Jobs & Research Positions
Year-Round Staff
Year-round jobs include academic and operational positions. These are based at the SML Main Office in Durham, NH from October - April, with time spent on Appledore Island from May - September.
Operations Director
Summary of Position: The Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) seeks an Operations Director. SML is a remote field station located on Appledore Island, Maine, jointly operated by Cornell University and the University of New Hampshire. Appledore Island is one of nine islands in the Isles of Shoals archipelago located ten nautical miles from our dock in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The mission of SML is to provide outstanding experiential, place-based education and to support innovative research programs focused on understanding and sustaining the marine environment. Environmental stewardship is core values and we are committed to advancing our sustainable infrastructure, as well as providing educational programs that focus on sustainability. Over the last 56 years, SML has built an innovative green power grid (utilizing solar and wind energy), water conservation programs, a composting center, and more!
The SML Operations Director is a year-round, benefited, leadership position. The incumbent will work to ensure that SML operates safely, smoothly, and effectively to meet our mission. The Operations Director focuses on the management of seasonal staff; coordinating program schedules across SML’s various departments (academic, engineering, waterfront); ensuring efficient and safe operations of island activities; and aligning our policies and procedures to be legally compliant and in line with our values and mission.
Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with all the SML staff, the Operations Director duties include planning for the seasonal calendars, housing, staffing, as well as overall staff policies and operating procedures. They work closely with facilities and program staff to safety and effective seasonal activities. During the operating season (May-Sept), the Operations Director is expected to spend overnight time on Appledore Island to oversee seasonal staff activities to ensure island operations are working effectively and in compliance with our policies. Room, board, and island transportation is provided. The Operations Director is expected take the lead on island safety and the well-being of our island community. Intense and physical field and vessel-based work is part of this job. Applicants for this position should be adventurous and have the skills necessary to live and work independently in a semi remote location. Intensive and physical field work is an integral part of this job. This job represents a unique opportunity for a well-qualified candidate. We are committed to equity in our community and beyond. Visit Belonging at SML to learn more.
Lead Engineer
Summary of Position: The Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) seeks a Lead Engineer. SML is a remote field station located on Appledore Island, Maine, jointly operated by Cornell University and the University of New Hampshire. Appledore Island is one of nine islands in the Isles of Shoals archipelago located ten miles from our dock in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The mission of SML is to provide outstanding experiential, place-based education and to support innovative research programs focused on understanding and sustaining the marine environment. Environmental stewardship is a core values and we are committed to advancing our sustainable infrastructure, as well as providing educational programs that focus on sustainability. Over the last 56 years, SML has built an innovative green power grid (utilizing solar and wind energy), water conservation programs, a composting center, and more!
SML's Lead Engineer (LE) is a permanent 9-month (March-Nov) position with year-round benefits. During the operating season (May-Sept), the LE is expected to spend the majority of their time on Appledore- room, board, island transportation is included. The key objective of the LE, who will report to SML’s Facilities Director, is to manage the daily operation, maintenance, and ensure the regulatory compliance of Shoals Marine Laboratory’s facilities on Appledore. The unique and engaging position, will also have the opportunity to interact daily with students, researchers, and the public in meeting our mission. LE duties will include:
- Hire, supervise, and manage the work of two seasonal staff engineers.
- Manage and develop preventative maintenance programs for SML equipment
- Source and purchase project materials.
- Co-manage SML’s engineering department maintenance and repair budgets.
- Support and assist SML’S Sustainable Engineering Internship (SEI).
- Give public lectures about SML SEI and general sustainability programs.
- Assist with academic/research projects, which utilize or impact facility operations, contributing to the project as appropriate.
- Serve as a crew member aboard the SML’s research vessels.
Applicants for this position should be adventurous and have the skills necessary to live and work independently in a remote location. Intensive and physical field work is an integral part of this job. This job represents a unique opportunity for a well-qualified candidate. We are committed to equity in our community and beyond. Visit Belonging at SML to learn more.
Seasonal Staff
Temporary, seasonal staff jobs support SML programs and operations on Appledore Island from May - September. Duration of employment varies with each position. Please click here to view available positions.