Seasonal positions with health benefits and paid leave at Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park protects the natural beauty of the highest rocky headlands along the Atlantic coastline of the United States, an abundance of habitats, and a rich cultural heritage. At 4 million visits a year, it's one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Visitors enjoy 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails, and 45 miles of carriage roads.
Park headquarters is in Bar Harbor - a small town located on Mount Desert Island (MDI). Other duty stations include Schoodic Penninsula (North of MDI) or Isle au Haut (remote coastal island).
About Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is a favorite vacation destination for good reason. The views are spectacular. The landscape is pristine. And, the wildlife is plentiful and protected. As a result, Acadia National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Acadia National Park protects more than 47,000 acres of lakes, ponds, mountains, and ocean shoreline along the coast of Maine. The 27-mile Park Loop Road system offers outstanding views of the park's ocean shoreline, coastal forests, and mountain silhouettes. At Acadia, you can explore the park's scenic 45-mile carriage road system or hike through forests and up mountains on 125 miles of historic hiking trails.
The Employee Experience
Seasonal positions at Acadia National Park have the potential to develop into meaningful careers. Several of our permanent staff members, including several division leads, once started as seasonal staff members at Acadia. Supervisors and work leaders are experts in their field who are eager to provide staff with opportunities to build their skills and learn new things. Our staff cares deeply about the work they do, and feel strongly about contributing to the National Park Service's mission. The reality we get to do work that matters in one of the most beautiful "offices" in the world is a humbling, joyful, and meaningful experience.
Ideal Candidate
Working in the National Park Service means working in the forever business. Every stone staircase we repair, every vault toilet cleaned, every email sent all contribute to a mission bigger than all of us: to preserve and protect incredible places for future generations. When you work at Acadia - you're joining a broader community of people who are united in our passion for the work we do.
An ideal candidate for any Acadia National Park work group would be someone who cares deeply about our mission, is eager to learn new skills, and can work as part of a team. Many of our seasonal positions involve a significant amount of fieldwork, and much of your workday will be spent working in the park. Safety, both physical and psychological, is always a core priority for our work groups. Acadia National Park team members are committed to creating a safe work environment for all our staff.
Room and Board
Park housing is available on a first come, first served basis. We have a variety of housing accommodations, including RV pads, one bedroom apartments, and multi-room units with private rooms and a shared living space/bathroom. Pets are allowed in some housing units. The cost of park housing varies depending on the unit. If you are referred to a hiring manager, they can provide the most accurate information about the cost of park housing. All housing residents are required to sign a housing agreement agreeing to all housing rules.
Employee Perks
Seasonal park employees are allowed to enroll in federal health insurance programs for the length of their employment with the National Park Service. Park staff are also given a sticker to place on a personal vehicle that serves as their park entrance pass.
Getting Here and Getting Around
It is recommended that employees bring a personal vehicle, as it can be challenging to get around Mount Desert Island without one.
For Fun
Mount Desert Island is a great place to live and work. Bar Harbor has a plethora of things to do (restaurants, shopping, etc.), and organizations across the island are consistently hosting events throughout peak season. Park employees often host community building events, including potlucks, craft groups, Lady Ranger night, etc. after work hours. One of the best parts of living on Mount Desert Island is that Acadia National Park is your backyard. It is not uncommon to go for a hike, bike ride, or paddle with coworkers somewhere in the park after work, if you so choose.
How to Apply
All federal resumes and required documents should be submitted via the job announcement at USAJobs.gov. Applying for a federal job is different than applying to jobs in nearly every other industry. Thus, Acadia National Park is hosting free federal resume workshops. Learn more about these workshops at go.nps.gov/AcadiaJobs.