This is a paid, contracted position without benefits. Employees receive rustic housing for the entirety of their contracted employment and meals are provided when on Hurricane island. Wages are commensurate with experience.

Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership (Hurricane Island) is seeking Educators for the 2025 island season. The position requires living and working on Hurricane Island and operates under the supervision of the Education and Programs Director and Assistant Director. Educators will implement delivery of Hurricane Island’s hands-on, experiential science education and leadership programs to (primarily) middle and high school students attending the various programs on Hurricane Island. Educators will partner with one another, working as an instructional team for school groups, visiting programs, and open enrollment summer programs. Educators are expected to be integrated into the day-to-day operations of the island and help Hurricane Island maintain our collaborative and intentional community. A successful candidate must be well-organized, flexible, and able to function in a dynamic working environment. Additional responsibilities to those described here may be required, as needed.

Responsibilities & Expectations

• Collaborate with school teachers, program leaders, and Hurricane Island staff to design and deliver holistic learning opportunities that align with Hurricane Island teaching philosophies, program goals, and student needs, including, but not limited to:
  • Facilitating place-based, student driven learning experiences within a culturally responsive, inclusive learning community;
  • Creating and leading evening programs with student participants;
  • Managing group dynamics, leading team building exercises/games, and facilitating participant comfort in outdoor settings.
• Assume primary responsibility for student care and wellness including,
  • Overnight supervision and overnight on-call duties as necessary;
  • Managing student physical, social, and emotional safety in outdoor settings;
  • Safeguarding student health needs and confidentiality according to existing medical records and emergent conditions;
• Maintain a growth mindset and participate in program improvement by
  • Ensuring delivery of all Hurricane Island evaluation instruments to program participants and consistently integrating feedback from evaluations into practice;
  • Participating in weekly reflections on best practices in teaching and learning with other education staff members;
  • Documenting lesson plans, program schedules, and program notes within established formats and with an eye to future replicability and improvement.
• Participate as a full member of Hurricane’s intentional community, including following and enforcing campus policies and community expectations, welcoming visitors to the island and communicating about Hurricane’s mission and work, participating in community tasks including daily and weekly chores, performing other duties relating to the organization’s goals and mission as required.

Essential Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience and enthusiasm for teaching and leading experiential programs for youth (preferably middle and high school age);
• Experience with facilitating student driven projects, preferably within a place-based context;
• A growth mindset including a willingness to be coached and openness to feedback;
• Commitment to equity and inclusion within our community and participation in a culture of continual learning around equity and inclusion work;
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills;
• Demonstrated initiative to identify and complete projects and work independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision;
• Perform physically challenging work in the outdoors and in all weather conditions on uneven terrain while monitoring and maintaining student safety;
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in science, education, environmental, multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary studies, or any related field.
• CPR, First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder certification (WFR course is available on Hurricane Island in the spring)
• Capable of safely lifting 50lbs of weight and working on unstable surfaces.
• Ability to work in a noisy, energetic environment while remaining welcoming to community members.
• Ability and willingness to work and live in a remote island community with rustic and off-the-grid accommodations where all staff share living and work spaces.
• Interest and enthusiasm for working with youth.
• Work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Demonstrated initiative to identify and complete projects and work independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Authorized to lawfully work in the United States.
• Completed DOE fingerprinting and criminal history background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience conducting ecological field research and/or mentoring student driven research.
• Involvement in community service projects, leadership, and social and environmental justice.
• Experience developing and assessing curriculum.
• Relevant certifications or experience (e.g., climbing, boating, lifeguarding, etc.).
• Working experience with racial and ethnic minority groups, English language learners, urban youth, low-income communities, immigrant communities, LGBTQ communities, people with special needs, and other groups that are underrepresented in the field of environmental education.

Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership is a transformative learning community on Hurricane Island in Penobscot Bay, Maine. Our mission is to integrate science education, applied research, and leadership development through year-round educational programs and a seasonal, environmentally-sustainable island community. Through experiential education programs and research opportunities in STEM disciplines we aim to excite people about doing science and about being leaders in the next wave of scientific discovery and environmental conservation.

Required Application Materials: Applications are due on a rolling basis unless otherwise indicated in the specific job description. We will continue to review applications until the position has been filled. 

• Cover letter explaining your interest in this position and your relevant experience.
• Resumé or CV, which includes contact information for two references. We want a complete picture of you so don’t be afraid to include details that may not pertain directly to this job.
• A copy of your most recent academic transcript.
• A letter of recommendation with contact information from an academic or industry professional who can speak to your strengths, abilities, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. NOTE: If your recommender prefers to submit a letter to us directly, please upload a document here stating "Letter of recommendation to follow." and then have the actual letter emailed separately to jobs@hurricaneisland.net.
• Copies of any relevant certifications or training experience.

Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Because we are licensed with the State of Maine as a Limited Purpose private school and we work with middle and high school students, we are required to obtain fingerprinted background checks through the Maine Department of Education for all employees