Recreation Technician- Long & Short Season (May-Aug/May-Nov)

ORGANIZATION: Friends of Acadia

JOB TITLE: Recreation Technician – Long & Short Season

LOCATION: Bar Harbor, ME: Acadia National Park Headquarters with some remote

REPORTING TO: Recreation Technician Coordinator

JOB STATUS: Seasonal non-exempt, 40 hours a week

EMPLOYMENT PERIODS: Short Season May 13-August 29, 2025 (1 position available), May 13-November 1, 2025 (1 position available)

COMPENSATION: $18.32/hr paid every two weeks

Short season position (May 13-Aug 29): https://friendsofacadia.bamboohr.com/careers/42 

Long season position (May 13-Nov 1): https://friendsofacadia.bamboohr.com/careers/43 

JOB SUMMARY:

Friends of Acadia is accepting applications for the seasonal Recreation Technician program for the 2025 season. The “Rec Techs” will assist Acadia National Park staff in better understanding visitor use management and recreation-related impacts on the landscape. Friends of Acadia funds the Recreation Technician and works closely with Acadia National Park’s Social Scientist, and is managed by Friends of Acadia’s Recreation Technician Coordinator.

Friends of Acadia is committed to providing an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming environment for visitors, volunteers, and staff from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Category of duties (75%): Field Work & Data Collection

• Assist in various internal and external research projects;
• Conduct stationary counts of visitors for long periods (1 – 6 hours);
• Working on a short-term research project based on park needs;
• Distribute survey instruments and administer face-to-face visitor questionnaires for routine monitoring and research projects and observing visitor behavior;
• Assist with downloading and processing trail counter and trail camera data;

Category of duties (20%): Administration

• Conduct report writing from internal research projects

Category of duties (5%):

• Performs other duties related to the job as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to use basic computer software—word processing, database, and spreadsheets.
• Practical experience in data collection and record-keeping in field and office environments.
• Ability to sit for long stretches, attend to routine tasks in an open-environment setting, carry research equipment, hike, walk, stand, and bend over daily.
• Applicants will be required to pass a background check.
• Must be capable of hiking up to 5 miles per day, wearing a pack weighing up to 20 lbs, working in inclement weather and on steep terrain, and lifting up to 40 lbs.
• Employees are expected to communicate via park radios and personal devices.
• Valid Driver’s License and reliable vehicle for driving to job sites. Applicants will be expected to use their own automobiles and will be reimbursed for mileage beyond their daily commute.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Flexible to adapt to quickly changing work demands and schedules.
• Applicant should be reliable, prepared for field work daily, and capable of managing their daily schedule.
• Possess a strong work ethic and ability to work independently and as a team.

Uniforms/Equipment: Uniform shirts, a rain jacket, a fleece, hat(s), safety-toe boots, a first aid kit, a backpack, and personal protective equipment are provided. FOA will reimburse up to $150 for purchasing pants or shorts that meet uniform standards. The purchase of appropriate footwear will occur once the job begins.

Hours: 40 hours/week, including holidays and weekends. Shifts are regularly from 8 am to 4:30 pm, but special events may require different hours. Employees have two consecutive days off per week. Unpaid days off can be scheduled with your supervisor. Employees earn one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours they work.

Housing: Not provided. Applicants will be expected to find their own housing; however, we support your search by providing leads and sources. Work Environment: Most work is performed outside in all weather conditions. Employees are expected to communicate via park radios and be flexible to adapt to quickly changing work demands and schedules. There is some office work based at ANP’s headquarters or remote option with permissions.