JOBS AT SML section: Summer Seasonal Staff

Thank you for your interest in a SEASONAL STAFF POSITION at SML on Appledore Island! Our facility on Appledore operates between late April and the end of September. Start and end dates vary with each position.
Please provide DATES OF AVAILABILITY IN YOUR COVER LETTER.

Shoals Marine Laboratory is a residential, teaching facility; students, faculty and staff all live together on Appledore Island in a close-knit, learning community. Seasonal positions are challenging, fun and rewarding! Room, board (on Appledore) and transportation between the mainland and SML are provided.
Positions are full-time. The work week is 5 days long, and the hours worked each day depend upon a complex academic calendar. All staff serve the island community as a team with each department working together to support SML's academic programs.
See below for job descriptions and openings.

Filled Positions | Open Positions 

Head Chef
Plan and prepare three well-balanced meals a day on Monday through Saturday and two meals on Sunday for up to 130 students, faculty and staff members. Appledore is well known for its hearty, home-style food and elaborate Sunday brunch menu. Occasionally (3 or 4 times during the summer) organize and prepare theme banquets. Plan meals, order supplies and coordinate deliveries during weekly food runs to the mainland. Ensure the clean, safe operation of the kitchen facility. The Head Chef is assisted by, and is responsible for training and supervising, two other full-time staff and two to three work/study students.

Assistant Cook
Assist Head Chef with planning and preparation of three well-balanced meals a day on Monday through Saturday, and two meals on Sunday for up to 130 students, faculty and staff members. Appledore is well known for its hearty, home-style food and tasty and elaborate Sunday brunch menu. Assist with meal planning and weekly food provisioning runs to the mainland. In absence of head chef, assume responsibility for daily meal preparation.

Captain
Work under the instruction of the Resident Captain to operate and maintain the 47' R/V John M. Kingsbury, the 36' R/V John B. Heiser, several smaller watercraft (including Boston Whalers and inflatable boats), and waterfront facilities. Act as primary crewmember/deckhand and regularly act in full capacity as captain aboard the R/V John M. Kingsbury and R/V John B. Heiser. During vessel operations supervise at least one crew member/deckhand, insure the safety of passengers (including faculty, students, staff, and/or visitors), oversee the operation of laboratory and oceanographic equipment during open-water laboratories, instruct students and/or faculty in the use of oceanographic and navigational equipment. A Coast Guard 100-ton coastal license is required for the Second Captain and preferred for the Third Captain. A 50-ton coastal or inland license or Operator of Uninspected Vessel license will be considered for Third Captain. Good communication skills and a strong interest in education are recommended.

Deckhand
Under the supervision of captains, serve in various capacities aboard the 47-foot R/V John M. Kingsbury and the 36-foot R/V John B. Heiser in support of educational and research programs. To include: operation of equpment on deck (deploy scientific sampling gear, assist with transporting of facilities related materials and equipment); routine maintenance and minor repair to vessels and equipment; assist captains, teaching staff and researchers during scientifc cruises. Includes operation and maintenance of smaller vessels such as inflatables.

Island Engineer
Under direct supervision of the Head Engineer with help of the Operations Manager, maintain eleven buildings the functions of which include: housing, laboratory, administrative, lecture, dining, and maintenance. Operate two generators, a reverse osmosis system, a backhoe, two 1-ton dump trucks, a saltwater intake and distribution system, a freshwater distribution system and a wastewater system. Work closely with Head Engineer, Operations Manager, Assistant Director for Island and Coastal Programs, and Island Coordinator to insure smooth and effective operations of the facility and programs. Should have skills in some or all of the following areas: Plumbing, electrical wiring, small motors, carpentry, painting (interior and exterior), wastewater systems, backhoe operations, automotive repair. May be called upon to act as a crew member for the R/V John M. Kingsbury if qualified. Willingness to learn and a responsible attitude is essential.

Island Coordinator
Manage SML's island administrative office. Coordinate vessel scheduling, all program needs, housing and special events planning, and function as the communication hub for entire island community. Serve as the main liaison with Cornell office. Coordinate arrivals and departures of all individuals and groups (students, adult ed. participants, special program participants, users, visitors and researchers). Provide a friendly and welcome face to all individuals and groups; provide orientation to the island; provide tours of the SML campus; communicate safety hazards and tips, and inform guests about general island policies. Organize weekly provisioning run to the mainland. Coordinate academic functions: Maintain student records, provide class lists to faculty, and report grades to the Cornell office. Coordinate island monetary transactions and provide Cornell office with appropriate records of purchases. Coordinate program staff (IC, Laboratory Preparator and Island Assistant) weekly schedule and assist with other program tasks as needed. Must have, or be close to receiving, an undergraduate degree, have relevant experience, strong organizational and communication skills, and computer experience.

Lab Preparators
Under the supervision of the Assistant Director for Island and Coastal Programs, supply island laboratories and classrooms with equipment and academic materials needed by instructors and participants in all SML summer programs. Maintain program and computer equipment, and maintain cleanliness and organization of lab/classroom premises. May include collecting specimens, setting up and testing equipment. Monitor aquaria and sea water tables to prevent accidental overflow and insure the humane treatment of collected specimens. Monitor computers and printers used by participants and troubleshoot when necessary. Coordinate equipment needed for scientific cruises aboard the R/V John M. Kingsbury. Act as scientist and crew member on board R/V John M. Kingsbury during scientific cruises. Provide program support to visiting groups and researchers; this may include tours of SML campus, intertidal zone and gull colony. Must have or be close to receiving, an undergraduate degree in biology or a related field, SCUBA certification, strong organizational skills, and well-developed communication skills. Teaching assistant or similar experience preferred.

Resident Life Coordinator
Under the supervision of the Assistant Director for Island and Coastal Programs, maintain housekeeping for all island residential, classroom and laboratory facilities. Train, organize and supervise approximately 20 student staff (1-6 at any one time). Support the Island Coordinator by assisting with any Island Coordinator duties as needed and substitute for Island Coordinator when the Island Coordinator is off island. Support the Laboratory Preparator by assisting with any Laboratory Preparator duties as needed and substitute for Lab Preparator when Lab Preparator is off island. Manage SML's island sales unit (the Appledore Store) including: conduct sales, process and send weekly deposits to Cornell office and order class t-shirts for all credit courses. Must have, or be close to receiving, an undergraduate degree in biology or a related field, strong organizational skills, and well-developed communication skills.

Diving Coordinator
Under the supervision of the Diving Safety Officer (DSO) provide oversight and support for all diving and snorkeling operations at Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML). Oversight includes: Ensure all SML diving policies and procedures are followed by students, staff, faculty and visiting researchers involved in all diving and snorkeling related activities; assist the DSO with check-out dives for new SML divers; collect and approve dive plans daily; compile and maintain SML dive logs; and communicate with DSO regarding SML diving activities. Support includes: Coordinate and assist with daily diving activities; provide support for students conducting independent research projects; and provide dive buddy support or surface support to SML staff and student researchers as needed. Assist with other island operations as time permits. SCUBA Instructor certification and current AAUS scientific diver status preferred, SCUBA Divemaster or Assistant Instructor certification and current AAUS scientific diver status will be considered.