The Mount Desert Land & Garden Preserve is looking for a Seasonal Land Steward to work ~6 months in 2026. Start date is flexible around June 1.  

POSITION SUMMARY

The Seasonal Land Steward supports trail construction, land stewardship, facility maintenance, and invasive species management on Preserve natural lands. This is a physically demanding, field-based seasonal role that advances ecological stewardship and visitor safety.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Trail building (bench cutting, cribbing, corridor clearing); prepare and safely move stone (cutting, shaping, transport).
• Daily field tasks: remove roots, make/transport crushed stone/soil, dig borrow pits, assist with highline/rigging as
• Invasive plant removal using hand, mechanical, and/or approved chemical methods under
• General maintenance: carriage road and ditch cleaning, planting/watering trees, fence repair, kiosk/trash care,
• Occassional work with wildlife (e.g., moving turtles, observing loons)
• Maintain organized, clean workspaces and tool storage; report tool needs; adhere to OSHA standards and PPE
• Engage visitors and staff professionally; share basic information about the Preserve’s natural
• Assist with other Preserve projects as assigned

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Passion for conservation, land stewardship, hiking, and trail
• Valid driver’s
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and work outdoors up to 8 hours/day in varied
• Ability to operate hand tools and small motorized equipment; prior trail experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; knowledge of local flora/fauna preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Primarily field-based work in varied weather conditions (rain, heat, cold).
• Frequent walking on uneven terrain; bending, kneeling, lifting and carrying up to 50
• Regular use of hand tools and small power equipment with required PPE; adherence to OSHA
• Occasional evenings/weekends during peak season or storm

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations under applicable law may be made to enable qualified individuals to perform these essential functions.