SENIOR PLANNER (INTERPRETIVE SPECIALIST)

Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry; United States; On-site; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Gym membership reimbursement

Parental leave

Job summary

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry in Augusta, Maine, is seeking an Interpretive Specialist to lead education and outreach on natural history. You will coordinate interpretation, plans, and media for state parks and bureau lands, guiding staff and developing engaging content.

You will design exhibits, maps, and digital resources; deliver interpretive programs and training; and manage multiple projects with deadlines.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree in the natural sciences, outdoor recreation, education, or a related field, and four (4) years of related work experience.
• Equivalent related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership, direction, technical assistance, and guidance to Bureau staff regarding interpretation and environmental education.
• Researches and interprets natural, scientific, and recreational resources to identify interpretive opportunities and develop engaging educational content.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates statewide and site-specific interpretive plans, programs, projects, events, and initiatives for Bureau lands and facilities.
• Develops and delivers interpretive and environmental education programs and training, including special events, educational programs, staff training, and Ranger Academy Interpretation.
• Manages multiple projects simultaneously and ensures work is completed effectively and within deadlines and available resources.

Skills

Leadership

Research interpretation

Program planning

Educational programs

Grant writing

Media design

Public outreach

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, outdoor recreation, education, or related field

Equivalent related experience substituted for education

Job description

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION & FORESTRY

ANTICIPATED VACANCY Opening Date: October 09, 2026 Closing Date: October 26, 2026 Grade/Admin Unit: 25/Pro/Tech Job Class Code: 0603 Salary: $20.97 - $28.85/Hourly Position Number: 020101921 Position Type: Full Time Location: Augusta

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION

The Interpretive Specialist is the Bureau’s lead position on education and outreach regarding natural history. The position provides leadership, technical expertise, planning, coordination, training, and project support for the interpretation of natural resources. The position works with staff across all BPL divisions, with an emphasis on supporting interpretative activities for State Parks. The position researches and develops interpretive strategies; plans and evaluates educational programs and visitor experiences; assists with the design and development of interpretive signs, panels, exhibits, maps, digital resources, and other media; and provides interpretive training to BPL staff.

• Provides leadership, direction, technical assistance, and guidance to Bureau staff regarding interpretation and environmental education.


• Researches and interprets natural, scientific, and recreational resources to identify interpretive opportunities and develop engaging educational content.


• Develops, implements, and evaluates statewide and site-specific interpretive plans, programs, projects, events, and initiatives for Bureau lands and facilities.


• Develops, reviews, and coordinates interpretive media, including brochures, guides, maps, exhibits, digital content, and other materials that communicate natural resource information.


• Develops and delivers interpretive and environmental education programs and training, including special events, educational programs, staff training, and assistance with Ranger Academy Interpretation.


• Manages multiple projects simultaneously and ensures work is completed effectively and within established deadlines and available resources.


• Researches and develops grant applications and other funding proposals to support interpretation, environmental education, exhibits, and visitor services.


• Knowledge of the principles and practices of interpretation, environmental education, and visitor engagement.


• Knowledge of interpretive planning and design, including exhibits, signs, panels, brochures, and digital media.


• Ability to research, synthesize, and translate complex information into clear, accurate, and engaging natural resource educational material.


• Ability to develop and deliver effective interpretive programs, presentations, and training.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’s Degree in the natural sciences, outdoor recreation, education, or a related field, and four (4) years of related work experience. Equivalent related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—\"Dirigo\" or \"I lead\"as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually.


• Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.


• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60 -$14,369.04.04 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium co369sts for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.


• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.


• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).


• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes at least 14.06% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.


• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.


• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.


• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.


• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.


• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.


• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.


• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

About Us

Join Maine State Government and Make a Difference in Your Community

If you're looking for a fulfilling career that allows you to serve the public and make a difference, consider working with Maine State Government! Our departments boast an array of professions, including attorneys, biologists, correctional officers, equipment operators, engineers, human resources professionals, information technology experts, law enforcement officers, nurses, park rangers, social workers, and transportation workers. With more than 100 agencies, boards, and offices, Maine State Government is the perfect place to explore various industries and interests. Whether you're interested in finance or forestry, there's an opportunity for you to help make Maine an even better place to live.