Land Steward

Frenchman Bay Conservancy Land Steward Position

Dates of Employment: May 15- August 30 (flexible dates to fill 10-12 weeks)

Location: Office base in Hancock, ME, Fieldwork at FBC Preserves around eastern Hancock County

FBC Mission: Frenchman Bay Conservancy (FBC) is a nationally accredited, non-profit, land conservation organization located in Hancock, Maine.  Now in our 37th year of operation, we have protected over 16,000 acres through conservation easements and FBC-owned preserves in 12 towns and townships in Maine. Our conserved lands protect a broad variety of ecosystems and traditional land uses, including forest, wetlands, coastline, mountains, an organic farm, a working woodlot, blueberry fields, and waterfront along a wild and scenic river. Frenchman Bay Conservancy maintains more than 30 miles of year-round public access hiking trails for nature observation, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hunting. We protect access for the public to enjoy scenic vistas, sandy beaches, rocky coastlines and mudflats for recreation and commercial access including clam and worm harvesting. We are dedicated to providing public access to encourage people to develop a relationship with the outdoors.  

Position Description: FBC seeks a Seasonal Steward to join our team of nine staff to accomplish field projects at our Preserves that our Land Steward and dedicated team of Stewardship Volunteers focus on during the summer months. This individual will work well with others, conduct themselves professionally at all times, and assist with the advance preparation, and day-of work with volunteers.  They will also work on trail projects individually and as a team with our Stewardship Manager. The Seasonal Steward will also be responsible for monitoring some of our conserved lands, under the direction of FBC’s Stewardship Manager. This position is entirely field-based.

The Seasonal Steward will have the following top priorities:

• Preserve Stewardship: Working under the guidance of FBC’s Stewardship Manager, layout and build new trails, and make improvements to our existing trail network. This will include:
• traditional trail building methods using hand-tools only (not including a chainsaw),
• carpentry projects to make signage, kiosks, benches, and rustic timber structures on the trails,
• building and refining the tread surface (bench cut), clearing brush, removing trip hazards,
• installing rock features (rocks steps, stone cribbing, check dams),
• working with community volunteers during our weekly volunteer events, and
• performing routine maintenance (weed-whacking, mowing, brushing back vegetation along trails and trailheads
• Annual monitoring of FBC’s Preserves, consisting of walking property boundaries and writing reports for each monitoring visit.
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Local candidate preferred.
• Valid Drivers’ License & Personal Vehicle for self-transportation between FBC’s preserves and the FBC Office.
• Experience building hiking trails; these projects necessitate the ability to lift and carry at least 50 lbs over uneven terrain, for up to 3 miles.
• Experience using hand tools.
• Experience with rock work, use of griphoist and rigging equipment beneficial.
• Experience with gas powered tools, including a weed-whacker.

• Comfort working outside in inclement weather (hot, cold, wet), must have appropriate rain gear, sturdy work/hiking boots.

Position Benefits: $18/hour, 40 hours a week for a 10-12-week position. Extension beyond this time window may be possible. Mileage reimbursement at $0.66/mi. Housing may be available.