Schoodic Institute located at Acadia National Park is recruiting two
seasonal Field Ecology Technicians to assist in forest, bird, and
intertidal ecological research in the Acadia National Park region.
Position Description: Ecology Field Technicians (2)
Duration: June 1, 2020 to November 6, 2020
Reports to: Schoodic Institute science staff (Hannah Webber, Seth Benz,
Sarah Hooper)
Location: Winter Harbor, Maine
Application Deadline: February 28, 2020
We are looking to fill 2 temporary, full-time Field Technician positions.
About Schoodic Institute: Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park is a
501(c)3 non-profit organization. Schoodic Institute is advancing
understanding of environmental change, developing conservation solutions,
and engaging people in scientific discoveries. The Institute’s goal is to
be a national leader for research and education that inspires environmental
stewardship and fosters bright futures for parks and people. From its
Acadia National Park campus in coastal Maine, the Institute engages
scientists, educators, students, and the public in addressing complex
challenges of a rapidly changing environment. We focus on forest, bird, and
marine ecosystems, global change, citizen science, and science
communication. Our year-round campus includes classrooms, laboratories, and
meeting spaces surrounded by wild, rugged shorelines and thousands of acres
of evergreen forest. Campus infrastructure enables us to convene and host
public events, and provides an inspirational setting for education and art
programs, workshops, and conferences.
Primary Responsibilities:
Ecology Field Technicians will work on all aspects of a wide variety of
projects including intertidal research, bird surveys, citizen science
experiences, and forest sampling–perform field observations and sample
collection, handling, and processing; assist with Schoodic Institute
programs and Earthwatch expeditions; and track and maintain equipment.
Field Technicians are responsible for data management and initial syntheses
of collected data.
The Field Technicians are mentored by Schoodic Institute staff. Once
trained, the Field Technicians will lead intern and volunteer field crews.
These are full time (40 hours/week) seasonal positions. Daily and weekly
work schedules may fluctuate. Work days can be up to twelve hours long. In
some instances, such as intertidal work during low tide, work days may be
split with morning and evening work. At times work will begin at dawn and
go through dusk. The work week may include weekends.
Qualified applicants need to be able to work in challenging outdoor
conditions, learn on the go, work in small teams, and efficiently collect
and record field data.
Location: The Field Technician’s primary work location is on the Schoodic
Peninsula near Winter Harbor, ME; field work may occur throughout Acadia
National Park and surrounding locations. Residence is required on the
Schoodic Institute campus (on the Schoodic Peninsula, note: the nearest
city, Ellsworth, ME, with full services is 45 minutes away), where housing
in a co-ed shared apartment will be provided by Schoodic Institute.
Duties:
◠Follow established, standardized field procedures for land-based and
intertidal monitoring,
◠Train and lead groups of Earthwatch volunteers in safe and
scientifically rigorous field data collection,
◠Monitoring activities include the following observation activities:
o Select bird, plant, insect, and intertidal organism abundance and
behavior
o Breeding bird population counts
◠Operate and maintain monitoring equipment,
◠Use citizen science data collection apps in field work,
◠Perform plot establishment by locating plots with GPS navigation
system, measuring and marking plots,
◠Perform inspection and maintenance of laboratory and field equipment,
◠Record activities and completed work according to Field Operations
protocol,
◠Perform field assignments in a variety of conditions (e.g., weather,
terrain, diverse habitats),
◠Carry, move and lift supplies (pack weighing up to 40 lbs.) to field
sites (through, over, and in remote and uneven terrain),
◠Follow safety and field operations policy and procedures,
◠Other duties for Schoodic Institute as may be assigned.
Qualifications and Job Requirements:
◠High School diploma or equivalent.
◠Must be at least 18 years of age.
◠Proficiency with MS Office Suite (e.g., Excel, Word) and Google
Sheets.
◠Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
◠High level of attention to detail and accuracy.
◠Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
◠Strong work ethic and enthusiasm.
◠Ability to perform in strenuous outdoor activity, carry field
equipment and endure different outdoor field conditions including cold and
wet weather and extreme heat.
◠Current and valid State issued driver’s license with insurable
Department of Motor Vehicle record (parking violations, minor driving
offenses excluded) as determined by Acadia National Park.
◠Ability to travel/hike/walk on uneven terrain to work site.
◠Ability and willingness to work varied field operations schedules
(up to 12+ hours per day), including split-shift, part-time, pre-dawn early
mornings, evenings and weekends.
Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills:
◠Bachelor’s degree in an associated scientific discipline (ecology,
forestry, zoology or related field).
◠Experience conducting ecology related lab or field work.
◠Experience backcountry hiking and navigating (maps, compass, and
GPS).
◠Experience leading field sampling or monitoring activities, hikes,
or assisting conservation stewards with seasonal nature observations.
◠Experience in leading volunteers on field sampling or monitoring
activities or observation hikes.
◠Must have permanent authorization for US employment.
Co-ed housing in a shared apartment will be provided on the Schoodic
Institute campus within Acadia National Park. Schoodic Institute is an
Equal Opportunity Employer.
To apply:
Send cover letter and resume to search@schoodicinstitute.org.
Subject line: Ecology Field Technician
Application Deadline: February 28, 2020
This position does not include health insurance benefits, holiday pay, or
sick time. Schoodic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer