Conservation Associate

Maine Tasting Center; Mount Desert (ME); Hybrid; USD 49,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maine Coast Heritage Trust seeks a Conservation Associate to support land protection projects across the Lincolnville to Lubec region, with emphasis on GIS mapping, data management, and field work in coastal Maine. Reporting to the Associate Director of Land Protection, this hybrid role can be based at Mount Desert Island or Whiting, ME.

You will assist with project planning, records management in SharePoint, baselines for conservation easements, and field documentation while upholding Land

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field, plus 2–3 years of relevant experience.
• In lieu of education, 4–5 years of GIS mapping experience and supporting land conservation activities.
• Proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS suite and related GIS tools.
• Experience with data collection, analysis, and reporting for conservation projects.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• GIS Mapping & geospatial data management for Land Protection.
• Conservation records management using SharePoint and databases.
• Field work and support for landowner outreach, deed research, and easement planning.
• Produce baseline data documentation for conservation easements, including photos, maps, and descriptions.
• Adhere to Land Trust Standards and Practices for records and due diligence.

Skills

GIS mapping

Geospatial data management

ArcGIS Pro

Field work

SharePoint

Microsoft Office

Data management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Environmental conservation

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in a related field

GIS mapping experience (4–5 years)

Tools

ArcGIS Field Maps

Survey123

ArcGIS Online

SharePoint

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe

Job description

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

Reporting to the Associate Director of Land Protection, the Conservation Associate assists with project work from planning to completion, GIS mapping, data and record management, and other departmental needs. While this position contributes to coast-wide conservation efforts, there is a special focus on the region from Lincolnville to Lubec – supporting Conservation Project Managers and conducting field work within that region. This position can be based at the Mount Desert Island Office in Somesville, ME or the Downeast Field Office in Whiting, ME

Essential Job Functions

• GIS Mapping & Geospatial Data Management, in coordination with Senior GIS Associate:
  • Produces map resources for Land Protection team and other departments as needed.
  • Collects and helps maintain geospatial data.
  • Provides support and training for other GIS users within the Land Protection team.

• Conservation Records Management
  • Assists with project recordkeeping, within SharePoint and conservation database
  • Supports the conversion and maintenance of new conservation database

• Assists with landowner outreach, deed research, conservation easement planning, and other aspects of land conservation projects.
• Produces or helps prepare baseline data documentation for conservation easements, including field work, photographs, maps, and written descriptions of the property.
• Performs Hazardous Waste Transaction Screens for properties in which MCHT takes an interest by ordering government record searches, obtaining historic topographic maps, assisting with site visits, and preparing reports.
• Remains up to date with Land Trust Standards and Practices to ensure record keeping and due diligence practices comply with standards.
• Works as a part of the Land Protection team, taking on specific assignments and departmental priorities as needed.
• Attends and participates in Land Protection staff meetings andassists with various needs related to preparation for Board and Committee meetings.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Education & Experience

Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field and 2-3 years of relevant experience. In lieu of education, 4-5 years of GIS mapping experience and in supporting land conservation activities.

Qualifications

Required

• Passion for and knowledge of MCHT mission and values.
• Ability to operate computers and assigned software, such as Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Salesforce, and Adobe.
• Proficiency with ESRI’s ArcGIS suite of tools, such as ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, Survey123, & ArcGIS Online.
• Ability to produce high-quality maps for use in project planning, legal documents, presentations, and public communications.
• Experience and skill in conducting research, collecting and managing data, and preparing reports.
• Discretion and proven responsibility for the handling of confidential, sensitive, and personal information
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team with a variety of work styles
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage a diverse project load through strong organizational, planning, and multi-tasking skills.
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

Preferred

• Experience in voluntary land protection techniques and completing land conservation transactions in accordance with Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices.
• Working knowledge of Maine’s geography, culture, flora and fauna.
• Field skills such as working with map and compass, GPS systems, reading terrain, identifying and understanding natural resource sensitivities and constraints.
• Experience with database development and maintenance.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Work is performed in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc. Operates computer, printer, photocopier, and basic office equipment. Work requires extended sitting and repetitive motion in the use of computer, keyboard, and mouse. Long days, evenings, and weekends are occasionally necessary. Reliable transportation and the ability to travel independently to project sites across the region are required. Must be willing to travel in boats (you do not need your own boat).

Field work is performed outside in all weather conditions and on rough or wet terrain. Requires walking, hiking, bending, crouching and occasional lifting. All efforts are made to keep the job safe but occasionally rough seas or difficult terrains can create unexpected hazards.

MCHT has offices in Topsham, Rockport, Mount Desert Island, and Whiting, Maine. This position can be based out of our Mount Desert Island office or our Whiting office. We offer a hybrid work model of two office days and three remote days per week.

This is a permanent, full-time position with a benefits package including insurance, generous vacation and sick time, and a retirement plan. The annual starting salary range for this role is $49,000 to $56,000 and is dependent upon experience.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

*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.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Maine Coast Heritage Trust does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law. We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission.