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Acadia National Park
Volunteer and Internship Opportunities
Two volunteers hand visitors sea creatures to examine on the beach.

Volunteers at Acadia have a wide variety of duties.

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities

Volunteer and internship opportunities at Acadia are listed on this page. Full listings for most openings are included on the volunteer.gov website; please click on the links below to go to that website. Descriptions of other opportunities are listed below. If you're in high school or college, be sure to check out the list of youth job opportunities; the park offers lots of fun summer jobs and internships.

Acadia offers a number of internship opportunities for students. College credit may be available through your school. Internship opportunities include education interns, raptor interpretation interns, and Schoodic Education Adventure teaching assistants/interns. Available internships, if any, are listed below.


Raptor Internship

Acadia National Park is currently accepting applications for the Raptor Interpretation Internship.The raptor internship runs from mid May to mid October. There is a possibility of two shorter internships, one in the summer and one in the fall. However, priority will be given to applicants who can commit to the full season. From mid May through mid August the raptor intern observes and interprets the activities of peregrine falcons at Champlain Mountain, a falcon nesting site since 1991. From late August to mid October the intern counts and identifies migrating raptors from atop Cadillac Mountain at 1,530 feet. The raptor intern engages thousands of visitors at these two sites, interpreting the natural history and conservation measures regarding raptors, as well as monitoring and collecting resource data. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in public speaking, computer skills, and knowledge of raptors. In return for 32 hours of work each week, the intern receives a uniform, housing, and a $100 weekly stipend. The raptor internship is generously supported by Friends of Acadia.

For more information about this and other internships in the park, contact us at (207)288-3338. To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information (phone, postal address, and/or email) for three references to Raptor Internship, P.O. Box 177, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, or e-mail usApplications must be received by March 5, 2012.


Education Internships

Education interns work with park staff in preparing and presenting curriculum-based programs for third through eighth grade students in their classrooms and at the park. Programs have established themes and objectives that focus on natural science or history. Spring positions run from April into early June. Fall positions take place in September and October. Qualified applicants must enjoy children, have a sense of wonder, and be able to meet the physical and mental demands of teaching outdoors.

Intern Responsibilities: Interns work 32 hours/week, participate in staff training, and lead field-based programs on varying terrain and in all kinds of weather. They also contribute to the various aspects of district operations as assigned and wear the NPS volunteer uniform.

Benefits: Interns receive a weekly stipend of $100 and a $65 uniform allowance. Uniform shirts, jackets, and hats are provided. They are housed in a fully furnished shared apartment with utilities provided, including free laundry facilities.

To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, and three reference contacts to Cynthia Ocel, Acadia National Park, P.O. Box 177, Bar Harbor ME 04609 or email e-mail us. You may also call (207)288-8822 for more information.

 

Student Conservation Association Internships

In addition to park-sponsored internships, Acadia also hosts several Student Conservation Association (SCA) interns each summer. SCA internships may be available in a variety of fields, including interpretation, education, and fire information/management. To search for SCA internships, visit the SCA website. Applications are generally due to SCA by mid-February for summer positions.

 

Volunteer Trail Work

Volunteers work on Acadia's trails and carriage roads during Spring, Summer, and Fall. Volunteers are needed to work on trails and carriage roads every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. from June through mid-October. Other days and times can often be arranged for groups. Considering the camaraderie that develops during these mornings, seldom has the term "work party" been more appropriate! No training or prior experience is required. Bring water, snacks, and lunch and wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes. For a recorded message of updated information on work locations and projects call (207)288-3934.

For details about volunteering at Acadia, contact the volunteer coordinator via e-mail or at (207)288-8716.

 

Want to learn what it's like to be an intern here at Acadia? Read the intern testimonials, where Acadia's interns share some thoughts about their experience in the park.
 

Current Volunteer Opportunities

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To view more NPS volunteer opportunities, go to www.nps.gov/volunteer or www.volunteer.gov/gov

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Last Updated: February 10, 2012 at 14:03 MST