Summer Intern

We welcome student interns from colleges and universities to assist with multiple projects examining ecosystem change in Acadia National Park and the surrounding region. Our internships provide on-the-ground experience with science communication and research, with mentorship to further interns’ growth as professionals.

Timeline: The internship duration is 8-10 weeks. The start date is May 28, 2024.

Reports to: Science Engagement Coordinator, with additional supervision from Schoodic Institute science staff.

Funding: Interns must work with their appropriate academic internship coordinator to secure funding. We do not support unpaid internships.

Application Deadline: Monday, March 4, 2024

Schoodic Institute offers a unique setting to explore biodiversity in a changing environment and effects of a changing climate across, and between, dynamic ecosystems. We take an integrated approach to science. Education and communication are woven into our research and monitoring; our internships reflect this holistic approach to science. Interns develop and practice skills in field research, field identification, and scientific research design; foster learning through citizen science; and communicate science to varied audiences.

Interns are paired with a mentor based on intern interests and the current work of the mentor. While the work is integrated, interns are expected to focus on one of two core areas–science communication, or science research and monitoring.

Summer Projects 2024:

Science Research: The intertidal zone (IZ) gets pretty hot at low tide in the summer. Luckily, for the snails, seastars, and urchins that call the IZ home, there’s a blanket of seaweed keeping conditions cool and moist. As the climate changes the blanket of seaweed is changing—how will changes alter the under-seaweed conditions? We’ll be studying how much seaweed is enough to keep things chill down under.

Science Communication: Work with communications staff to plan and create multimedia content highlighting the work of other early career professionals and science staff for social media. The intern will accompany scientists in varied field settings, from mountain summits to wet meadows to rocky shorelines, while producing a portfolio that exemplifies best practices for inclusive science communication.

Internship Details

Interns will spend time working in the field, in all weather conditions, hiking through rough terrain, and carrying heavy backpacks. Interns will also spend time managing and analyzing their data. Co-workers in the outdoors include mosquitoes, black flies, occasional ticks, and dense brush. Interns may also spend time in labs, classrooms (indoor and outdoor), libraries, and archives.

Internships are full-time positions. Daily and weekly work schedules may fluctuate. Work days can be up to 14 hours long. In some instances, such as intertidal work during low tide, work days may be split into morning and evening work. At times work will begin at dawn and go through dusk. Work hours will include some weekends.

Qualified applicants need to be able to work in challenging outdoor conditions, learn on the go, work in small teams, and efficiently collect field data. In addition, applicants must have a valid driver's license.

Contact Hannah Webber, hwebber@schoodicinstitute.org with questions about the intertidal science research project; and Catherine Schmitt, cschmitt@schoodicinstitute.org with questions about the science communication project.

Location:

The primary work location is Winter Harbor, Maine on the Schoodic Peninsula. Field work will occur throughout Acadia National Park and surrounding locations within a 1-3 hour drive. At times camping may be required to complete field work off of the Schoodic Peninsula.

Residence is required and provided on the Schoodic Institute campus. The housing will be a shared bedroom as part of a shared apartment.

Note that the nearest city with full services, Ellsworth, is a 45-minute drive away. Although not required, personal transportation is highly recommended.

About Schoodic Institute:

Established in 2004, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and Acadia National Park’s primary partner in science and education. Based at the largest of 17 National Park Service Research Learning Centers in Winter Harbor, Maine, in Wabanaki homeland, Schoodic Institute’s focus is understanding environmental change taking place in Acadia and beyond, and helping managers of parks and other protected areas respond and adapt to change while engaging people of all ages in science. Schoodic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Schoodic Institute is committed to increasing diversity in environmental science, education, and conservation. We are highly collaborative, inclusive, and committed to a team environment that is safe and free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Team members are encouraged to share ideas, enthusiasm, and knowledge with each other. Rapid environmental change demands a more diverse and skilled next generation of conservation champions and we are committed to this workforce development.