Facilities Assistant – Seasonal

Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership (Hurricane Island) is seeking Facilities Assistants for the 2026 island season. The position requires living and working on Hurricane Island and operates under the supervision of the Facilities Manager. This position also works closely with the Island Operations Director. The primary responsibilities are to assist in the management, construction, and maintenance of systems and infrastructure which are essential to the physical plant operations on Hurricane Island.  The Facilities Assistant is expected to be integrated into the day-to-day operations of the island and help Hurricane Island 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

• Maintenance of buildings and grounds including but not limited to: groundskeeping and mowing; ensuring all public spaces are clean and neat; ensuring lodging is maintained and ready for guests; addressing small maintenance and repairs; addressing immediate facility safety needs and repairs; making sure the docks and surrounding areas are neat and welcoming for guests; attending to facilities needs and questions from guests etc.
• Daily maintenance of infrastructure systems, including: fresh water system, photovoltaic power, composting toilets, trash composting systems.
• Participate in daily cleaning of public areas.
• Basic carpentry of Hurricane’s buildings (repairs and new construction).
• Tree clearing, wood splitting, road and trail maintenance.
• Act as a positive role model for youth and adult program participants.
• Occasionally assist Educators with program delivery.
• Participate as a full member of Hurricane Island’s intentional community, including following and enforcing campus policies and community expectations, welcoming visitors to the island and communicating about Hurricane Island’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.
• Ability to pass a Maine Department of Education background check, including fingerprinting.

Essential Qualifications

• Basic carpentry skills such as framing, roofing, and shingling.
• Experience working with a chainsaw (and/or ability to complete a chainsaw safety course).
• Experience working with and troubleshooting operational systems, equipment etc.
• Certification in basic CPR/First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder. (WFR course is available on Hurricane Island in the spring)
• Capable of safely lifting 50lbs 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 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

• Experience working with heavy equipment, including tractor operation.
• Experience with facilities maintenance, understanding of small engines, electrical and plumbing systems.
• Understanding/experience working with sustainable technologies, including photovoltaic systems.
• Experience engaging with students while teaching and/or working in an educational environment.
• Comfortable navigating small boats.
• Experience working with diverse communities, including racial and ethnic minority groups, English language learners, urban youth, low-income and immigrant communities, LGBTQ individuals, people with special needs, and other groups underrepresented in 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
• 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.
• Copies of any relevant certifications or training experience.