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Midcoast Regional Stewardship Manager

Maine Island Trail Association
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Midcoast Regional Stewardship Manager

 

About MITA

The Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the wild islands of coastal Maine. We are privileged to steward a 375-mile water trail that spans the entire Maine coast, comprising over 220 sites available for day visits or overnight camping. As a membership-based nonprofit, we endeavor to advance environmental stewardship, responsible recreation, and sustained access to some of the most scenic natural places in our state. Consider joining our small, enthusiastic team in pursuit of a worthy mission!

 

The Opportunity

MITA seeks a dynamic individual to oversee stewardship of the midcoast section of the Maine Island Trail, covering Muscongus Bay, Penobscot Bay, and Deer Isle (roughly Pemaquid Point to Naskeag Point). The Midcoast Regional Stewardship Manager (MRSM) is responsible for the recruitment, training, coordination, and recognition of volunteers, the management of MITA’s fleet of boats and vehicles, the implementation of MITA’s stewardship, education, and engagement programs, and the maintenance of key stakeholder relationships including Trail site owners and other partners within the region. The MRSM will work largely independently within their region, but also with support from MITA’s southern and downeast regional stewardship managers given shared goals, resources, and processes. 

 

Working Location

MITA is headquartered at the Maine Yacht Center in Portland, Maine. The MRSM will maintain a desk at the MITA office and also enjoy the ability to work partially remotely. This position involves significant field work during the boating season. Field work will be focused primarily in the midcoast region but may include travel to the southern and downeast regions of the Trail on occasion. Field work can occur in all weather conditions, in remote, wilderness locations, and involve several hours of travel by vehicle and boat.

 

Primary Responsibilities

Volunteer Program Management

MITA relies on volunteers to carry out the bulk of the stewardship work on the Trail. The MRSM will manage all aspects of the volunteer stewardship program in the midcoast region from recruitment to recognition, and ensure the well-being of volunteers through compliance with risk management policies and protocols. Key programs and tasks include:

  • Monitor Skipper Program: monitor skippers are volunteers authorized to captain MITA’s workboats. The MRSM will recruit, train, and oversee the monitor skippers, schedule and support skipper runs, and sustain the program in the midcoast region.
  • Island Cleanups and Workdays: the MRSM will schedule, organize, and implement shoreline cleanups and workdays on Trail sites in the midcoast region. Examples of workdays might include trail maintenance, clearing downed trees, invasive species control, tent platform or bog bridge construction, etc.
  • Island Adopter Program: island adopters are volunteers who steward Trail sites in their own boats and on their own schedules. The MRSM will recruit, engage, and support island adopters while strategically growing the program in the midcoast region.

Trail Site Stewardship

MITA does not own any sites on the Maine Island Trail. Instead, we cultivate and maintain relationships with landowners who choose to include their properties on the Trail, often in exchange for help with monitoring and stewardship. The MRSM will serve as the primary point of contact for landowners and partners in the midcoast region and work to ensure high-quality stewardship of the more than 70 sites that comprise this section of the Trail. 

Marine Fleet and Equipment Maintenance

MITA’s stewardship program is supported by a fleet of 10 18’ aluminum Lund skiffs,  three vehicles, and a range of tools and equipment including chainsaws, KombiSystems, and a custom lobster trap compactor. In collaboration with the downeast and southern regional stewardship managers, the MRSM will ensure proper care and functioning of MITA’s boats, trailers, vehicles, and equipment. This includes overseeing maintenance, commissioning, winterization, and storage of the fleet at the MITA boat shop, and maintaining relationships with service and equipment providers.

Education, Engagement and Access Program Implementation

MITA is committed to improving access to the islands, and to the education and safety of island visitors. The MRSM will help advance community engagement and access efforts by facilitating and leading experiential island outings within the midcoast region. The MRSM will also manage educational messaging on island signs, in the Trail Guide and the MITA mobile app. The MRSM may also represent MITA at meetings, workshops, and outreach events as appropriate.

 

Desired Skills and Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of relevant work experience or a course of study in related field with 1-3 years of relevant work experience 
  • Demonstrated ability to recruit, motivate, and manage volunteers in the field
  • Coastal boating experience (boat/motor/trailer operation, navigation, maintenance)
  • Trip leading experience in a remote setting and/or wilderness medical training
  • Trail maintenance and basic carpentry skills, including power tool operation
  • Familiarity with midcoast Maine, including native and invasive plants
  • Proven leadership and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent organizational and multitasking capabilities
  • Strong written and verbal communication and diplomacy skills
  • Flexibility and willingness to work long days, evenings, and weekends on occasion
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe suite and relational databases (e.g. Salesforce)
  • Valid driver’s license

 

Compensation

This is a permanent, full-time position with benefits including health insurance, vacation and sick time, paid holidays, a retirement plan, and the option of winter furlough. The annual starting salary range for this role is $48,000 to $54,000 depending upon experience.

 

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter by February 28, 2025 that conveys relevant skills and qualifications to search@mita.org.  

 

For more information about MITA, please visitwww.mita.org. 

 

MITA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to enhancing the diversity of its staff and members. MITA reserves the right to perform background checks as a condition of employment.