Individual Placement - Raptor/Birding Participant

Position Summary 

Throughout the field season, the intern will assist with Acadia’s Peregrine Falcon Watch program (summer) and Hawk Watch program (fall), primarily by interacting with and educating park visitors. The intern will also help staff the visitor center information desk, answering visitor questions and assisting them in planning an enjoyable and safe visit to the park.

Location 

Bar Harbor, ME

Schedule 

May 18, 2026 - October 17, 2026

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 spending approximately 50–60% of the time assisting with informal interpretation at peregrine falcon nesting sites and hawk observation areas. The applicant will also help staff the main visitor center information desk, assisting Acadia’s visitors and answering questions about the park, as well as conducting roves and other forms of informal interpretation at on-site and field locations.

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.

Benefits:

Live in the heart of Acadia which boasts 60 miles of coastline, 33 miles of scenic motor roads, 45 miles of carriage roads, and more than 150 miles of hiking trails to provide numerous ways to explore the park.

Have opportunities for professional development through shadowing park rangers in interpretation as well as other divisions to learn about careers in the NPS.

Get certified in Basic First Aid, CPR and AED.

A chance to visit other SCA programs in the local area such as Fish Hatcheries.

Marginal Duties 

Other duties may include assisting rangers with programs (e.g., bird programs and loon nest monitoring), presenting basic interpretive talks, and assisting with Junior Rangers.

Required Qualifications 

A positive attitude, a strong desire to work as a team player, willingness to learn, high enthusiasm for daily public interaction, the ability to work independently in the field, and a strong interest in learning about birds are required.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

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  

• $600 - weekly living allowance
• $1,100 – round-trip travel allowance (personal vehicle REQUIRED)

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

Personal Vehicle Information

Required

Additional Benefits 

• First Aid/CPR
• Interpretive Skills
• AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.