Work Exchange Program (WEP)

The Hawaiʻi Conservation Conference’s (HCC) success stems from the work of willing and dedicated individuals who contribute to this program. The assistance of the work exchange participants make it possible to have the various presentations, exhibits, and networking sessions of the conference.

The HCC Work Exchange Program allows participants to meet, interact with, and learn from conservation veterans, emerging leaders, resource managers, field staff, and others in the conservation community. The research, knowledge, and experiences they share provide an invaluable opportunity to anyone interested in starting or furthering a career in conservation.

Work Exchange Program (WEP) Application Here!

Deadline to submit an application is Thurs. July 8th, 2021

There are limited WEP positions available (a max of 13 positions). You will be notified if you have been accepted into the program by Monday July 12th, 2021. Acceptance will be based on the applicants eligibility, qualifications, and availability to participate in the mandatory program commitments/service.

Program Benefits:

  • Full Access to conference sessions
  • Experience running a large professional virtual conference (good to include)

The positions within WEP are technical support based, as we have over 200 presenters and want to ensure our presenters and attendees have a good virtual Conference experience. WEP is meant to support individuals who would otherwise not have the means to pay and attend Conference.

Qualified WEP applicants do not necessarily need to have experience using our conference software (Big Marker), but should consider themselves to be proficient in basic computer skills and moderately experienced in hosting online meetings or webinars. WEP participants will be working remotely and will need to provide their own computer and have a reliable internet connection.

WEP participants will be the first level of technical support for presenters and moderators during the Conference, reminding them of the tools and functions and conducting first level troubleshooting. WEP participants will have live, direct contact with Alliance and HCAF staff in case additional technical support is needed.

Program Role:

  • Provide technical advice and support for set-up and throughout sessions
  • Provide brief overview to moderator and presenter of tools during backstage time (Script to be provided but WEP participants should be proficient in tools/language)
  • Support moderator and presenters during the session
  • Support session attendees asking technical questions in the chat
  • Have direct access to staff (via Slack)

Program Requirements:

Applicants must:

  • Not be registered for Conference already.
  • Demonstrate that they cannot afford Conference registration or do not qualify for the different special discount rates/scholarships.
  • Must have sufficient computer hardware, software and internet connection to effectively use Conference software (Big Marker). See below for detailed technology requirements.
  • Must be proficient in basic computer and internet tools
  • Must be comfortable using virtual meeting and conference software (e.g. Zoom, GoToMeeting, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangout).
  • Must have experience hosting virtual meetings.
  • Must be comfortable using Slack as a communication platform.

Program Commitment/Service:

  • Watch a 1 hour training video on your own time
  • Attend mandatory WEP Initial Meeting on Tues. July 13th 10 – 11 AM 
  • Attend mandatory WEP Final Meeting on Thurs. July 22nd 10 – 11 AM
  • Commit to and provide technical support for a minimum of 4 Conference sessions (sessions are 2 hours each with a 15 minute set-up –> roughly 8 – 9 hours of service)
  • WEP participants can sign up for sessions on a first come, first served basis.

Tech Requirements:

For any questions, please contact conference@hawaiiconservation.org.

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