MDI Assistant Steward (Seasonal, Full-Time)

position Overview

Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) is looking for a full-time, seasonal assistant steward to work with MCHT stewardship staff based in our MDI office.  The position is for 14 weeks (last week in May through August with somewhat flexible end date).  Applicants must be self-motivated, able to work independently or as part of a team, and willing to work irregular hours (including occasional weekends). The work will include a variety of stewardship tasks, allowing for an introduction to land management practices, coastal marine biology, vegetation maintenance, navigation skills, trail building and tool use and maintenance, etc., with an emphasis on helping the regional stewards based out of the MDI office manage MCHT island and mainland preserves. 90% or more of the work week will take place outdoors in all weather. Shared housing is provided at no cost for staff on one of MCHT’s preserves on Mount Desert Island.

Major Responsibilities

• Preserve monitoring and maintenance, including trail building and maintenance, boundary marking, field maintenance, and interactions with the public
• Help support stewardship staff during scheduled public events and volunteer workdays on MCHT preserves
• Work closely with regional stewards on larger projects, such as invasive species control
• Help maintain equipment including MCHT work boats, trucks, and tools
• Data entry and record keeping

Skills & experience Sought

• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Good basic seamanship skills and experience operating power boats strongly preferred
• Ability and desire to perform hard physical labor in remote locations, including heavy lifting
• Experience operating and maintaining chain saws, brush saws, and hand tools desired
• Experience working with invasive plants and Maine Board of Pesticide Control certification desired
• Flexibility and good sense of humor when the weather is bad and the bugs are biting
• Valid driver’s license and use of a vehicle

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Field work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and requires climbing, walking, bending, crouching, lifting, reaching, and other physical capabilities. May operate GPS, boats/marine vessels, trucks, tractor, trailer, lawnmower, chain saw, and related power tools, hand tools, and equipment. Regular travel is required. Some work is performed in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc.  Operates computer, printer, and other office equipment

This is a full-time, seasonal position. Housing is provided, and PTO is accrued at 1 hour per every 40 hours worked. The rate of pay will be $20 per hour.

To Apply: Please send your cover letter and resume to search@mcht.org with “MDI Seasonal Steward” in the subject line by February 26, 2026.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job.  The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

*External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Maine Coast Heritage Trust is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission. We recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate, and administer all personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sex stereotyping, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.