Eastern Maine Land Protection Associate

Our Mission:

We advance the conservation of lands and waters in Maine to ensure ecological well-being and foster thriving communities.

We understand that as in nature, diversity builds resilience. We uphold a working culture where unique identities and experiences are welcomed and appreciated. Our team is empathetic, committed and collaborative. We seek employees that are not only capable and talented, but who care about supporting and respecting each other. We seek people who are interested in imagining creative solutions and continuous learning.

• Are you interested in a career with an organization whose focus is on protecting and caring for vital lands on the coast and contributing to community well-being in Maine?
• Do you have a love of the land that you are inspired to share with people from diverse backgrounds?
• Do you love maps?
• Do you dive into your work with a sense of enthusiasm, curiosity, and determination?

If you answered yes to these questions, maybe you’d love to be the Eastern Maine Land Protection Associate!

Position Overview:

The Land Protection Associate supports the Land Protection team, with primary focus on the coastal region from Lincolnville to Lubec, ME. Assists Project Managers with their land conservation work. Provides GIS mapping expertise in coordination with the GIS Associate. Periodically conducts field work outdoors with other staff or alone. This position will be located at the Mount Desert Island Office in Somesville, ME or the Downeast Field Office in Whiting, ME.

Essential Job Functions:

• GIS Mapping & Data Management
  • Produces various thematic maps for Land Protection team, and other departments as needed, and in coordination with the GIS Associate
  • Coordinates with Project Managers, GIS Associate, and other staff to collect and/or update MCHT related geospatial data in the field.
  • Provides technical support for land protection staff as it relates to ArcGIS software, custom applications, and geospatial data development & maintenance tasks.
• Produces or helps prepare baseline data documentation for Conservation Easements, including field work, photographs, maps, and written descriptions of the property.
• Coordinates and performs Hazardous Waste Transaction Screens for properties in which MCHT takes an interest by ordering government record searches, obtaining historic topographic maps, assisting with site visits, and preparing reports.
• Periodically reviews, with MCHT’s General Counsel, the baseline data documentation and hazardous waste assessment procedures to ensure compliance with standards.
• Assists Project Managers with deed research, conservation easement planning, and other aspects of land acquisition.
• Assists Project Managers with various needs related to preparation for Board and Lands Committee meetings.
• Works in close conjunction with and as a part of the Land Protection staff team, taking on specific assignments as needed.
• Attends and participates in Land Protection staff meetings.
• Fieldwork will require periodic travel in the coastal region from Lincolnville to Lubec, ME.
• Attendance may be required for periodic evening and weekend events throughout the year.
• Regular attendance at the workplace is required.

Supervisory Responsibility:

None.

Education & Experience:

Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field and 2-3 years of relevant experience. In lieu of education, 4-5 years of GIS mapping experience and in supporting land protection activities.

Qualifications:

• Proficiency with ESRI’s ArcGIS suite of tools, such as ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, Survey123, & ArcGIS Online.
• Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience and skill in conducting research, collecting and managing data, and preparing reports.
• Strong interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to produce high quality maps for use in staff meetings, Board and Committee presentations, and recorded at the registry of deeds.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team with a variety of work styles.
• Ability to effectively operate computers & assigned software, including Microsoft 365, Adobe, and Teams.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize projects to effectively meet deadlines.

How and Where You Will Work:

Most work is performed in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc. Operates computer, printer, and other office equipment. Work requires extended sitting and repetitive motion in the use of computer, keyboard and mouse. Field work, when necessary, is performed outside in all weather conditions, and generally involves climbing, walking, carrying equipment, and bending and crouching. Operates GPS, compass, camera, and related tools. Some travel is required.

This position is based out of our Mount Desert Island office or our Whiting office. Office 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 permanent, full-time position with a generous benefits package including insurance, vacation and sick time, 14 paid holidays and a retirement plan. The annual starting salary range for this role is $46,000 to $52,000 and will depend upon experience.

To Apply: Please send your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and passion for our mission to search@mcht.org by January 2, 2025. Please use “LP Associate” in the subject line.

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.