Island Caretaker

(Two seasonal positions available)

The Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) is a nonprofit organization working to promote environmental stewardship and responsible recreation on Maine’s coastal islands. MITA seeks two qualified island caretakers to help with the management and stewardship of two distinct State-owned islands in Casco Bay. One caretaker will be stationed on Jewell island, and one caretaker on Little Chebeague Island. Each caretaker will monitor recreational activity, provide stewardship services, and educate island visitors about low-impact camping on their respective island during the 2026 boating season.

This is a five-month seasonal position that begins in May and ends in September (start and end dates are somewhat flexible).

Required Qualifications

• Coastal boating experience (boat/motor/trailer operation, navigation, safety)
• Excellent communication skills
• Energy and enthusiasm for regular public interaction
• Proven leadership and problem-solving experience
• Demonstrated ability to live and work in a remote setting with limited amenities
• Interest in environmental stewardship and education
• Familiarity with Maine coastal and environmental issues
• Knowledge of low impact camping principles
• Good physical condition (ability to lift 70 lbs and traverse rugged terrain)
• Valid driver’s license

Desirable Qualifications

• Education, volunteer coordination, and/or resource management experience
• Trail maintenance or carpentry skills
• Technical skills including equipment operation and maintenance (mower, hedge trimmer, chainsaw)
• Knowledge of native and invasive plants
• Wilderness First Aid/CPR training

THE ISLANDS

Jewell Island

Situated on the outer fringe of Casco Bay, Jewell Island is 221 acres in size and features 2½ miles of hiking trails, 16 established campsites, sandy beaches, craggy bluffs and remnants of World War II fortifications. It has been a popular destination for recreational boaters for generations and sees over 2,500 visitors each year. Given its proximity to Portland, MITA routinely uses Jewell as a location for hosting volunteer work groups. 

Little Chebeague Island

Connected by a sandbar to Great Chebeague, Little Chebeague Island is a highly popular destination for Casco Bay residents and boaters and visited by thousands of people annually. Now largely wild, the island has a rich history that includes summer cottages, a farm, a hotel, and U.S. Navy operations. Since 2010, MITA has been enhancing the island as a public recreational resource by maintaining campsites and walking trails, and managing invasive plants within its forests and meadows. MITA staff often coordinate groups of volunteers to help with the maintenance and upkeep of Little Chebeague. 

THE ROLE OF THE CARETAKER

Each caretaker will work five days per week and live in a minimally-outfitted small cabin on their island. MITA provides an 18’ motorized aluminum skiff, dock space and a mooring, a kayak or rowboat, and an assortment of maintenance tools. The caretaker supplies their own food and drinking water.

 On-Island Duties:

• Maintain trails, signs, privies, campsites, and other use areas
• Manage on-island stewardship such as invasive plant control and marine debris cleanup
• Periodically lead volunteers in island work projects
• Serve as a friendly, helpful resource to island visitors
• Actively encourage day users and campers to follow low-impact recreational practices
• Observe, record, and report on island visitation levels 
• Educate visitors about island history, ecology, and recreational use guidelines
• Monitor environmental conditions on the island 

Work Schedule

The work schedule is typically as follows:

Mid-May to Memorial Day Weekend

• Orientation/preparation/training
• Work five days/week with weekends off

Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend

• In residence on Jewell and Little Chebeague islands
• Work five days/week including weekends and holidays with two days off mid-week

Labor Day Weekend to mid-September

• Program wrap-up on island and at MITA office in Portland
• Work five days/week, weekends off

Compensation: $11,500 living stipend

MITA is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on account of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, ancestry, physical or mental disability or otherwise as prohibited by federal and state law.