Seasonal Land Steward

Mount Desert Land & Garden Preserve

Opening posted: 03/20/2026 | Expires: 04/30/2026

The Seasonal Land Steward supports trail construction, land stewardship, facility maintenance, and invasive species management on Preserve natural lands. This is a physically demanding, field-based seasonal role that advances ecological stewardship and visitor safety.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Trail building (bench cutting, cribbing, corridor clearing); prepare and safely move stone (cutting, shaping, transport)
Daily field tasks: remove roots, make/transport crushed stone/soil, dig borrow pits, assist with highline/rigging as directed
Invasive plant removal using hand, mechanical, and/or approved chemical methods under supervision
General maintenance: carriage road and ditch cleaning, planting/watering trees, fence repair, kiosk/trash care, mowing
Occasional work with wildlife (e.g., moving turtles, observing loons)
Maintain organized, clean workspaces and tool storage; report tool needs; adhere to OSHA standards and PPE requirements
Engage visitors and staff professionally; share basic information about the Preserve’s natural lands
Assist with other Preserve projects as assigned

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Passion for conservation, land stewardship, hiking, and trail buidling
Valid driver’s license
Ability to lift 50 lbs. and work outdoors up to 8 hours/day in varied weather
Ability to operate hand tools and small motorized equipment; prior trail experience preferred
Ability to work independently and as part of a team; knowledge of local flora/fauna preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Primarily field-based work in varied weather conditions (rain, heat, cold)
Frequent walking on uneven terrain; bending, kneeling, lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs
Regular use of hand tools and small power equipment with required PPE; adherence to OSHA standards
Occasional evenings/weekends during peak season or storm response

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations under applicable law may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform these essential functions.

This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the organization reserves the right to change the position description and/ or assign tasks as it deems appropriate.