Pay and Qualification Requirements:
 $12.19 per hour – completion of one year of study
 Transportation expenses for students recruited outside of the area of
employment and a housing stipend may be available.
Application Material
All applicants wishing to be considered for the Sunia internship should submit the
following material:
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Unofficial copies of all college and/or university transcripts.
A resume with relevant experience and activities.
One letter of recommendation from a professor or relevant employer.
A 750 word essay (maximum) on the importance of managing coral reefs in your
island jurisdiction and nationally; and how this internship will benefit your career
goals related to coral reef and watershed management.
Application material may be sent by mail or email and must be received no later than
May 10, 2014, 5:00 PM Pacific time.
Questions about the internship may be directed to Jennifer Higashino at 808-270-1436.