Seasonal Stewardship and Grounds Assistant

Maine Audubon is hiring a Seasonal Stewardship and Grounds Assistant to join its dynamic team based in Falmouth, ME. Since 1843, Maine Audubon has worked to conserve Maine wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people in education, conservation, and action.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Seasonal Stewardship and Grounds Assistant to support implementation of Maine Audubon’s land stewardship program across our sanctuaries, including active land management and volunteer engagement. The position will be based at our Gilsland Farm headquarters in Falmouth, Maine, but will often work at our other seven sanctuaries across the state.   

This position reports to the Director of Properties, but will frequently work under the day-to-day supervision of our Land Steward, and Gilsland Farm Grounds and Facilities Manager. The position will offer an opportunity to engage in hands-on conservation work and land stewardship through grounds maintenance at Gilsland Farm, habitat restoration, and user experience through trail improvement projects and invasive plant management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work under the direction of Maine Audubon’s Land Steward on stewardship projects, like trail construction and maintenance, including scheduled bridge and turnpike construction projects (40%)
• Perform weekly mowing, weed whacking, daily building maintenance, and event setup at Gilsland Farm Audubon Center (40%)
• Lead volunteer groups and perform mechanical and chemical invasive plant control safely and efficiently (20%)

Qualifications

• Formal training, or experience in conservation, outdoor manual labor, wildlife ecology, environmental studies, land conservation, or a related field
• Proficiency or interest in the use and maintenance of chainsaws, power equipment, and hand tools
• Understanding of basic plant identification, with a focus on invasive species a plus
• Basic carpentry, landscaping, equipment troubleshooting, and trail building skills a plus
• Stellar attention to detail
• Ability to work independently, and collaboratively as part of a team
• Enthusiasm and commitment to conservation and the mission, goals, and values of Maine Audubon
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check
• Willingness to obtain pesticide applicator and chainsaw safety certifications (paid for by Maine Audubon) and safely perform chemical invasive plant control

Physical Requirements/ Working Conditions

• Able to often lift objects up to 50 pounds
• Comfort and experience with various hand and power tools
• Able to frequently hike all trails on Gilsland Farm and other Maine Audubon properties
• Able to work outdoors in challenging environmental conditions

Timing, Compensation, and Benefits

• This is a full-time, seasonal (sixteen week), 40 hours per week position, Monday-Friday, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm with occasional weekend or evening work for special events. The ideal position term is May-September, but we can accommodate college schedules.
• This position includes Maine Earned Time off, an annual membership to Maine Audubon, and discounts in our Nature Stores
• Salary range: $17 – $18/hour