Island Caretaker (2 seasonal positions)
The Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) is a non-profit organization working to promote environmental stewardship and responsible recreation on Maine’s coastal islands. MITA seeks qualified island caretakers to help with the management of two islands in Casco Bay: Little Chebeague Island and Jewell Island.
There are two separate caretaker positions available for 2019. Each involves monitoring visitor activity, providing stewardship services, and educating island visitors about Leave No Trace recreation. These are seasonal positions that coincide with the recreational 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 recreation 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 (Position 1)
Connected by a sandbar to Great Chebeague, Little Chebeague Island is a highly popular destination for Casco Bay residents and boaters and sees over 1,200 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 camp in a platform tent provided by MITA. The caretaker will supply his or her own food and drinking water and have access to an 18’ motorized aluminum skiff, a kayak and an assortment of maintenance tools.
Jewell Island (Position 2)
Situated on the outer fringe of Casco Bay, Jewell Island is 221 acres in size and features 2½ miles of hiking trails, 12 established campsites, sandy beaches, craggy bluffs and remnants of World War II fortifications. It has been a popular destination for recreational boaters for generations and sees over 2,500 visitors each year. The caretaker will work 5 days per week on the island and live in a single-room cabin on Little Jewell, an islet on the west side of Cocktail Cove. The caretaker will supply his or her own food and drinking water and have access to an 18’ motorized aluminum skiff, rowboat and an assortment of maintenance tools provided by MITA.
On-island duties for each position includes:
– Maintaining trails, signs, privy, 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 for each position is as follows: (some flexibility available)
Mid-May to Memorial Day Weekend
– Orientation/preparation/training
– Work 5 days/week, weekends off
Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend
– In residence on island
– Work 5 days/week including weekends and holidays with two days off mid-week
After Labor Day Weekend to mid-September
– Program wrap up at MITA office in Portland
– Work 5 days/week, weekends off
Compensation for each position: $8,500 living stipend
To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter that conveys relevant skills and qualifications to search@mita.org. All candidates will be considered for both positions unless a specific preference is indicated (Little Chebeague or Jewell). For more information about MITA, please visit www.mita.org.
Application deadline March 15, 2019.
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.
