Conservation Begins Here

Raptor/Birding Internship

Position Summary

Throughout the field season, the intern will assist with Acadia's Peregrine Falcon Watch program (summer) and the Hawk Watch program (fall), largely by interacting with and educating Park visitors. The Intern will also assist in staffing the visitor center information desk.

Schedule

May 19, 2025 - October 19, 2025

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Primary duties for this internship will be working in the Interpretation and Education Division. Every day provides an opportunity to work in a fast-paced public contact environment with the goal of assisting and educating visitors.

This position involves 50-60% assisting with informal interpretation at peregrine falcon nesting and hawk observation sites. The applicant will also help staff the main visitor center information desk, assisting Acadia's visitors and answering questions about the park. Skills and knowledge the intern will gain on the job include avian identification, their life histories, and their numbers and distribution in Acadia.

Other skills gained will include developing and enhancing public speaking and writing skills, interpretive knowledge, and visitor service skills.

Marginal Duties

  • Other duties may include assisting rangers on programs (i.e. bird programs)
  • Presenting basic interpretive talks
  • Conducting roves
  • Other forms of informal interpretation at site and field locations.

Required Qualifications

  • A positive attitude
  • Desire to work as a team-player
  • Willingness to learn
  • A strong desire to interact with the public on a daily basis
  • The ability to work independently in the field is required.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous experience with raptors and /or bird identification is helpful.
  • Work is primarily in the field with long periods of standing and walking on uneven terrain in all types of weather including intense heat in the summer and cold wind in the fall.
  • Previous experience in customer service, visitor services, or working with the public is helpful.

Hours

  • 40 per week

Living Accommodations

Housing is provided for this position. Quarters are in a shared house, with common living, cooking, dining, and bathroom areas. Residents may have their own bedroom, but in some cases may need to share with a same-gender roommate. Residents provide their own bedding. Specialized items and appliances should be brought if needed.

Compensation

  • Living Allowance - $450/week
  • Relocation Travel Allowance - $1,100 (personal vehicle required)
  • AmeriCorps Education Award-eligible, education award of approximately $2,817 upon successful completion of position and service of 675 hours or more
  • Partner-provided housing.

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Note: hours served in this position CANNOT be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Personal Vehicle Information

  • Required

Additional Benefits

  • First Aid/CPR
  • Interpretive Skills
  • AmeriCorps: Eligible/Optional

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members. SCA is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere in which people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles may grow personally and professionally. The Student Conservation Association, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.