Summary

Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park seeks a temporary Educational Outreach Specialist to support the Dragonfly Mercury Project (DMP)—a national citizen science initiative assessing mercury pollution risks. Working in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), this role serves as a vital bridge between scientists and the public, translating complex research into accessible, engaging, and standards-aligned learning experiences.

Description

Job Title and Description: EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH SPECIALIST for the Dragonfly Mercury Project

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Benefits Eligible)

Supervision: Primary administrative reporting to Schoodic Institute staff; operational direction provided in close collaboration with the (DMP) Program Manager

Primary Work Location: Denver, Colorado – while on-site presence preferred; hybrid schedule may be considered. This position is not eligible for relocation reimbursement.

Vacancies: 1 position

Duration: 1-year position starting in June 2026

Job Announcement Opening Dates:  March 15, 2026-April 15, 2026

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Curriculum Development: Design and develop K-12 instructional resources and standards-aligned curricula (with an emphasis on middle and high school) for both formal and informal education settings.

  • Science Communication: Translate DMP data into meaningful tools for diverse audiences, including students, educators, fish consumers, Tribal communities, and resource managers.

  • Public Engagement: Support interpretive programming and place-based visitor education to foster environmental stewardship and public participation in scientific research.

  • Outreach Strategy: Develop and refine interpretive tools and communication frameworks to strengthen the DMP’s national outreach and promote STEM workforce development.

Time Allocation: 

40% – Curriculum Development & Education Coordination

  • Resource Design: Lead the creation of standards-aligned (NGSS) K-12 curricula, including lesson plans, field-based learning modules, and educator toolkits that integrate authentic DMP data.

  • Target Audience: Focus primarily on middle and high school learners while ensuring materials are adaptable across all grade levels.

  • Relationship Management: Build and maintain partnerships with educators and school districts; incorporate feedback and apply current best practices in STEM education.

25% – Interpretive Media & Science Communication

  • Content Creation: Produce accessible articles, case studies, and narrative reports demonstrating how DMP research informs park management and public understanding of mercury risks.

  • Media Production: Coordinate the development and evaluation of interpretive and audiovisual media in compliance with NPS standards.

15% – Outreach & Digital Strategy

  • Digital Support: Implement media strategies and coordinate digital content/web updates to support national outreach goals.

  • Inclusive Engagement: Identify and recruit new audiences, specifically focusing on underrepresented communities in STEM and Tribal partnerships.

  • Compliance: Ensure all communication products meet NPS standards for accuracy and accessibility.

15% – Field Support & Travel

  • Field Ambassadorship: Provide on-site educational programming and serve as a DMP representative during sampling events.

  • Field Coordination: Travel to dragonfly sampling sites to support park staff with curriculum integration and field-based engagement activities.

5% – Administrative Coordination

  • Program Tracking: Maintain records of park participation and citizen science involvement.

  • Support: Assist with budget tracking, accounting, and the facilitation of intradepartmental agreements.

Qualifications: 

  • Curriculum Expertise: Proven experience developing interactive, standards-aligned science curricula (e.g., NGSS) for K-12 audiences, with a preferred focus on middle and high school levels.

  • Professional Background: Strong foundational experience in environmental education, interpretation, public outreach, or science communication.

  • Science Translation: Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex research data into accessible, engaging learning materials for non-scientific audiences.

  • Engaging Audiences: Experience building relationships and working effectively with diverse groups, including youth, educators, and Tribal communities.

  • Communication Excellence: Exceptional written and interpersonal skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports, articles, and narrative content.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with digital platforms, web content management, and social media strategy for educational outreach.

  • Mission Alignment: A passionate interest in environmental science, public health, citizen science, and the mission of the National Park Service.

Employment Details and Compensation: 

Schoodic Institute offers a generous employee compensation package for this full-time, year-round, non-exempt (benefits eligible) position. 

Compensation & Work Schedule:

  • Hourly Rate: $25.00-$35.00 per hour

    • Compensation is commensurate with education and experience.

  • Structure: Hourly (40 hours per week)

  • Benefits include: 

    • Health Insurance: Choose from three different health plans

    • Retirement: Participate in a 408P Simple plan, with a company match of up to 3%

    • Vacation Accrual: accrual rate of 120 hours per year 

    • Paid Time Off (PTO): Earn 96 hours of PTO annually

    • Paid Holidays: Enjoy 11 paid holidays throughout the calendar year

    • Life Insurance/ADD (employer-paid)

    • Professional development opportunities may be available and will be coordinated with your supervisor

  • Resources: A government-furnished computer is provided.

  • Travel & Equipment: Dedicated budget is available for professional travel to engage with parks and partners, as well as for necessary equipment purchases.

About the Dragonfly Mercury Project and Schoodic Institute

The Dragonfly Mercury Project is a collaborative effort among the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, universities, and partners to assess mercury risks across protected lands while engaging the public in meaningful scientific research. The program supports Secretarial Order 3426 and the Department of the Interior’s commitment to public engagement.

Established in 2004, Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and Acadia National Park’s primary partner in science and education.  Based in Winter Harbor, Maine, on Wabanaki homeland, Schoodic Institute is the largest of the National Park Service Research Learning Centers found in the United States.  Our mission is inspiring science, learning, and community for a changing world. 

Open year round, our 100-acre campus hosts groups of up to 150 people, and offers classrooms, lab space, overnight accommodations, dining, meeting space, and a 124-seat auditorium where we bring people together for immersive educational and professional development opportunities.

Schoodic Institute is committed to excellence in environmental science, education, conservation, and hospitality. We pride ourselves on a highly collaborative environment built on professional respect and mutual support. We maintain a workplace free from bullying and harassment. Team members are encouraged to share ideas, enthusiasm, and knowledge with each other.  We prioritize a cohesive team environment where every contribution is valued.  Schoodic Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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