Island Facilities Engineer

This position supports the daily operations and maintenance of Shoals Marine Laboratory’s Appledore Island facilities under the supervision of the Lead Engineer. Responsibilities include maintaining and repairing buildings, equipment, and grounds using various trade skills, as well as monitoring and operating essential systems such as diesel generators, renewable energy grids, water treatment systems, and island vehicles. The role also involves distributing materials and supplies between the mainland, vessels, and the island while providing educational tours on the island’s green infrastructure. Additionally, the position includes training and supervising student staff, fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. The individual must be available for emergency response while on duty and serve as a crew member on a commercial vessel, with the potential to operate smaller boats if qualified. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Assist in the daily operation and maintenance of Shoals Marine Laboratory’s Appledore Island facilities, under the supervision of the SML Lead Engineer.
• Assist in the maintenance, repair and improvement to equipment, buildings, and grounds using a wide variety of trade skills. (includes but is not limited to painting, carpentry, mowing, trail maintenance, etc.)
• Assist with monitoring, maintenance, and operation of diesel generators, green energy grids, a wind turbine, reverse osmosis system, freshwater, saltwater, and waste-water systems, solar water heating system, composting toilet facilities, vehicles (gators, backhoe and tractor), vessels, and other machinery.
• Provide visitors with tours and introductions to island green infrastructure.
• Assist in distribution of materials and goods on mainland, vessels and the island. (baggage, equipment, supplies, food, etc.)
• If qualified, operate smaller (less than 25’) vessels.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for students, researchers, and visitors.
• Implement initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Train and supervise student staff with assigned tasks within purview of Island Engineering.
• 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:

• Candidates must have significant facilities and equipment, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting experience.
• Applicants should be ambitious and self-motivated, able to take initiative and work independently when needed.
• 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.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills; proven organization skills; attention to detail along with experience managing multiple tasks.

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 13, 2026.

Compensation Pay Range:

$900/week