Little Chebeague Island Caretaker

MITA is seeking a qualified island caretaker to help with the management and stewardship of Little Chebeague island in Casco Bay. The caretaker will monitor recreational activity, provide stewardship services, and educate island visitors about Leave No Trace camping.

This 5-month seasonal position lasts the duration of the boating season (May to September).

Required Qualifications

• Coastal boating experience (boat/motor/trailer operation, navigation, safety)
• Excellent communication skills
• Energy and enthusiasm for regular public interaction
• Proven leadership and problem-solving experience
• Demonstrated ability to live and work in a remote setting with limited amenities
• Interest in environmental stewardship and education
• Familiarity with Maine coastal and environmental issues
• Knowledge of Leave No Trace and low impact camping principles
• Good physical condition (ability to lift 70 lbs and traverse rugged terrain)
• Valid driver’s license

Desirable Qualifications

• Trail maintenance or carpentry skills
• Education, volunteer coordination, and/or resource management experience
• Technical skills including equipment operation and maintenance (mower, brush hog, chainsaw)
• Knowledge of native and invasive plants
• Wilderness First Aid/CPR training

Little Chebeague Island

Connected by a sandbar to Great Chebeague, Little Chebeague Island is a highly popular destination for Casco Bay residents and boaters and sees over 4,000 visitors each year. Now largely wild, the island is heavily infested with several species of invasive plant. Since 2010, MITA has been enhancing the island as an outdoor recreation resource by managing invasives in forest groves and meadows and maintaining 1½  miles of walking paths. Given its proximity to Portland, MITA routinely uses Little Chebeague as a location for hosting volunteer work groups. The caretaker will work 5 days per week on the island and live in a small cabin on the island. The caretaker will supply their own food and drinking water and have access to an 18’ motorized aluminum skiff, a kayak and an assortment of maintenance tools.

On-Island Duties Include:

• Maintaining trails, signs, privies, and use areas and providing other on-island stewardship such as invasive plant control and marine debris cleanup
• Periodically leading volunteers in island work projects
• Serving as a friendly, helpful resource to island visitors
• Actively encouraging day users and campers to follow Leave No Trace practices
• Educating visitors about island history, ecology, and recreational use guidelines
• Observing, recording, and reporting on island visitation levels
• Monitoring environmental conditions on the islands

Work Schedule

The work schedule will be as follows (some flexibility available):

Compensation: $9,800 living stipend

To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter that conveys relevant skills and qualifications to search@mita.org. For more information about MITA, please visit www.mita.org.

Position open until filled.

MITA is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on account of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, ancestry, physical or mental disability or otherwise as prohibited by federal and state law.