Assistant Island Coordiator

This position provides professional, supervisory, and academic support for Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML), working closely with the Island Coordinator to ensure smooth operations. Responsibilities include training, scheduling, and overseeing up to six student staff members each week while supervising campus maintenance, kitchen operations, housekeeping, and grounds work. The role also involves supporting scientific research by serving as a crew member on research vessels and assisting in biological specimen collection and maintenance. Additionally, the position requires managing island logistics, including dietary restrictions, special requests, and housing assignments. The individual will assist with visitor orientation, facility tours, and operation of the Appledore Island store. A strong emphasis is placed on fostering an inclusive environment and ensuring safety protocols. Availability for emergency response while on duty and serving as a crew member on commercial and small vessels are also key responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide professional, supervisory, and academic support critical to the operations of Shoals Marine Laboratory in collaboration with Island Coordinator.
• Train, organize, supervise, schedule, and oversee up to 6 Student Staff members each week.
• Supervise and assist student workers in the maintenance of the Appledore Island campus including kitchen prep/cleanup, general housekeeping, grounds work and other assigned tasks.
• Serve as supporting scientific crew aboard SML’s research vessels.
• Participate in the collection and maintenance of biological specimens as needed.
• Operate the Appledore Island store (operating POS system, stocking, etc.).
• Assist with Island Coordinator duties and when Island Coordinator is off island, act as Island Coordinator, assisting with arrival, orientation, housing assignments, and departures of all SML participants and visitors and manage daily logs and schedules for island activities and housing. Manage on island logistics including but not inclusive of dietary restrictions, special requests, medication management for minors, housing, etc.
• Provide island orientation presentation to visitors to SML.
• Provide tours of and orientation to SML facilities.
• Operate the Appledore Island store (operating POS system, stocking, etc.).
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for students, researchers, and visitors.
• Implement initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Expected to be available for consultation and emergency response at all times, on days scheduled to be working, and while on SML property and vessels.
• Serve as a crew member on board a commercial vessel, and operator of small vessels.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

• Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States.
• Selected candidates must be able to successfully participate in pre-employment and random drug testing.
• Meet the University of New Hampshire’s hiring requirements for both criminal and driving history (background checks are required).
• Applicants must have interest in working in a remote educational environment.
• Good communication skills and ability to work well with students, faculty and other staff members in an isolated environment.
• Strong knowledge of computer skills; proven organization skills; attention to detail along with experience managing multiple tasks.
• Red Cross Lifeguard Certification or ability to obtain.

Required Licenses & Certifications:

• Serve as a crew member on board a commercial or an oceanographic vessel, Valid Drivers License and Safe Driving Record.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must be able to work with as a team member with students, faculty and staff in an isolated and physically demanding environment involving long hours.
• Must be willing and able to assist with moving, packing, loading and unloading of supply runs both on Appledore and on the mainland.
• Must be able to lift and move more than 50 lbs.

Other Requirements:

• Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) is a residential, teaching facility located on Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, Maine. The island field station is open seasonally from May-September, and supports students, faculty, visitors and staff in a close-knit, sustainable community.
• Room and board are provided for island staff. All staff serve the island community as a team with each department working together to support SML’s programs. It is everyone’s responsibility to foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all.
• Living and working on a remote island is a unique experience which requires that everyone pitch in to help, even when it is not part of their job description, or during their scheduled hours. This includes, but is not limited to helping clean up after meals, helping transport goods from the vessels to other locations on the island, operating as crew aboard vessels, and generally being supportive and helpful with other members of our community.
• The University of New Hampshire is committed to providing a safe environment for all persons, including but not limited to children, and to prevent and respond to abuse, neglect and crimes against children. All UNH youth program staff shall be subject to a criminal background check as required by NH State Law. Staff and volunteers will also be required to complete periodic child safety training.

Applicant Instructions

Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the Resume/Cover Letter section of your application:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for 3 Professional References

Applications that are missing any of the required items may not move forward for consideration.  Additional uploaded documents not requested in the position announcement will not be reviewed. Application review will begin January 12.

Residential position that requires living on a remote island 5 nights a week. Position Dates May 4 – September 6, 2026.

Compensation Pay Range:

$900/week