Facilities Assistant

Facilities Assistants

FULL SEASON: April 1 - October 28

SUMMER SEASON: June 4 - October 28

COMPENSATION: Minimum $14.05/hour, Non-exempt

NOTE: Applications for Facilities Assistants will be reviewed in the order they are received after February 10, 2023.

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.

https://hurricaneisland.bamboohr.com/careers/29

The Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership (Hurricane) is seeking Facilities Assistants for the 2023 island season. The position requires living and working on Hurricane Island. The primary responsibilities are to assist in the management, construction, and maintenance of systems and infrastructure which are essential to the physical plant operations on Hurricane Island. The Facilities Assistants work under the direct supervision of the Facilities Manager and also work closely with the Island Director. The Facilities Assistant is expected to be integrated into the day-to-day operations of the island and help Hurricane 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

• Maintenance of buildings and grounds.
• Daily maintenance of infrastructure systems, including: fresh water system, photovoltaic power, composting toilets, trash composting systems. 
• Participate in daily cleaning of public areas.
• Basic carpentry of Hurricane’s buildings (repairs and new construction).
• Tree clearing, wood splitting, road and trail maintenance.
• Act as a positive role model for youth and adult program participants. 
• Occasionally assist Educators with program delivery, as appropriate.
• 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

• Basic carpentry skills such as framing, roofing, and shingling. 
• Experience working with a chainsaw (and/or ability to complete a chainsaw safety course).
• Experience working with and troubleshooting operational systems, equipment etc.
• CPR, First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder certification 
• 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.
• U.S. Citizen or non-citizen permanent resident.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with heavy equipment, including tractor operation. 
• Experience with facilities maintenance, basic carpentry, understanding of small engines, electrical and plumbing systems.
• Understanding/experience working with sustainable technologies, including photovoltaic systems. 
• Experience engaging with students while teaching and/or working in an educational environment. 
• 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.

The 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.
• Copies of any relevant certifications or training experience.

In March of 2023, Hurricane Island will assess the risk factors associated with COVID-19 and determine if a staff testing protocol will be necessary.

Hurricane Island Foundation is dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, age, sex, religion, or national origin. Because we work with middle and high school students, we are required to do background checks on all staff.