Harpswell Heritage Land Trust (HHLT) seeks a hardworking and enthusiastic individual passionate about conservation and land stewardship to serve as our seasonal Salka Impact Land Steward. We are looking for a self-motivated individual who enjoys the outdoors, working independently, and as part of group. Join our small, collaborative team and help care for our preserves and trails in beautiful Harpswell, Maine!

TO APPLY
Please submit a cover letter and resume to Kim Van Zorge at info@hhltmaine.org. Applications are due by 8:00am on March 2nd, 2026. The start date for this position is May 4th. Questions can be directed to Lands & Stewardship Director Emma Balazs at emma@hhltmaine.org or 207-721-1121.

HHLT OVERVIEW
Harpswell Heritage Land Trust (HHLT) is a community-based nonprofit founded in 1983. HHLT’s mission is to preserve and protect Harpswell’s natural resources, cultural heritage, and access to the outdoors now and forever through conservation, stewardship and education. By balancing conservation with public access, the land trust works to ensure the long-term health of Harpswell’s land and waters for generations to come.

SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Salka Impact Land Steward is responsible for care and maintenance of preserves and trails, completing stewardship projects and leading volunteer groups. This position works collaboratively with other staff and volunteers to achieve goals. This position requires the employee to perform tasks independently, to communicate effectively, to pay close attention to detail, and to develop positive working relationships with volunteers and the community. This position is supervised by the Lands & Stewardship Director.

Duties include:

1. Preserves and Trails – In collaboration with other staff and volunteers, ensure that HHLT’s preserves and trails are well-maintained, safe, and appealing to visitors. Assist with annual monitoring and management of projects at specific preserves.

2. Accessibility – Complete a series of accessibility related projects including completing an accessibility inventory of HHLT trails, evaluating our current trail rating system, updating trail information provided to the public and identifying trails that could be modified to be accessible to a wider range of visitors.

3. Community Relations – Represent HHLT in the community in an accurate and friendly way. Build and maintain relationships with preserve visitors, neighbors and other constituents. Promptly respond to concerns and collaborate with staff, board, and committees to create solutions. Participate in collaborative partnerships.

4. Volunteers – Build and maintain relationships with community volunteers. Assist with volunteer recruitment, engagement and training. Lead volunteer workdays to carry out stewardship tasks and projects.

5. Conservation Easements – Assist staff and trained volunteers with monitoring of conservation easement properties. Help maintain positive relationships with owners of conservation easements.

6. Programs and Events – Assist with and support HHLT programs and events as needed.

7. Committees and Board of Trustees – Attend Stewardship Committee meetings and collaborate with committee members, trustees and Lands & Stewardship Director to make sound, well-informed decisions about stewardship activities.

8. Reporting and Record-keeping – Assist Lands & Stewardship Director to ensure impeccable stewardship record-keeping. Help maintain permanent project files for preserves and conservation easements.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Valid Driver’s License in good standing and access to a reliable vehicle is required
• Passion for the mission and work in the conservation sector
• Prior experience in land conservation, land management, trail work, or related fields or an interest and willingness to learn
• Experience operating equipment and hand tools such as weedwhackers, power drills, handsaws, trail trimming tools, etc. or a willingness to learn
• Experience or strong interest in leading volunteer groups
• Comfort and ability to work outdoors in a variety of settings including hiking on uneven terrain, carrying up to 30 pounds and lifting up to 40 pounds
• Applicant must be self-motivated with comfort working independently as well as part of a team
• Strong organizational skills – ability to manage daily emails and other communication with colleagues and external partners, record meeting notes, and manage files in alignment with organizational standards
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively through phone, email and in-person conversations
• Competency with standard computer software, including Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
• Demonstrates good judgment and professionalism
• Applicant must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends (with advanced notice)

Not required but a plus if you have:

• Educational background in ecology, natural resources, conservation or related fields
• Experience with GIS or mapping software
• Experience with invasive species control
• Knowledge of local flora and fauna
• First Aid or Wilderness First Aid Certification

LOCATION AND WORKING CONDITIONS
The HHLT office is located at 153 Harpswell Neck Road in Harpswell, Maine. This position will work primarily outdoors in a variety of weather and temperature conditions with some indoor work at a computer. Field work includes some physical labor and local travel to properties around Harpswell.

COMPENSATION
This is a seasonal, hourly position working 32 hours per week at a rate of $20 per hour. The timing of this position is from May 4 through October 30 (26 weeks). Benefits include federal holidays during employment period and mileage reimbursement at the current IRS rate for work-related travel.

Housing: Although we can’t guarantee that housing will be supplied for this position, we will use our network to help identify housing options in the area.

Funding for this position is made possible by Together for Good / the Salka Family Impact Group.