Jobs at College of the Atlantic (COA) attract professionals passionate about interdisciplinary education and environmental stewardship. Nestled in Bar Harbor, Maine, within the shadow of Acadia National Park, this small liberal arts college offers unique opportunities in higher education. Founded in 1969, COA stands out for its singular focus on human ecology, where every student pursues this major blending natural sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities to address complex global challenges like climate change and sustainability.
Careers here span faculty positions, research roles, administrative jobs, and support staff, all contributing to a close-knit community of about 350 undergraduates and 60 faculty. The emphasis on experiential learning means jobs often involve fieldwork, community projects, and innovative teaching. Whether you're eyeing faculty jobs or administrative roles, COA prioritizes candidates who thrive in collaborative, mission-driven environments.
The College of the Atlantic began as an experimental institution challenging traditional academic structures. In 1969, a group of educators envisioned a place where students could study human interactions with the natural world holistically. Today, jobs at COA reflect this origin: faculty pioneered programs like the All School Meeting, where the entire community governs democratically, fostering leadership roles for staff in shared decision-making.
Over 50 years, COA has grown into a leader in sustainability, earning gold ratings in the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). This legacy shapes job opportunities, with positions in marine science labs, organic farms, and policy centers. Historical expansions, like adding graduate programs in 1993 (M.Phil. and M.S. in ecology), have created specialized research jobs, appealing to those seeking impactful work in Maine's coastal setting.
COA's curriculum revolves around human ecology, defined as the study of relationships between humans and their environments. This interdisciplinary approach means faculty jobs require expertise across fields: marine biology professors lead whale watches, while humanities scholars integrate art into environmental ethics courses.
Undergraduate B.A. programs emphasize capstone projects, creating roles for advisors and lecturers. Graduate programs focus on advanced ecology research, opening postdoc and research assistant positions. Staff jobs support this through labs, the George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History, and the COA Farm, where sustainable agriculture is practiced daily.
For insights on becoming a university lecturer, explore our career advice.
Key terms for jobs at College of the Atlantic:
Jobs at College of the Atlantic demand strong academic credentials. Faculty positions typically require a Ph.D. in a relevant field such as environmental science, biology, anthropology, or related human ecology disciplines. For example, a marine ecology professor might need a doctorate in oceanography with fieldwork in coastal systems.
Research focus areas include climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and food sovereignty, often leveraging Acadia National Park. Preferred experience encompasses peer-reviewed publications (e.g., in journals like Ecology or Frontiers in Marine Science), grant funding from NSF or NOAA, and teaching interdisciplinary courses.
Skills and competencies valued:
Administrative roles seek bachelor's degrees plus experience in higher ed operations, with bonuses for sustainability certifications.
The application process for jobs at COA starts with monitoring their careers page and AcademicJobs.com listings. Submit a tailored cover letter (1-2 pages) articulating your human ecology fit, CV highlighting interdisciplinary work, teaching statement, research agenda, and three references.
Interviews often include teaching demos and campus visits to Bar Harbor. Tips for success:
Deadlines vary; tenure-track searches peak in fall. Follow up professionally.
College of the Atlantic actively advances diversity through the President's Diversity Fellowship, funding underrepresented scholars. The Inclusive Excellence Committee audits hiring for equity, with training on implicit bias. Examples include affinity groups for Indigenous students (reflecting Wabanaki heritage in Maine) and LGBTQ+ support via the Safe Space program.
In 2023, 45% of faculty identified as women, with growing representation from global south scholars. Initiatives like the Decolonizing Human Ecology course ensure inclusive curricula, making COA appealing for diverse candidates seeking equitable workplaces.
Life at COA balances rigorous academics with Maine's natural beauty. Faculty enjoy a 3-2 teaching load, research leaves, and sabbaticals after six years. The small size (faculty-student ratio 1:7) allows deep mentorship without burnout.
Campus perks: On-site organic farm, free kayaks, wellness center with yoga amid forests. Bar Harbor offers hiking, whale watching, and a vibrant arts scene. Hybrid policies post-COVID support flexibility. Staff report high satisfaction (90% in surveys), citing community events like weekly feasts and low cost of living ($1,200/month housing).
Challenges: Rural winters, but countered by remote work options and strong support networks.
Common jobs include assistant professors (tenure-track), visiting lecturers, research associates, admissions directors, and facilities managers focused on green ops. Learn more about university job types.
Salaries: Assistant profs $75K-$90K, per Chronicle data, with full benefits including TIAA retirement and health coverage.
Jobs at College of the Atlantic offer a rare chance to blend academia with environmental action in stunning Bar Harbor. From faculty innovating in human ecology to staff sustaining eco-campus operations, opportunities abound for dedicated professionals. Explore higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com to advance your path.
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