The Acadia Shops
The Acadia Shops
Currently recruiting for the season from April 13th, 2026 to November 6th, 2026.
The Acadia Corporation is a privately held company that operates seven retail shops and an ice cream shop downtown Bar Harbor, as well as one shop in neighboring Southwest Harbor. We relish the opportunity to serve both our guests and employees and have been doing so for over 90 years.
Bar Harbor is nestled into the beautiful coastline of Maine and enjoys being a destination in itself and is the main service center on the doorstep of adventures into Acadia National Park. With free bus shuttle into the park, quaint 'down east' atmosphere and amenities usually found only in larger towns Bar Harbor is a unique place to live and explore.
- Location
- Maine
- Season
- Spring, Summer, and Fall
- Staff size
- 50
- Housing
- Whether included in the compensation package or provided at a cost, housing is provided for staff.
- Housing details
- Apartment Style housing within walking distance $165 / week.
- Family housing available
- No
- Single occupancy housing available
- No
- Pet friendly
- No
- Meals
- None
- Cell phone service
- Yes, most carriers
- Internet access
- Good
About The Acadia Shops
Locally owned and operated, our shops offer a broad selection of quality products to help guests enjoy their trip to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Whether looking for a new pair of hiking boots, a memento of the experience or just want to cool off with some homemade ice cream, guests will find what they need in one of our shops.
During our operating season, which runs May through the end of October, we hire about 60 people.
Most positions do not require specific prior experience, but you should be prepared to work in a busy and sometimes hectic work environment, but don't worry, we'll be right there working with you!! We're a company that enjoys helping both guests to our establishments as well as our employees. Our shops and housing are within 2 blocks, which helps build the important team atmosphere.
The Employee Experience
The Acadia Shops offers apartment style housing downtown Bar Harbor within easy walking distance of the shops. The apartments are fully equipped with everything you need to cook and prepare a meal. They are typically 2 bedrooms with a kitchen and sitting area.
In the shops you’ll be interacting with guests assisting their experience in the area. Folding shirts, helping shop guests, stocking/organizing and operating the Point of Sale are the primary functions of our operation. While all of our shops share these core aspects of the position, each shop has unique merchandise and some differing aspects. A work day could be 5 hours long or 10 hours long depending on the shift. Typically 5 days on 2 consecutive days off you should expect to work 38-48 hours in the week.
When you’re not working most people are off exploring easily accessible Acadia National Park. With 47,000 acres to explore with 158 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads great for biking, Acadia offers a great outdoor opportunity. Many in town activities are also available including whale watch tours, kayaking, historic movie theater and museum along with restaurants and shopping.
Ideal Candidate
We are committed to providing excellent service to our guests. All our jobs involve visitor service whether behind the scenes or directly serving the visitor. Our employees must be friendly, neat, and take pride in serving our visitors. A positive attitude is essential.
The work in the retail shops can be very fast paced throughout our operating season; from July through Labor Day, the number of visitors and tour groups increases dramatically.
Some jobs finish at Labor Day, but we need many people who can work late August, September, and October.
August Help: we hire a few people to work just the month of August, our busiest time of the year. These positions require someone flexible who can fill in wherever needed.
Fall Help: Autumn is one of our most beautiful seasons. We often need employees to work 6 to 8 weeks in September and October.
Room and Board
Our housing is operated apartment-style in Bar Harbor, which are shared by 4-5 employees per apartment (2 persons per room). Housing rates are $165 per week per person and includes complete kitchen facilities, laundry, and internet. Our Company Housing is within walking distance of all Bar Harbor Shops.
All Acadia Corporation housing is supervised. All housing residents are required to sign a housing agreement including the length of stay and agreeing to all housing rules.
You must be at least 18 years of age to live in Company housing.
All company housing is designated as non-smoking. Those who wish to live in company housing must sign an agreement indicating their willingness to comply. Violators of the housing smoking policy may be subject to immediate eviction from company housing.
Unfortunately, we do not offer RV spaces.
Limited housing is available on Mt. Desert Island. It tends to be difficult to find and quite expensive. Should you desire your own accommodations, we can provide only limited assistance.
Employee Perks
Here's just few additional treats enjoyed by our hardworking team:
- 40% discount on all our merchandise.
- Monthly functions, including a lobster and steak feast!
- 50% reimbursement of Acadia National Park Annual Pass
- Many tours are discounted or free, offered by other local businesses. Whale watching tour, Acadia NP, and more!
Getting Here and Getting Around
There are several options available to get to Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island.
The easiest method is to fly into Bangor, Maine and then we can help arrange transportation from the airport. The Bar Harbor Shuttle is available for transfers from the Bangor area to Bar Harbor, Maine. Or we'll be happy to transport you from Bangor during normal business hours. You might find it less expensive if you fly to Boston, MA and take Concord Trailways to Bangor. There is a small Bar Harbor airport but it's often cost prohibitive but worth a look.
Transportation around Bar Harbor and the surrounding area during the summer without a car is possible thanks to the free Island Explorer.
Employees are welcome to bring a car, but know the company does not have parking spaces available, you'll want to visit the town of Bar Harbor Parking Page for more information. The company will help cover 1/2 the cost of the $30 employee parking fee for the season.
For Fun
Bar Harbor is a busy resort community of 5,000 people with a number of restaurants and shops. Outdoor activities abound. Hiking, biking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, and sailing are just a few of the pursuits which visitors come to Acadia to enjoy.
There are many cultural activities in the area, including music festivals, theatrical performances, and movies. However, if you come from a major urban area or a large college campus, please bear in mind that the number of sporting events, concerts, and similar activities is very limited in our local area - these activities are generally several hours away. The employees who are happiest here are those who enjoy outdoor activities more than nightlife.
Current Job Openings
Carry out inspections of the facilities to identify and resolve issues
Build and maintain retail fixturing and displays
Help Plan and oversee repair and installation activities with outside contractors
Time management in completion of task in a self motivated role
Monitor expenses for maintenance
Research and order parts as needed within budget
Keep maintenance logs and report on daily activities
Communicating regularly regarding problems or issues
Oversee the efficient operation of utilities, including water, electricity, and HVAC systems
Ensure that company premises and facilities are kept clean
- Customer Service
- Engage all people in a friendly manner providing a positive experience.
- Be on the sales floor ready to assist customers and answer all questions to the best of ability.
- Familiarize yourself with merchandise throughout the company and town to respond to customer merchandise requests.
- Provide friendly customer service, including giving directions, answering questions, and ensuring a positive experience.
- Point of Sale
- Operate point of sale quickly and accurately, maintaining composure in stressful situations.
- Follow shop guidelines when dealing with cash.
- Understand and adhere to shop expectations and policies and procedures in the shop workbook
- Participate in opening and closing procedures
- Restocking
- Work quickly through morning daily inventory replenishments delivered from the Distribution Center. 30 bins of merchandise weighing up to 40lbs.
- Conduct yourself in a safe manner. Be aware of lifting boxes, trip hazards and sharp objects
- Prioritize Customers and continually engage with customers while restocking.
- Follow procedures for how and which merchandise to stock first
- Arranging Merchandise
- Regularly clean, organize, and maintain merchandise.
- Fold shirts / apparel using appropriate methods
- Maintain and develop displays according to manager expectations
- Ensure sizing is accurate and in order of smallest to largest
- Lift bins of merchandise up to 40lbs
- Be on your feet for long periods of time.
- Follow uniform guidelines and scheduling expectations
- Most positions are in downtown Bar Harbor and have housing available.
- Hourly position paid bi-weekly
- 5-6 day work week, 45-50 hours, some 10-hour shifts 8:00AM to 11:30PM
- Be available to work at other in-town shops occasionally.
- Processing and Receiving Merchandise:
- Receive and log deliveries from UPS/FedEx/Trucking
- Verify quantity and quality of merchandise
- Match purchase orders against their invoices
- Follow all processing procedures for correctness
- Distribute merchandise to store location marked bins
- Verify information on purchase orders, invoices, and packing slips
- File paperwork and data entry
- Picking and Replenishment
- Follow generated replenishment to fulfill needs of each store location
- Follow picking guidelines and instructions detailed in Distribution Center expectations
- Accurately and efficiently pick merchandise for shop replenishments
- Accurately and efficiently scan merchandise into a transfer slips and pack for delivery
- Load delivery van in a safe and organized manner
- Downstocking
- Stock warehouse shelves on a daily basis
- Ensure all overstock boxes are correctly labeled
- Ensure bins/drawers are fully stocked
- Organize and clean warehouse and other duties as assigned
- Delivering
- Deliver merchandise and supplies on a daily basis
- Follow all safety and route guidelines while driving delivery vehicle
- Drive large delivery van into Bar Harbor
- Ability to lift and move boxes or bins up to 50lbs regularly
- Use hand truck, pallet jack, and various carts safely
- Be on your feet long periods of time
- You must have a valid driver’s license
- Follow uniform guidelines and scheduling expectations
- Hourly position paid bi-weekly
- You must have a valid driver’s license
- 5-6 day work week, 45-50 hours, with 10-hour shifts. This position is located in Town Hill, 15 minutes from downtown Bar Harbor, and our housing.
Concise and clear communication abilities.
Working knowledge of retail accounting and cash register procedures
Experience in retail management or supervision
Self-motivated and able to work independently
Proficient in using online platforms for communications, administration, and overall management
30-48 week position - dependant on shop assignment
5-6 day work week, 45-50 hours, with potential for up to 10-hour shifts
Professional attire and composure required
Must be able to be on your feet for several hours
Must be able to lift 40lbs
Health benefit - dependant on shop assignment
Paid personal day allowance
401k match program
Non-exempt hourly position, subject to overtime
Profit Share
Supervise and schedule staff on a day-to-day basis, within guidelines directed and approved by the Retail Operations Manager (ROM)
Provide excellent customer service
Operate the shop at optimum hours to maximize sales
Maintain security of cash, deposits, and merchandise to minimize internal and external theft
Maintain an attractive and orderly shop on a day-to-day basis
Collaborate with senior staff to build and enhance shop displays and independently execute effective merchandising
Monitor shop inventory levels and communicate any out-of-stock, low inventory, or inventory discrepancies to the ROM and Buyer
Monitor Point of Sale (POS) operation, advising the ROM of any issues
Train staff to meet company expectations
Foster a positive and encouraging environment for shop staff, including participation in company culture initiatives
Communicate customer, staff, and shop concerns to the ROM
Reports to the Retail Operations Manager (ROM)
Functions as a member of the retail management team, attending regularly scheduled meetings
Works and communicates with the ROM, Buyer/Merchandiser to coordinate shop merchandising efforts, implement shop display standards, and allocate merchandise space
Works closely with fellow retail shop managers and the distribution center manager
Communicates with accounting staff on daily deposits, payroll, and other related issues
Maintains professional and neighborly relationships with other community groups, businesses, and vendors
Communicates professionally with staff
Adherence to company expectations, retail payroll budget, company procedures and policies, and best practices for staff management and shop operations
Keep staff accountable and on task by facilitating Manager’s directives
Be able to identify, respond to, and solve problems that arise
Assist in the training of staff
Provide feedback, coaching and encouragement to staff members
Responsible for overall supervision of staff during shift
Under direction of Manager, lead merchandising and display changes
Understand and follow all procedures in shop expectations
Assume manager responsibilities when the manager is not present during your shift.
Customer Service
Engage all people in a friendly manner providing a positive experience.
Be on the sales floor ready to assist customers and answer all questions to the best of ability.
Familiarize yourself with merchandise throughout the company and town to respond to customer merchandise requests.
Provide friendly customer service, including giving directions, answering questions, and ensuring a positive experience.
Point of Sale
Operate point of sale quickly and accurately, maintaining composure in stressful situations.
Follow shop guidelines when dealing with cash.
Understand and adhere to shop expectations and policies and procedures in the shop workbook
Participate in opening and closing procedures
Restocking
Work quickly through morning daily inventory replenishments delivered from the Distribution Center. 30 bins of merchandise weighing up to 40lbs.
Conduct yourself in a safe manner. Be aware of lifting boxes, trip hazards and sharp objects
Prioritize Customers and continually engage with customers while restocking.
Follow procedures for how and which merchandise to stock first
Arranging Merchandise
Regularly clean, organize, and maintain merchandise.
Fold shirts / apparel using appropriate methods
Maintain and develop displays according to manager expectations
Ensure sizing is accurate and in order of smallest to largest
Lift bins of merchandise up to 40lbs
Be on your feet for long periods of time.
Follow uniform guidelines and scheduling expectations
Most positions are in downtown Bar Harbor and have housing available.
Hourly position paid bi-weekly
5-6 day work week, 45-50 hours, some 10-hour shifts 8:00AM to 11:30PM
Be available to work at other in-town shops occasionally
- Assist and support Distribution Center Manager
- Supervise the day to day production and operations of the warehouse
- Assist in the training and orienting of oncoming staff members
- Provide feedback, coaching and encouragement to staff members
- Keep staff accountable and on task by facilitating Manager’s directives
- Be able to identify, respond to, and solve problems that arise
- Understand and follow all procedures in Distribution Center expectations
- Assume manager responsibilities when the manager is not present during your shift.
- Processing and Receiving Merchandise:
- Receive and log deliveries from UPS/FedEx/Trucking
- Verify quantity and quality of merchandise
- Match purchase orders against their invoices
- Follow all processing procedures for correctness
- Distribute merchandise to store location marked bins
- Verify information on purchase orders, invoices, and packing slips
- File paperwork and data entry
- Picking and Replenishment
- Follow generated replenishment to fulfill needs of each store location
- Follow picking guidelines and instructions detailed in Distribution Center expectations
- Accurately and efficiently pick merchandise for shop replenishments
- Accurately and efficiently scan merchandise into a transfer slips and pack for delivery
- Load delivery van in a safe and organized manner
- Downstocking
- Stock warehouse shelves on a daily basis
- Ensure all overstock boxes are correctly labeled
- Ensure bins/drawers are fully stocked
- Organize and clean warehouse and other duties as assigned
- Delivering
- Deliver merchandise and supplies on a daily basis
- Follow all safety and route guidelines while driving delivery vehicle
- Drive large delivery van into Bar Harbor
- Ability to lift and move boxes or bins up to 50lbs regularly
- Use hand truck, pallet jack, and various carts safely
- Be on your feet long periods of time
- You must have a valid driver’s license
- Follow uniform guidelines and scheduling expectations
- Hourly position paid bi-weekly
- You must have a valid driver’s license
- 5-6 day work week, 45-50 hours, with 10-hour shifts.This position is located in Town Hill, 15 minutes from downtown Bar Harbor, and our housing
Maintenance Manager
We invite you to be part of our team on the doorstep of Acadia National Park in charming Bar Harbor ME.
Known for our friendly and attentive service, we are looking for those who are excited to be part of our 90 year legacy. We operate 9 shops plus an Ice Cream shop downtown Bar Harbor and 1 other shop in a neighboring town, Southwest Harbor. We’re looking for someone who can help us maintain our shops, buildings and housing units. You can also visit our Acadia Corporation at AcadiaShops.com.
We are looking for a reliable Maintenance Manager to oversee all installation, repair and upkeep operations of the company’s facilities. This is a very hands on role, you will be the one to ensure that all buildings, equipment and fixturing are in good working order. A great maintenance manager will have a solid understanding of plumbing and electrical systems as well as carpentry and other crafts. They will be well-versed in all maintenance process and health and safety regulations. The goal is to ensure the company facilities are well-cared for and adequate to support the operations.
Maintenance Manager responsibilities include:
The ideal candidate has a base knowledge of building maintenance and repair but is eager to learn and comfortable in a busy environment. Enjoys providing well maintained buildings, equipment and fixturing. This position is hands-on and requires working onsite, lifting and moving checking all aspects of buildings. The ideal candidate will have experience in construction, maintenance or property management.
Our core season is May through October, though some shops are open longer and there is preparation to be done before the season and ramping down once the weather turns chilly. During the height of our season the shops are open from 8:00am to 11:00pm daily. You may experience emergency calls in off hours and work a wide variety of shifts to best accomplish needs throughout the operating hours.
Must be able to ascend and descend building stairways, ladders and ramps to reach job assignments and perform tasks required in job classification. Specific tasks require standing for long periods, climbing, reaching above shoulders, walking, lifting, grasping, kneeling, bending and twisting. This is a 48 - 50 week position.
We have apartment housing available downtown Bar Harbor.
Come join our team where the mountains meet the sea!
Retail Shop Clerk
Retail Shop Clerk- General
We are looking for Retail Shop Clerks with a positive, service oriented attitude looking to brighten the experience of all who walk into our stores. Employees at the Acadia Shops should be prepared for all aspects of retail work including customer service, Point of Sale (POS) skills, restocking, and arranging merchandise.
Key Daily Duties
Requirements
Position Details
Distribution Center Clerk
Distribution Center Clerk
We are looking for a Distribution Center Clerk that projects a positive, service oriented attitude. Employees in our Distribution Center should be prepared to process and receive merchandise, pick and replenish merchandise, downstock, and deliver using our van to intown shops.
Key Daily Duties
Requirements
Position Details
Retail Shop Manager
Retail Shop Manager
Mission/Function: To oversee the assigned shop in a manner consistent with company mission, standards, and policies.
Qualifications:
Position Details:
Benefits:
Responsibilities and Authority:
Working Relationships:
Accountability:
Retail Shop Assistant Manager
Assistant Manager - Retail Shop
We are looking for an Assistant Manager with a positive, service oriented attitude looking to brighten the experience of all who walk into our stores. Employees at the Acadia Shops should be prepared for all aspects of retail work including customer service, Point of Sale (POS) skills, restocking, and arranging merchandise.
Assistant Manager Function
Key Daily Duties
Requirements
Position Details
Distribution Center Assistant Manager
Distribution Center Assistant Manager
We are looking for a Distribution Center Assistant Manager that projects a positive, service oriented attitude who possesses the skills to help facilitate day to day functions and should be prepared to help the daily tasks of process and receive merchandise, pick and replenish merchandise, downstock, and deliver using our van to intown shops
Assistant Manager Function
Key Daily Duties
Requirements
Position Details
How to Apply
Your dates of availability affect your chances of employment. In general, the later you can stay, the better your chances will be for receiving an offer of employment. Be realistic and specific about the exact dates you will be available, as these dates will become part of your employment agreement.
We look forward to hearing from you. An online application is available, linked below.
* Once an application makes it through the initial screening process we rely on phone interviews to give us additional insight before making and employment offer. We try to have many of our employment decisions completed by April. You will be notified by e-mail on the status of your application.
The Acadia Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and hires without regard to race, color, ancestry, sex, religion, national origin, age (except where age is a bona fide occupational qualification), physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran status.
Contact Info
- Matt Hiestand
- jobs@acadiashops.com
- (207) 288-1204
- www.acadiashops.com
