Research Assistant

Research Assistant
May 1 - October 31, 2022

Minimum $13.25/hr, Non-exempt

Responsibilities & Expectations

This is a paid, contracted position without benefits. Employees receive rustic housing for the entirety of their
contracted employment and meals are provided when on Hurricane island. Wages are commensurate with
experience.

The Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership is a transformative learning community on Hurricane
Island in Penobscot Bay, Maine. Our mission is to integrate science education, applied research, and leadership
development through year-round educational programs and a seasonal, environmentally sustainable island
community. Through experiential education programs and research opportunities in STEM disciplines we aim to
excite people about doing science and about being leaders in the next wave of scientific discovery and
environmental conservation.

• SCUBA diving activities

• Support the Hurricane Island aquaculture operation

• Data collection, Monitoring, and Reporting

organizing, and processing data and sample collections
o Occasionally write up research findings and reports

• Education and Communication Responsibilities

programs
o Deliver Aquaculture and Research specific educational programming, such as anatomy lessons,

sorting spat bags, and aquaculture site tours to diverse audiences
o Working with the Research Intern, author and publish bi-weekly Research blogs

• Conducting additional fieldwork as necessary

campus policies and community expectations, welcoming visitors to the island and communicating about
Hurricane’s mission and work, participating in community tasks including daily and weekly chores,
performing other duties relating to the organization’s goals and mission as required.

19 Commercial Street, Rockland ME 04841 207-867-6050

About the Position
The Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership (Hurricane)
is seeking a Research Assistant for the 2022 island season. The
position requires living and working on Hurricane Island. The
Research Assistant works closely with the Aquaculture Manager and
Director of Research implementing Hurricane’s research program. It
is responsible for specific aspects of data collection and project
management on our 3.2 acre aquaculture site where we grow
scallops and kelp and with occasional mainland based travel to
conduct research. If interested, the RA is welcome to develop their
own independent research project. The Research Assistant is
expected to be integrated into the day-to-day operations of the
island and help Hurricane maintain our collaborative and intentional
community. A successful candidate must be well-organized, flexible,
and able to function in a dynamic working environment. Additional
responsibilities to those described here may be required, as needed.

Essential Qualifications

Preferred additonal qualifications include:

Hurricane Island Foundation is dedicated to
a policy of nondiscrimination in employment
on any basis including race, creed, color,
age, sex, religion, or national origin.
Because we work with middle and high
school students, we are required to do
background checks on all seasonal and
full-time staff.

• Adaptable, hard-working, outgoing, helpful, and positive personality and good

• Demonstrated ability to multitask, identify and complete projects, and work

• A growth mindset including a willingness to be coached and openness to

• Ability to perform physically challenging work in the outdoors and in all weather

• Extensive boat handling experience and awareness of on-water safety

• Strong oral and written communication and organization skills;

community members.
• Ability and willingness to work and live in a remote island community with rustic

and off-the-grid accommodations where all staff share living and work spaces.
• Interest and enthusiasm for working with youth.
• Work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Demonstrated initiative to identify and complete projects and work independently

or as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• U.S. Citizen or non-citizen permanent resident.

• Cover letter explaining your interest in this position and your relevant

• Resumé or CV, which includes contact information for two references.
• We want a complete picture of you so don’t be afraid to include details that

can speak to your strengths, abilities, and opportunities for personal and
professional growth.

• Copies of any relevant certifications.

There are many complications related to planning and running in-person
programming on Hurricane Island in the time of Covid. At this time, we fully
intend to move forward with hiring for 2022. It is important to note that
circumstances and decision making connected to Covid may require changes to
the start date and overall hiring status for seasonal employees. We will make
every effort to keep seasonal staff applicants and hires informed about Board
decisions that impact the status of our 2022 on island season and our ability to
offer employment.

Required Application Materials
Application review will begin January 24, 2022

Please submit your application through https://hurricaneisland.campbrainstaff.com

19 Commercial Street, Rockland ME 04841 207-867-6050

Research Assistant
May 1 - October 31, 2022

Minimum $13.25/hr, Non-exempt

• USCG Certified Captain’s License;

learners, urban youth, low-income communities, immigrant communities, LGBTQ
communities, people with special needs, and other groups that are
underrepresented in the field of environmental education