Position: Seasonal Land Steward (two positions, varying durations)

Duration: Start and end dates somewhat flexible. Longer position: May - December

(40 hours/week, 1,560-hour max). Shorter position: May/June – August/September (40 hours/week)

Wage: $22.50/hour

Scope of Work: We are looking for two passionate outdoor recreationalists/environmentalists to work on our professional stewardship staff this spring, summer and fall. This is a wonderful opportunity to work at a much-loved nature preserve on Mount Desert Island, Maine. The Seasonal Land Steward is primarily responsible for performing all aspects of trail construction, general maintenance, and invasive species management at the Little Long Pond natural lands in Seal Harbor, Maine. This is a seasonal, non-exempt (hourly) position, ~ 40 hours per week. This is a physically demanding job.

The nonprofit Land & Garden Preserve offers serenity across 1,400 acres of astonishing natural lands and three breathtaking historic pleasure gardens adjacent to Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island, Maine. Visitors enjoy our lands by walking a vast network of trails and carriage roads. We steward three top-tier public gardens of wildly different character: The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden, the Thuya Garden, and the Asticou Azalea Garden. Each is a horticultural work of art that reinforces a strong sense of place and contributes to the special wonder of coastal Maine. Our people are among our greatest assets. We proudly employ a dedicated team of talented gardeners and craftspeople with a passion for our mission to conserve and share the beauty of our historic lands and gardens. For more information, visit gardenpreserve.org.

Essential Job Functions:

Trail Building (60%)

• Assist in all aspects of trail construction including bench cutting, cribbing, corridor clearing,
• Building with stone and all associated prep work: cutting, shaping, and safely moving stone
• Daily duties will include, but are not limited to, removing tree roots, making/transporting crushed stone/soil, digging borrow pits, assisting with highline and other

Invasive species management (10%)

• Invasive plant removal using hand, mechanical and/or chemical methods.

General maintenance and landscaping (30%) 

• Seasonal carriage road and ditch cleaning.
• Planting and watering trees
• Fence repair, tending kiosks and garbage cans, mowing lawn, etc.

Overarching expectations

• Adhere to all applicable OSHA safety
• Interact with all staff and guests (visitors, members, and board directors) in a friendly and professional manner.
• Ensure that workspaces and tool storage are kept organized and
• Be knowledgeable about frequently asked questions about our natural lands and the Land & Garden
• Assist with other projects throughout the Preserve as

Minimum Qualifications:

• Passion for natural areas management, conservation, land stewardship, hiking and trail
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs., kneel, bend, and perform physical
• Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions for up to 8 hours per
• Ability to operate a variety of hand tools and small motorized equipment.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Experience with trail building is
• Knowledge of environmental issues, local flora, and fauna
• Experience working outdoors conducting physically demanding work is