Research Assistant - Seasonal

Research Assistant

FULL SEASON: May 27, 2025 - November 21, 2025 (Flexible)

COMPENSATION: Minimum $14.90/hour, Non-exempt

This is a paid, contracted position without benefits. Employees may elect to either work from our shared Rockland office (no housing provided), or to work from Hurricane Island and receive rustic housing for the entirety of their contracted employment. If applicants choose to be based from the Rockland office, occasional work from Hurricane Island and overnights are still expected, as needed. Meals are provided when on Hurricane Island. Wages are commensurate with experience.

Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership (Hurricane Island) is seeking a Research Assistant for the 2025 season to support the Pen Bay Marine Data project and other research initiatives. The position operates under the supervision of the Marine Data Specialist. The Research Assistant will collect and quality control sensor data, select new sites for Coast Guard permitted scientific moorings, and contribute to regional capacity building for environmental monitoring. The Research Assistant is expected to be integrated into the day-to-day operations of the island and help 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.

Responsibilities & Expectations

This unique role contributes to all aspects of planning and operating an ocean observing system in Penobscot Bay. You will collaborate with scientists, technologists, and coastal communities to deliver high-quality environmental information for decision-making, and develop technical and outreach skills needed for data-driven collective action.

• Data acquisition
  • Deploy, calibrate, verify, and recover shore-based and moored sensors
  • Use a data-driven approach to balance trade-offs in sensor network design
  • Map signal strength of low power radio networks on land and on the water
  • Assist with ecological and environmental monitoring campaigns
• Data management
  • Continuously improve organization and access to research data and metadata
  • Implement quality control and assurance procedures for time series data
• Quantitative analysis
  • Analyze multivariate time series data to identify outliers, patterns, and events
  • Develop derived and value-added data products and services
• Scientific communication
  • Interpret and present research to internal and community stakeholders
  • Deliver workshops and programs that encourage public access to marine data
• Research support
  • Maintain equipment, purchase supplies, and dispose of chemicals and e-waste
  • Identify, read, and summarize relevant literature and technical standards
  • Develop protocols, design experiments, and troubleshoot issues
  • Prepare reports, graphics, presentations, and grant proposals

• Participate as a full member of Hurricane Island’s intentional community while on island, including following and enforcing 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.

Essential Qualifications

• Strong technical writing, reading comprehension, and attention to detail.
• Proficient in Windows 10 and 11 for data acquisition using a fully-rugged laptop.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and/or GSuite productivity software.
• Knowledge of GPS, electronic charts, and Geographic Information Systems concepts.
• Interest in developing workshops and digital communications using research data.
• Certification in basic CPR/First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder.
• Capable of safely lifting 50 lbs of weight and working on unstable surfaces.
• Ability to work in a noisy, energetic environment while remaining welcoming to community members.
• Ability and willingness to occasionally 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.
• Authorized to lawfully work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, and/or marine trades experience.
• Experience with any of: R, Arduino C , VisualBasic, Python 3 and/or TypeScript.
• Experience with multivariate time series analysis, especially outlier and event detection.
• Knowledge of physical, ecological, and environmental concepts.
• Knowledge of relevant data formats, standards, protocols, and concepts including any of TCP/IP, MQTT, HTTP, XML, GeoJSON, NetCDF, QARTOD, CF Metadata, NMEA, SPI, UART, RS-485, and/or SensorThings.
• Interest in low power communications (LoRaWAN) and Industrial Internet of Things applied to aquaculture, off-grid systems, and ocean observation.
• Working experience with racial and ethnic minority groups, English language 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.

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.

Required Application Materials: Applications are due on a rolling basis unless otherwise indicated in the specific job description. We will continue to review applications until the position has been filled. 

• Cover letter explaining your interest in this position and your relevant experience. Please specify whether you prefer to work from Rockland or Hurricane Island.
• 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 may not pertain directly to this job.
• A letter of recommendation with contact information from an academic or industry professional who can speak to your strengths, abilities, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. If your recommender prefers to submit a letter to us directly, please upload a document here stating "Letter of recommendation to follow." and then have them email the actual letter to jobs@hurricaneisland.net.
• Copies of any relevant certifications or training experience.

Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Because we are licensed with the State of Maine as a Limited Purpose private school and we work with middle and high school students, we are required to obtain fingerprinted background checks through the Maine Department of Education for all employees.

Salary : $15