Senior Planner (Interpretive Specialist) - 0096

Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 57,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation leave

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Job summary

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry in Augusta is seeking a Senior Planner (Interpretive Specialist). This role leads environmental education and interpretation across divisions, developing programs, media, and trainings for state parks.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in natural sciences or related field and four years of related experience. Salary ranges from $56,867 to $79,747 per year, with full-time year-round employment and state benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural sciences, outdoor recreation, education, or related field, and four 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 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 Ranger Academy Interpretation.
• Manages multiple projects simultaneously and ensures work is completed effectively and within deadlines and 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, 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.

Skills

Leadership

Environmental education

Interpretation

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural sciences or related field

Job description

If you are a current State of Maine employee, please submit your application through the internal application process using the Find Jobs report in PRISM. Seasonal employees who do not have PRISM access should apply through the State’s career page and indicate on the application that they have previously worked for the State.

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION & FORESTRY SENIOR PLANNER (INTERPRETIVE SPECIALIST)

Opening Date: November 12, 2026 Closing Date: End of the day November 25, 2026 Location: Augusta Position Number: 01740-0096 Position Type: Full Time/Year-Round Class Code: 0603 Grade: 25 (Professional/Technical Unit) Salary: $56,867.20 - $79,747.20 Per Year

Interested applicants need to submit a Direct Hire Application, along with a Cover Letter, and a detailed Resume* *For us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes the month and year for any relevant experience listed. Your resume should include the duties and responsibilities associated with each position. Any experience that was not full‑time employment should be identified as such.

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.

Representative tasks and skills include:

• 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.

ASSIGNED AREAS:

Natural Sciences, Outdoor Recreation, Education or a related field. Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

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.

Benefits and Compensation

• 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 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs 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 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. If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Application Process 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.