LakeSmart Program Specialist

Maine Lakes

Opening posted: 08/11/2026 | Expires: 09/30/2026

Apply via email

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The LakeSmart program specialist is a new full-time (35 hours/week) employee of Maine
Lakes who works under the supervision of the LakeSmart Manager to support and grow
the LakeSmart program, with a focus on Hancock, Washington, Penobscot, Piscataquis,
and Aroostook Counties.

Maine Lakes is a statewide membership organization dedicated to lake conservation
through education, outreach, and advocacy. Formed as a nonprofit organization in 1970,
Maine Lakes catalyzes and supports grassroots lake associations; collaborates with
regional watershed organizations across the state; and provides and promotes science-based
watershed stewardship and responsible land use to protect water quality.

As the flagship program of Maine Lakes, LakeSmart is an education and outreach program
that recognizes lakefront homeowners who manage their land to protect the water quality
of their lake. Trained volunteers visit properties in their lake communities to evaluate and
document areas of runoff and erosion and recommend site specific best management
practices to keep nutrient-laden runoff from reaching lakes. The program is free,
educational, voluntary, and non-regulatory.

Duties and Responsibilities
VOLUNTEER SUPPORT AND RECOGNITION (40%)

• Support and recognize a volunteer network of over 130 volunteers across the state with
  a focus on Northern and Downeast Maine during the LakeSmart season (May-October).
• Maintain regular communications with volunteers to provide technical assistance and
  clarification of the LakeSmart protocol and process.
• Develop and present training webinars and lead on-lake trainings for new and returning
  volunteer LakeSmart evaluators.
• Train and support volunteers on entering data into the Survey123 database.
• Review LakeSmart evaluations submitted into Survey123 and make decisions about
  LakeSmart Award status. Schedule visits to evaluated properties, as needed, prior to
  making status decisions.
• Ensure volunteers have resources, publications, and supplies they need.

OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS (25%)

• Assist with developing content for new LakeSmart outreach materials, newsletters, web
  pages, and social media posts.
• Staff LakeSmart tables and make presentations at lake association meetings and
  conferences.

DATA MANAGEMENT AND PRESENTATION (15%)

• Monitor, assess, and adapt efforts to track metrics to assess LakeSmart effectiveness
  and refine strategies moving forward.
• Prepare charts, graphs, and GIS maps to visually represent data for annual reports,
  grants, and strategic planning.
• Work with the GIS Coordinator at Maine DEP to manage and improve the Survey123
  database.

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND PROGRAM GROWTH (10%)

• Work regularly with Maine Lakes staff, partner organizations, and seasoned LakeSmart
  volunteers to identify strategic directions and support continuous program
  improvement.

OTHER (10%)

• Serve on planning committees for the annual Lakes Conference (June).
•  Assist with organizational projects, as time permits.
•  Participate in staff and other Maine Lakes meetings and activities.
•  Identify and participate in professional development opportunities.

Skills and Proficiencies:

• Bachelors degree in natural sciences preferred with knowledge of lake science;
•  Strong commitment to lake protection and a experience working with volunteers;
• Experience supporting volunteers across a wide geographical area;
•  Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and
  deadlines;
• Self-motivated and demonstrated ability to work independently as well as experience
  being part of a productive and cooperative team;
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills;
• GIS proficiency, including ArcGIS online and ArcGIS Pro;
• Ability to travel statewide especially during the LakeSmart season. Mileage is
  reimbursed at the federal rate.

Position Details

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Office space is available in Yarmouth, Maine. Remote work in a home office or a hybrid
schedule with both in-office and remote time is possible. Occasional nights, weekends,
and overnight travel required.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay for this position is $24/hour. Benefits include a matching retirement plan, generous
holiday/sick/vacation time, and a contribution toward a health savings plan for employees
who carry their own qualifying high deductible insurance plan.

HOW TO APPLY:
Email a cover letter and current resume in one pdf to Andrea Stevens at
with “LakeSmart Program Specialist” in the subject line. Applications
will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Maine Lakes makes employment decisions without regard to age, color, race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, or any other protected status. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment reflects our goal to treat all employees and applicants with dignity and respect.