Marsh Restoration Steward

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 Steward will assist with implementation of tidal marsh restoration projects. They will maintain a portfolio of 8 to 10 tidal marsh restoration projects. This may include a mix of projects on Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) preserves and other conserved lands. They will work closely with the Marsh Restoration Program Manager and SMARTeams to conduct tidal marsh assessment and develop restoration plans and will be primarily responsible for implementing marsh restoration plans. The Steward reports to the Marsh Restoration Program Manager. This position requires statewide travel and may require occasional overnights. 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:

• Assist and coordinate with the Marsh Restoration Program Manager to develop and implement marsh restoration plans for a portfolio of 8 to 10 tidal marsh restoration projects.
• Coordinate with Regional Stewards and partners, to oversee implementation of tidal restoration work, may include conducting and documenting restoration activities, coordinating with contractors and/or volunteers, permitting and compliance for restoration activities.
• Assist with development of a tidal marsh restoration tracking database and maintain up-to-date records for projects within their portfolio.
• Serve as a resource for partners working to develop new tidal marsh restoration projects. This may include planning and project development prior to implementation.
• Will coordinate with the Marsh Restoration Program Manager and other relevant staff and partners to map intertidal landownership, assist with assessment and design work, and coordinate with municipalities and the State on nearby tidal and other restrictions.
• Participate in and assist with marsh restoration SMARTeams trainings

General

• Assists and works with the Marsh Restoration Program Manager and others to develop restoration strategies, strategize fundraising and keep MCHT informed of the work.
• Be an active participant in state-level meetings such as the Maine Tidal Marsh Restoration Network.
• Coordinates and works with Communications staff regarding information for publications, public outreach materials, and media needs
• Serves as a resource to landowners, local governments, local land trusts, and other staff by providing technical marsh restoration information and giving occasional presentations.
• Utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping.

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.
• 7 years of direct experience in a natural resources related field, especially land protection and marsh restoration work. A combination of bachelor’s degree and 3-4 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 is a plus
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, preferably including public speaking skills.
• Requires statewide travel and occasional overnights.

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.

MCHT has offices in Topsham, Rockport, MDI and Whiting. The location of this position is flexible and could be in any of our offices. This position needs to be on-site at an office in any of the previously mentioned locations twice a week.  In addition, engaging with regional partners and representing MCHT in meetings with statewide partners and municipalities will require frequent statewide travel.

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 $60,500 to $67,000 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 Steward” in the subject line by August 6, 2024.

Please review the FULL job description by following this link: Marsh Restoration Steward.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.