Through the continued generous support of Catherine and James Gero, the National Park Service, Schoodic Institute, and the National Park Foundation, we are seeking applications for a 10-month early-career Science Communication Fellowship. The Science Communication Fellow will join a cohort with Science Research and Environmental Science Education fellows, each working independently on discipline-specific initiatives and collaboratively on interdisciplinary work.
The Science Communication Fellow will create compelling stories of science in Acadia for a range of audiences via written and audio formats, including episodes of the Sea to Trees podcast. Specific story topics as well as podcast style and format will be developed in coordination with communications staff and the fellow’s interests and abilities. The Communication Fellow will work closely in the field and classroom with the Science and Education Fellows, contributing to research and education and helping these fellows tell their stories of science in Acadia to diverse audiences. The Communication Fellow is expected to also contribute to social media posts, write stories for the Schoodic Institute and National Park Service websites and other outlets, and attend or present at Schoodic events such as lectures, symposia, and fundraising events.
Start date: Monday, March 30th, 2026
End date: Friday, January 29th, 2027
Reports to: Science Engagement Coordinator, with additional supervision from National Park Service and Schoodic Institute staff.
Compensation: The Fellowship offers an hourly rate of $20.75, based on a 40-hour work week. In addition to the hourly wage, partial benefits provided include Paid Time Off and access to Professional Development opportunities.
Fellowship Requirements:
Experience with audio storytelling
Demonstrated ability to communicate science
Commitment to inclusive and accessible communications
Demonstrated leadership qualities
Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field of science or communication with a graduation date within the past 3 years
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Strong work ethic and ability to plan work schedule effectively
Enthusiasm for learning, science, and conservation
Ability to learn and follow protocols accurately
Ability to embrace working outdoors in a variety of conditions (e.g., weather, terrain, diverse habitats)
Must have permanent authorization for US employment
Must have a valid driver’s license
Employment Details:
The fellow will be a temporary employee of Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park, earning an hourly salary and working 40 hours per week. Each fellowship will last for up to 43 weeks (~10 months). Daily and weekly work schedules may fluctuate. Work days can be up to 14 hours long. In some instances, such as intertidal work during low tide, work days may be split into morning and evening work. At times work will begin at dawn and go through dusk. Work hours will include some weekends.
Location:
The fellow’s primary work location is on the Schoodic Institute campus in Winter Harbor, Maine, on the Schoodic Peninsula. Field work will occur throughout Acadia National Park and surrounding locations within a 1-3 hour drive. At times, camping may be required to complete field work off of the Schoodic Peninsula.
Residence is required and provided on the Schoodic Institute campus. Our standard arrangement is to place all staff in single-occupancy bedrooms within shared apartments. Our preference and intention are to maintain single occupancy. In extremely rare, unforeseen circumstances or emergencies, a temporary, short-term need for double-occupancy (in two-bed bedrooms) may be required
Note that the nearest city with full services, Ellsworth, is a 45-minute drive away. Although not required, personal transportation is highly recommended. The Schoodic Institute campus is beautiful and quaint, but it can also feel isolating at times. Applicants should be prepared to embrace the bustling summer as well as the quieter winter.
About Schoodic Institute:
Established in 2004, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and Acadia National Park’s primary partner in science and education. Based at the largest of 17 National Park Service Research Learning Centers in Winter Harbor, Maine, in Wabanaki homeland, Schoodic Institute’s focus is understanding environmental change taking place in Acadia and beyond, and helping managers of parks and other protected areas respond and adapt to change while engaging people of all ages in science.
To apply:
Please note that each applicant can apply for only one of the three fellowship opportunities: Science Research Fellowship, Environmental Science Education Fellowship, or Science Communication Fellowship.
If you would like to view the other Acadia Early Career Fellowship opportunities, you can view the descriptions of the Science Communication Fellow and Environmental Science Education Fellow positions on the Schoodic hiring page.
To apply, visit the online application portal here. The application requires you to upload your resume, cover letter, and, for the Science Communication fellow position, an example of your science communication work.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, January 6th, 2026
