Marsh Restoration Program Manager

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.

Position Overview:

The Marsh Restoration Program Manager will be primarily responsible for coordinating MCHT’s tidal marsh restoration work as part of MCHT’s “Marshes for Tomorrow” Initiative and coordinating restoration training through SMARTeams Academy.  This will involve collaborating with staff and partners to encourage and facilitate marsh restoration along the coast of Maine and will require coordinating with both internal and external stakeholders to establish priorities and identify new marsh restoration projects. This role provides to opportunity to travel all of Maine to develop and maintain partnerships. This is a grant funded position, with one-year initial funding.  Pursuing additional funding to extend the position beyond 2024/25.

What you will do:

• Work with SMARTeams to facilitate, coordinate, and oversee implementation of SMARTeams Academy trainings for marsh restoration practitioners. This will include budget management and playing an active role in fundraising for the Academy.
• Play a leadership role in emerging partnerships to coordinate tidal marsh restoration in Maine, such as the Maine Tidal Marsh Restoration Network
• Assist with project tracking to maintain and share up-to-date information on tidal marsh restoration projects underway in Maine and work with partners to develop universal database.
• Work with Marsh Restoration Steward to assist SMARTeams Academy partners with all aspects of marsh restoration planning and project development including mapping intertidal landowners, coordination with land ownership, assessment and design, identifying/applying for funding, and coordination with municipalities and the State on nearby tidal and other restrictions. Some restoration activities may occur on a mix of publicly and privately owned land.
• Create and disseminate educational materials about marsh restoration.
• Represent MCHT in meetings with statewide partners to establish tidal marsh restoration priorities and coordinate with partners on grant funding, project coordination, et cetera.
• Manage and support Marsh Restoration Steward(s), volunteers, and seasonal staff.

Outreach

• Reach out to coastal communities, land trusts, landowners, and government entities to engage them in marsh restoration. Develop partnerships with a wide range of people to support economic, recreation, and educational opportunities.
• Initiate walks, field trips, events on MCHT and partner properties, to educate people about marshes and marsh restoration.

General

• Works with the Director of Stewardship and other relevant staff to develop a coordinated restoration strategy for MCHT, strategize fundraising and keep MCHT informed of the work.
• Coordinates with staff including Communications staff regarding public outreach and media needs; Administrative staff regarding the smooth operation of programs; and Land Protection and Development staff to continually incorporate landowners and others into the Trust’s land protection and development strategies and to help with fundraising and preserve and CE design.

What you will bring:

• Excellent field skills, including GIS mapping/GPS systems experience, handling tools/equipment, ability to read and physically navigate terrain, and identifying/understanding natural resource sensitivities/constraints.
• Confidence to create strong relationships with staff, volunteers, and community members and the communication skills to work with a wide range of people.
• Excellent management and leadership skills, grounded in a commitment to collaboration with and support of staff.
• 7-8 years of direct experience in a natural resources related field, especially land protection and marsh restoration work. A combination of bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of related experience is preferred.
• Property management and management plan development experience.
• Familiarity with the region and its communities and knowledge of Maine geography, flora, and fauna.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, preferably including public speaking skills.

How and where you will work:

Inside work is performed in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc. Operates computer and other office equipment and requires extended sitting and repetitive motion in the use of computer. Field work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions, and generally involves climbing, walking, bending, and crouching. Operates GPS, compass, camera, and related tools. Regular travel is required.

This is a full-time position with a benefits package including insurance, generous vacation, and sick time. The annual starting salary range for this role is $66,800 to $74,500 and will depend upon experience.

If you are interested in joining our team, please send your COVER LETTER and RESUME to search@mcht.org with “Marsh Program Manager” in the subject line by July 31, 2024.

Please review the FULL job description by following this link: Marsh Restoration Program Manager.pdf

To learn more about Maine Coast Heritage Trust and our work visit our website at https://www.mcht.org/

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.

*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.