Conservation Associate

Posted:
Sep 24, 2026 | Expires:
Oct 18, 2026

We advance the conservation of lands and waters in Maine to ensure ecological well-being and foster thriving communities.

We understand that as in nature, diversity builds resilience. We uphold a working culture where unique identities and experiences are welcomed and appreciated.

Our team is empathetic, committed and collaborative. We seek employees that are not only capable and talented, but who care about supporting and respecting each other. We seek people who are interested in imagining creative solutions and continuous learning.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Land Protection, the Conservation Associate assists with project work from planning to completion, GIS mapping, data and record management, and other departmental needs. While this position contributes to coast-wide conservation efforts, there is a special focus on the region from Lincolnville to Lubec – supporting Conservation Project Managers and conducting field work within that region.

This position can be based at the Mount Desert Island Office in Somesville, ME or the Downeast Field Office in Whiting, ME

• GIS Mapping & Geospatial Data Management, in coordination with Senior GIS Associate:
• Produces map resources for Land Protection team and other departments as needed.
• Collects and helps maintain geospatial data.
• Provides support and training for other GIS users within the Land Protection team.
• Conservation Records Management
• Assists with project recordkeeping, within SharePoint and conservation database
• Supports the conversion and maintenance of new conservation database
• Assists with landowner outreach, deed research, conservation easement planning, and other aspects of land conservation projects.
• Produces or helps prepare baseline data documentation for conservation easements, including field work, photographs, maps, and written descriptions of the property.
• Performs Hazardous Waste Transaction Screens for properties in which MCHT takes an interest by ordering government record searches, obtaining historic topographic maps, assisting with site visits, and preparing reports.
• Remains up to date with Land Trust Standards and Practices to ensure record keeping and due diligence practices comply with standards.
• Works as a part of the Land Protection team, taking on specific assignments and departmental priorities as needed.
• Attends and participates in Land Protection staff meetings and assists with various needs related to preparation for Board and Committee meetings.

None.

Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field and 2-3 years of relevant experience. In lieu of education, 4-5 years of GIS mapping experience and in supporting land conservation activities.

• Passion for and knowledge of MCHT mission and values.
• Ability to operate computers and assigned software, such as Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Salesforce, and Adobe.
• Proficiency with ESRI’s ArcGIS suite of tools, such as ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, Survey
  123, & ArcGIS Online.
• Ability to produce high-quality maps for use in project planning, legal documents, presentations, and public communications.
• Experience and skill in conducting research, collecting and managing data, and preparing reports.
• Discretion and proven responsibility for the handling of confidential, sensitive, and personal information
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team with a variety of work styles
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage a diverse project load through strong organizational, planning, and multi-tasking skills.
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.

• Experience in voluntary land…