Somerset Woods Trustees (SWT) and Pierce Pond Watershed Trust (PPWT) seek to hire a temporary Seasonal Field Staff member to assist with the management of their conserved properties.

Compensation: $20.00 per hour

Position Type: Seasonal, 30-35 hours per week

Season Duration: June 2nd – August 22nd, 2025 (12 weeks)

Location: Central Maine

About Somerset Woods Trustees and Pierce Pond Watershed Trust

Somerset Woods Trustees (SWT) is a conservation organization dedicated to preserving forests, waterways, and wildlife habitats in Somerset County, Maine. Through land protection, stewardship, and public access initiatives, SWT works to safeguard the region’s natural resources while providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, education, and community engagement. Somerset Woods Trustees is partnering with Pierce Pond Watershed Trust (PPWT) for this position. Pierce Pond Watershed Trust is also a Somerset County conservation-based land trust. PPWT has permanently protected all 10,500-acres of the Pierce Pond watershed from development and continues conservation work to protect the wild character, natural resources, and scenic beauty of the area.

About This Opportunity

Somerset Woods Trustees seeks a seasonal field staffer to carry out much-needed preserve maintenance in lower Somerset County. This position is hired through Somerset Woods Trustees but is a split role, serving both Somerset Woods Trustees and Pierce Pond Watershed Trust to support stewardship, land management, and conservation efforts across both organizations. We are seeking individuals with a passion for the outdoors and land stewardship. The ideal candidate will be someone with trail maintaining or building experience who is passionate about working with individuals in the local communities.

The seasonal field staff member can expect to participate in projects including but not limited to corridor-clearing, blowdown removal, signage installation, and erosion mitigation through the construction of trail features such as water bars and bridges. This will be a physically demanding position involving hard work in a wide variety of weather conditions. 

Desired Skills, Abilities and Values

• Capacity to work in an outdoor environment, often in remote locations with limited or no access to cell coverage

• Tolerance of all weather conditions

• Ability to hike for extended periods carrying a backpack and/or field equipment (chainsaw, brushcutter, etc.) over rough, uneven terrain

• Proficiency and confidence with a chainsaw, highly preferred

• Capable of operating or learning to operate an outboard motor

• Routine moderate (30lbs) to heavy lifting (50lbs) may be required

• Compliant with established safety protocols and crew guidelines

• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision

• Must have a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle in good condition

• Regular use of a computer and cell phone are required; Microsoft Office 365, GPS, or Google applications may be required to complete tasks

 Primary Responsibilities

• Duties specific to Somerset Woods Trustees

• Property maintenance on Somerset Woods preserves 

• Working alongside anticipated MCC crew and volunteers at Wesserunsett Stream Preserve to complete final stages of Trails Relocation project

• Installation or repairing of signage, kiosks, and trail and boundary markers

• Clearing brush and blowdowns, including parking areas 

• Duties specific to Pierce Pond Watershed Trust

• Travel to Pierce Pond watershed at least every two weeks with overnight stays in caretaker cabin

• Foster and maintain positive working relationships with community stakeholders

• Assist with water quality monitoring events as needed, bi-weekly 

• Maintain trail systems and campsites (brushing, sign repair, blazing, etc.)

• Operate stewardship boat (outboard motor)

• Duties for Somerset Woods Trustees and Pierce Pond Watershed Trust:

• Develop, plan, and lead volunteer work events to accomplish specific stewardship goals

• Data collection and administrative tasks, which may include tracking hours, social media posts, or contributing GPS data to existing databases 

• Collaborative mentorship of a stewardship intern

• Serve as an ambassador for both organizations with professionalism and integrity

Location and Schedule

Generally, the staff member will have control over their work schedule with a flexible 5-day 35-hour work week. Working days are typically Monday through Friday, but some weekend work may be required. Work locations vary across Somerset County, but are primarily based in towns such as Madison, Skowhegan, Solon, or New Portland for Somerset Woods Trustees and at Pierce Pond for Pierce Pond Watershed Trust.

Compensation

Seasonal field staff will be paid $20 per hour with an option for free housing during their season. Seasonal field staff will receive training for their Pierce Pond Watershed Trust and Somerset Woods Trustees responsibilities via the Stewardship Coordinator. Training will include emergency protocols, chainsaw usage, basic trail maintenance, and trail construction. Field staff working for land trusts are also eligible for pro deals with outdoor gear manufacturers offering discounts to individuals involved in public land management.

How To Apply

We encourage anyone interested in this position to apply! Please email a current resume and cover letter to Rachel Cheatham-McFadden, Stewardship Coordinator: Rachel@somersetwoodstrustees.org. You may also email her with questions about this position. Thank you so much for your interest, and we look forward to hearing from you! Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis until the position is filled.