Position Summary 

This position involves hands-on stewardship as part of Acadia National Park's invasive plant management team and native plant restoration crew. The primary goal is to support native plant ecosystems by managing invasive species and restoring natural habitats. Responsibilities include conducting surveys, manual and mechanical removal of invasive plants, herbicide applications, vegetation monitoring, and native plant salvage and revegetation efforts. Invasive forest pest monitoring will also be a minor aspect of the role.

Skills and knowledge the participant will gain on the job include identification of native and non-native plants, monitoring vegetation using NPS protocols, and proper methods of field data collection using tablets.

The participant will be provided the opportunity to study for and take the Maine State Pesticide Applicator exam to obtain a pesticide applicator license. The participant will also participate in forest insect pest surveys and management, and native plant salvage and restoration efforts to restore native plant communities.

Training opportunities include herbicide use and handling, First Aid/CPR, orientation to Acadia National Park and the National Park Service, and other trainings offered at the park as available.

Acadia National Park spans over 47,000 acres along Maine's mid-coast, featuring diverse natural habitats and significant cultural resources, attracting over four million visitors annually.

Location 

Bar Harbor, ME

Schedule 

May 18, 2026 - September 5, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Primary duties for this internship will be removing non-native invasive plants from the park using chemical, manual, and mechanical methods.
• Support native plant restoration efforts in wetlands and summit areas of the park.
• Collect field data and enter into database systems.

Marginal Duties 

• Assist with invasive forest pest monitoring, education, and outreach.
• Help maintain equipment and supplies.

Required Qualifications 

• Coursework or experience in botany, biology, data entry, field research, GPS, plant identification, and resource management.
• Valid Driver’s License
• Personal vehicle required (for convenience during personal time and work based on housing location).

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 

• Knowledge of northeastern US & Canada flora.
• Invasive plant management experience.

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Housing is provided for this position. Quarters are in a shared house or apartment, with common living, cooking, dining, and bathroom areas. Residents usually 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 – roundtrip travel allowance 

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

Personal Vehicle Information

REQUIRED

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Drive Training
First Aid/CPR
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.