Night-time Hatchling Sea Turtle Rescue (June-November)

This role requires stamina, dedication and commitment. If you want to be on the FRONT LINES of sea turtle conservation, this is it. 4 hour+ nighttime shifts (8pm-12am, 10pm-2am and 12-4am) with a minimum of 8 hours weekly. Mandatory training is conducted by the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) with more detailed training by us, including 40 hours in the field with senior staff before managing your own nest assignments on the habitat (beach).

Responsibilities include: Conduct night patrols of approximately 2 miles of habitat monitoring multiple nests in your assigned area for your shift. Rescue, recover and release disoriented hatchlings. Collect statistical data of nest emergence, hatchling disorientation and artificial light impacts. Educate the general public.

If you are interested in volunteering with S.T.O.P please fill out the application by going to our website

Volunteer Staff requirements:

Must be 18 or older.

You must be able to commit to a minimum of 8 hours per week (Two-three 4-hour shifts)

You must be comfortable walking on the beach alone at night.

Have a smart phone or tablet to submit data.

Be able to lift 15-30lbs

Walk long distances in the sand on the beach

About Us:

Sea Turtle Oversight Protection (S.T.O.P.) is a nonprofit organization based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida dedicated to protecting endangered and threatened sea turtles. Founded in 2007, S.T.O.P. works tirelessly to safeguard hatchlings on one of the densest urban nesting areas in the United States. Our mission is simple: to reduce sea turtle mortality caused by disorientation from coastal lighting. Through nightly patrols during nesting season, education programs, conservation advocacy and community engagement, our volunteers ensure that thousands of sea turtle hatchlings safely make their way to the ocean each year. What We Do 🐢 Nest Monitoring, Rescue & Release: Under FWC imperiled species permits, we conduct nighttime nest patrols, rescue disoriented hatchlings and release them into the ocean. Hatches are documented with data provided to state & local authorities as well as the general public. 📚 Education & Outreach: Teach communities, schools, and businesses about sea turtle conservation. 🛑 Advocacy: Collaborating with policymakers, local governments, and organizations to reduce threats like artificial lighting, coastal development. 🤝 Community Involvement: Engaging volunteers and donors to make direct, lasting impacts on turtle survival. Our Impact •Saved over 280,000+ hatchlings since 2007. Together, we can resist extinction and ensure that future generations inherit thriving oceans filled with sea turtles.