Planning & Research Associate II - Augusta

Position Details

Opening Date:
August 27, 2026

Closing Date:
End of the day September 11, 2026

Location:

Augusta

Position Number:

Position Type:
Full Time/Year-Round

Class Code: 0040

Grade: 23 (Professional/Technical Unit)

Salary: $49,275.20 - $69,139.20 Per Year

• Assist in the administration and deployment of a federal grant program.
• Collect, analyze, and present data relevant to developing policies and procedures to ensure effective resource utilization of USDA funds.
• Coordinate program outreach and promotion.
• Data entry.
• Processing invoices and performance reports.
• Developing and tracking program budgets.
• Assisting subrecipients with project management, reporting, and compliance activities.
• Consulting with subrecipients and agencies to ensure that all accounts are in compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Researching grant outcomes to identify challenges and opportunities in Maine’s food system.
• Coordinating participant recruitment and customer service.
• Developing and implementing division policies, procedures and State Plans.
• Support the administration of the USDA FNS Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program including an annual ~$700,000 allocation to the Maine Senior Farm Share Program.

• An eight (8) year combination of education, training, and/or experience providing a knowledge of planning and research principles, practices, and techniques.
• Experience in food-supply-chain systems.
• Prior experience in delivering business technical support to stakeholders; and working with software programs.
• Experience developing budgets, work programs, contracts, and cost analyses.
• Knowledge of federal grant programs with the ability to interpret and administer program requirements and prepare project and financial reports; and write comprehensive reports that document findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Experience monitoring and auditing grant projects and/or subaward contracts to ensure that federal awards are used appropriately, performance goals are achieved, and to ensure compliance.
• Ability to complete tasks within budget and within a specified order of operations.
• Ability to conduct special studies, collect and analyze issues, and report program outcome data, including investment impact.
• Experience acting as a key point of contact for coordination of activities involving stakeholders and partner organizations.
• Ability to conduct site visits as part of monitoring and due diligence efforts.
• Ability to draft and present testimony before regulatory fact-finding committees and other groups.
• Currently, this position is not eligible for vis sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($12,213.60-$14,369.04 annual value), depending on salary.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%.
• 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 leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar…