Senior Planner (Interpretive Specialist) - 0096

MaineGuide; Augusta (ME); On-site; USD 57,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Vacation leave

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Gym membership reimbursement

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

The Interpretive Specialist position at the Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry in Augusta leads education and outreach on natural history. You will provide technical leadership, planning, coordination, and training across divisions, with emphasis on state parks interpretation and visitor experiences.

You will research, design, and evaluate educational programs, signs, maps, and digital media; deliver training; and manage multiple projects, ensuring timely completion within

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in the natural sciences, outdoor recreation, education, or related field.
• Four (4) years of related work experience.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and guidance on interpretation and environmental education to Bureau staff.
• Researches and interprets natural, scientific, and recreational resources to identify interpretive opportunities and develop engaging content.
• Develops statewide and site-specific interpretive plans, programs, events, and initiatives for Bureau lands and facilities.
• Develops and coordinates interpretive media—brochures, guides, maps, exhibits, digital content and other materials.
• Delivers interpretive programs and training, including staff training and Ranger Academy Interpretation.
• Manages multiple projects with deadlines and limited resources.
• Develops grants and funding proposals to support interpretation and visitor services.
• Demonstrates knowledge of interpretation principles and environmental education.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Education

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

Job description

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

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.

ASSIGNED AREAS: Natural Sciences, Outdoor Recreation, Education or a related field.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

Work-Life Balance– Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using13 paid holidays,12 days of sick leave, and3+ weeks of vacation leaveannually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays85%-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 leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receiveforty-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 aMaineSaves457(b) account through payroll deductions.

Learn aboutadditional wellness benefitsfor 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.