Summer Preserve Steward
The Summer Preserve Steward will assist Kennebec Estuary Land Trust’s (KELT) stewardship staff with managing our preserves during the busy field season. Specific tasks will include assisting with maintaining trails, marking boundaries, controlling invasive species, performing habitat improvements, and conducting annual monitoring. This is an opportunity to learn the basics of on-the-ground conservation work and land management by working on a wide variety of tasks and projects, alongside a close-knit community of staff and volunteers. This position is perfect for someone who is passionate about Maine’s natural resources, is enthusiastic, and has a willingness to learn.
Kennebec Estuary Land Trust is a non-profit land conservation organization whose mission is to conserve ecologically and recreationally important land within the Lower Kennebec and Sheepscot River estuaries. We are a community-based membership organization serving the towns of Arrowsic, Bath, Bowdoinham, Dresden, West Bath, Georgetown, Richmond, Westport Island and Woolwich. Since our founding in 1989, KELT has conserved 4000+ acres of land, manages 14 public preserves and 33+ miles of trails.
Position Details: Temporary full-time position, 35-40 hours per week for 8-10 weeks, approximately between May 15th and August 31st (start and end dates flexible)
Compensation: $15.50 per hour. Work-related travel is reimbursed at the 2023 IRS Standard milage rate of 65.5 cents per mile when using a personal vehicle.
Why work with KELT this summer?
● Experience the structure and operation of a non-profit land trust, with a particular emphasis on land stewardship, habitat management, and conservation.
● Gain hands-on experience with many facets of conservation and volunteer management.
● Flexibility to pursue projects of personal interest within KELT’s Mission.
● Spend the summer working in the beautiful natural areas of the Maine Coast, this position is 50%-75% field based.
Summer Preserve Steward Responsibilities:
● Build and improve trails by clearing, pruning, and repairing trail infrastructure, ensuring consistent signage to allow for easy navigation by the public, and ensure trailheads have up to date information.
● Mark and maintain preserve boundaries.
● Perform and plan habitat improvements by managing invasive species, mowing, and collecting ecological data.
● Collect and process geospatial data to aid the development of management plans, inventory natural resources, invasive species, and human use data.
● Assist with the planning and management of volunteer workdays.
● Conduct annual monitoring to fulfill legal and LTA accreditation requirements.
● Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and partners to maximize the ecological and/or recreational value of KELT’s conserved lands.
● Use problem-solving skills to resolve stewardship concerns at various preserves.
● Serve as a representative for KELT at public events, in the field, and on the trail.
Necessary Skills:
● Driver’s license and reliable personal transportation.
● Ability and desire to perform hard physical labor in remote locations, including heavy lifting at times.
● Willingness to work in outdoor conditions including heat, rain, biting insects, and difficult terrain.
● Willingness to learn.
● Ability to manage time and tasks on independent projects.
● Ability to communicate professionally with the general public, volunteers, and follow all applicable COVID-19 guidelines for 2023.
● Availability for events outside of traditional workday hours on some evenings and weekends, with advanced notice.
● Ability to work independently and on a team, responsibly, and safely.
A bonus if you have:
● Wilderness First Aid or Basic First Aid Certification.
● Experience operating and maintaining chain saws, brush saws, and hand tools (training on safe operation will be supplied).
● Carpentry, landscaping, and/or trail building experience.
● GIS/mapping experience, especially with ArcGIS suite.
● Plant identification skills and/or an understanding of the natural communities of Maine.
● Flexibility and good humor.
● Experience communicating with the public and/or working with volunteers.
● Environmental, ecological study, or background knowledge in conservation.
To Apply:
Send a cover letter and resume in a single PDF file to applications@kennebecestuary.org with the subject line ‘Summer Preserve Steward Application’. We will conduct all interviews on a rolling basis starting the week of March 13th over Zoom. Please prepare the names and contact information of three references in advance and KELT will request references at the interview stage.