The Programs Coordinator ensures the successful delivery of all Shoals Marine Laboratory programs by coordinating logistics with instructors, group leaders, and staff. Responsibilities include facilitating curricular needs, leading faculty meetings, training teaching assistants and participants in equipment use, and organizing at-sea educational activities. The role also involves serving as scientific crew aboard research vessels, operating small boats, and overseeing the safe use of laboratory and oceanographic equipment for field-based activities. Additionally, the position provides classroom instruction, leads field trips, and balances the needs of multiple concurrent programs while fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. The coordinator also conducts facility tours and may participate in scientific diving if qualified. Availability for emergency response while on duty, serving as a crew member on commercial vessels, and operating small boats are key responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

Duties/Responsibilities

• The Programs Coordinator will work to ensure the successful delivery of all programs.
• Working in collaboration with Lab Coordinator and Island Coordinator’s, coordinate logistics with instructors and group leaders.
• Coordination, communication, and facilitation of curricular needs of instructors and group leaders across departments to ensure smooth and successful delivery of programming.
• Assist in leading weekly faculty/instructor meetings for planning of lab and field-based activities
• Train teaching assistants and participants (including but not limited to students, adult education courses, user groups, visiting lecturers, student and faculty researchers) in the use and/or operation of teaching equipment and supplies.
• Organize and lead or coordinate at sea educational activities.
• Serve as scientific crew aboard SML’s research vessels, and operate the lab’s small boats.
• Oversight and instruction during use of laboratory and oceanographic equipment for open-water activities is expected, paying particular attention to the health and safety of all vessel occupants.
• Provide classroom instruction and lead field trips as needed.
• The Programs Coordinator will work to balance competing needs of multiple concurrent programs and be diplomatic in dealing with students, instructors, researchers, and staff.
• Provide tours of and orientation to SML facilities.
• If trained, qualified, and approved as an AAUS scientific diver at the University of New Hampshire, the Programs Coordinator may work with other SML scientific divers in the collection of biological specimens as needed using SCUBA.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for students, researchers, and visitors.
• Implement initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Expected to be available for consultation and emergency response at all times, on days scheduled to be working, and while on SML property and vessels.
• Serve as a crew member on board a commercial vessel, and operator of small vessels.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

• Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States. 
• Selected candidates must be able to successfully participate in pre-employment and random drug testing. 
• Meet the University of New Hampshire’s hiring requirements for both criminal and driving history (background checks are required).
• Applicants must have interest in working in a remote educational environment.
• Working knowledge of the flora and fauna in the Gulf of Maine is required.
• Good communication skills and ability to work well with students, faculty and other staff members in an isolated environment.
• Strong knowledge of computer skills; proven organization skills; attention to detail along with experience managing multiple tasks.
• Red Cross Lifeguard Certification or ability to obtain.

Required Licenses & Certifications:

• Serve as a crew member on board a commercial or an oceanographic vessel, Valid Drivers License and Safe Driving Record.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must be able to work with as a team member with students, faculty and staff in an isolated and physically demanding environment involving long hours.
• Must be willing and able to assist with moving, packing, loading and unloading of supply runs both on Appledore and on the mainland.
• Must be able to lift and move more than 50 lbs.

Other Requirements:

• Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) is a residential, teaching facility located on Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, Maine. The island field station is open seasonally from May-September, and supports students, faculty, visitors and staff in a close-knit, sustainable community.
• Room and board are provided for island staff. All staff serve the island community as a team with each department working together to support SML’s programs. It is everyone’s responsibility to foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all.
• Living and working on a remote island is a unique experience which requires that everyone pitch in to help, even when it is not part of their job description, or during their scheduled hours. This includes, but is not limited to helping clean up after meals, helping transport goods from the vessels to other locations on the island, operating as crew aboard vessels, and generally being supportive and helpful with other members of our community.
• The University of New Hampshire is committed to providing a safe environment for all persons, including but not limited to children, and to prevent and respond to abuse, neglect and crimes against children. All UNH youth program staff shall be subject to a criminal background check as required by NH State Law. Staff and volunteers will also be required to complete periodic child safety training.

Applicant Instructions

Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the Resume/Cover Letter section of your application:

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for 3 Professional References

Applications that are missing any of the required items may not move forward for consideration.  Additional uploaded documents not requested in the position announcement will not be reviewed. Application review will begin January 12.

Residential position that requires living on a remote island 5 nights a week. Position Dates April 20- September 6, 2026.

Compensation Pay Range:

$950/week