Project SHARE is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), organization made up of diverse stake-holders (commercial landowners, state and federal agencies, other nonprofit conservation groups, and private individuals) focusing on restoring endangered Atlantic salmon populations. The focus of Project SHARE’s restoration program is to restore natural stream processes and enhance existing Atlantic salmon habitat in the Downeast region of Maine. We are specifically focused on the 5 Downeast watersheds that maintain river-specific stocks of Atlantic salmon, the Narraguagus, Pleasant, Machias, East Machias, and Dennys rivers.

Position Overview:

The Habitat Restoration Field Assistants will work with Project SHARE staff and partners on various habitat restoration projects in Downeast Maine. They will also be able to spend time working with other conservation partners on other projects as time and schedules allow. The Assistants will gain on-the-job experience and expand skills directly applicable to river and aquatic restoration in Maine through direct participation in fish passage and habitat projects.

Job tasks may include construction oversight and reporting; conducting site surveys and monitoring; site data entry and quality control, photo file management, operating survey equipment; attending meetings with partners; restoration site visits; fish surveys; outreach and education to the public, etc. This position will require travel, which may include overnights, and extensive work in remote locations.

The position will run for approximately 17 weeks depending on when the Assistant is available, from early June to early October. One position is desired to begin mid-April. The position will be approximately 40 hours per week paid at an hourly rate of $17. Mileage reimbursement is also available.

Essential Functions:

• Work on a field crew responsible for implementing large wood addition projects on the Narraguagus and Pleasant Rivers. This is hands-on, physically demanding work.
• Support culvert replacement projects in July and August.
• Support Atlantic salmon smolt trapping operations on the Narraguagus River in April/May.
• Assist with habitat assessments and large wood surveys.
• Assist with field data collection at road crossing sites or other habitat restoration sites using standard field survey techniques including the use of a total station.
• Assist with drafting and writing project status reports.
• Assist with compiling and writing articles and information for internal and external media coverage on projects and other relevant topics.
• Navigate around Maine watersheds.
• Act as a positive ambassador for Project SHARE working with towns, rural communities, large private landowners and other natural resource agencies and conservation organizations.

Desired Qualifications:

• Keen desire to expand skills and experience in the engineering and/or environmental field.
• Recently graduated from a vocational, college, or graduate program, in a science or engineering field or a currently enrolled student of a similar program.
• Experience and/or course work in habitat restoration, structural engineering, fluvial geomorphology.
• Experience using technology (i.e. tablets, GPS) to record data.
• Ability to read, interpret, and navigate in remote locations using road and topographic maps, aerial photos, and other sources of mapped information.
• Ability to perform demanding physical work outdoors, sometimes under adverse conditions.
• Must hold a valid U.S. driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and thoroughness.
• Experience working independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills (in-person, phone, email). Actively listens to others, fosters open exchange of issues, and is timely with information.
• Experience using common software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Adobe.