Summer Preserve Steward (Seasonal)

Compensation: $18.50 per hour.

Work-related travel is reimbursed at the IRS Standard Mileage. A gear stipend, of $200, is offered to offset the cost of acquiring appropriate footwear, or other needed equipment. Seasonal employees receive paid national holidays within the summer employment period. We are hiring two Seasonal Preserve Stewards.

position Dates: 10-12 weeks approximately between May 14 – August 30, 2024 (Flexible end date). 40 hours per week, position has funding for a maximum of 480 hours.

Housing: Although not supplied through this position, we have leads on affordable housing options in the area.

The Summer Preserve Steward is part of a collaborative stewardship team and will help care for 4,300+ acres conserved land, including 35+ miles of recreational trails, 17 public trailed preserves, 16 non-trailed preserves in one of the most ecologically diverse areas of Maine: Merrymeeting Bay and Lower Kennebec River region.

WHO WE ARE: 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. Our office is located in Bath, Maine

SUMMARY OF POSITION: 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 basis 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, able to work primarily outdoors, and has a willingness to learn.

SCHEDULE: Preference will be given to candidates who are able to attend KELT’s seasonal training week: beginning with an offsite training in the White Mountains National Forest (New Hampshire) which will occur over three days sometime between May 14th-17th and onsite at KELT for three days between May 19-22.  

Daily and weekly work schedules may fluctuate during busy summer months. Work is performed generally Monday-Friday, with very occasional weekend work. Some work days can be up to 12 hours long; however longer days will be compensated by shorter work days or off days within each two-week pay period. Work hours will not exceed 80 hours within each two-week pay period.

SUPERVISOR: KELT’s Preserves Manager

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
• Ample opportunities for training, including a USFS Chainsaw safety training, rockwork, responsible herbicide usage by a Maine State Master Pesticide Applicator, and power tool safety
• 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 approximately 75% field based!
• Will periodically work with other KELT programs (e.g. land protection, outdoor education, marsh restoration), enabling you to explore a wider range of career options within the land trust and environmental fields.

LOCATION AND WORKING CONDITIONS: The KELT office is located in Bath, Maine. Fieldwork is required throughout the nine towns in KELT’s service area (Bath, West Bath, Arrowsic, Georgetown, Woolwich, Bowdoinham, Dresden, Richmond, and Westport Island). Field work is performed outside in all weather conditions, and generally involves climbing, walking, carrying equipment, and bending and crouching; frequently carrying a backpack weighing around 30 pounds three miles, may lift to 50 pounds in some instances. Field conditions may be unfavorable – hot, humid, buggy, sunny, raining. Office, safety, and field equipment, including backpacks, that are necessary to perform this role are provided by KELT. A boot stipend of $200 is offered at the beginning of the season for seasonal staff to offset the cost of acquiring appropriate footwear if needed.

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.
• 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. Must be over 18 years old at start of season (May 14th, 2025).
• Ability and desire to perform hard physical labor in remote locations, including heavy lifting at times. Must be able to hike up to five miles, carrying a moderately heavy pack.
• 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 2025.
• 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.
• Serve as a representative for KELT at public events, in the field, and on the trail.

A PLUS 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.
• Experience with invasive species control, especially herbicide Application methods or willingness to learn and work alongside KELT’s certified applicator.
• Flexibility and good humor.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or working with volunteers.
• Environmental, ecological study, or background knowledge in conservation.