OUTDOOR RECREATION SPECIALIST

(PLANNING & RESEARCH ASSOCIATE II) - BUREAU OF PARKS AND LANDS (BPL)

-ANTICIPATED VACANCY-

Opening Date:

May 16, 2024

Closing Date:

May 31, 2024

Location:

Augusta

Position #:

01720-6364

Position Type:

Full Time (Limited Period) *

Class Code:

0040

Grade/Salary:

Grade 23 - $47,840.00 - $64,542.40/Annually

*This position is anticipated to become a permanent full time position with the new budget.

AGENCY DESCRIPTION: The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) in the Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry has an opening for an Outdoor Recreation Specialist (Planning and Research Associate II). BPL manages over 700,000 acres of fee-owned land with conservation easements and leases bringing the total land area conserved to over 2 million acres. These lands are managed for a variety of resource values including recreation, cultural and historic values, wildlife, ecology, and timber. This limited period* full-time position may be located in Augusta, Farmington, or Bangor.

Hybrid work options are available for this position.

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: The Bureau’s Outdoor Recreation Specialist supports recreation management efforts across Maine Public Lands, State Parks, and Historic Sites. The position monitors the use and character of the Bureau’s recreation resources including but not limited to trails, campsites, and other recreation infrastructure. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other tools, the position supports inventory and assessment efforts aiding in recreation resource management across the Bureau’s properties and interests. The Outdoor Recreation Specialist works with staff, partners, volunteers, and contractors to help plan and oversee recreation infrastructure development, rehabilitation, and maintenance. It periodically assists with developing and managing surveys and other planning initiatives. Work may be in remote locations, and some overnight travel is required. 

The position assists with developing Bureau reports, grants, and recreation development initiatives in addition to helping craft and deliver conservation and stewardship messages to the public through signage, kiosks, social media, and direct communications.

For questions specific to the position, please email Rex Turner at rex.turner@maine.gov

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in parks and recreation management, natural resources, forestry, environmental sciences, or a related field, plus 4 years of experience. Equivalent related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. 

The successful candidate will have:

• Experience working with outdoor recreation resources such as trails, campsites, and other recreation areas.
• Knowledge of outdoor recreation and land management planning principles.
• Knowledge of GIS (e.g., ESRI) products and tools.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with federal and state agencies, public officials, consultants, departmental staff, senior management, and the public.
• Ability to design, organize, oversee, and/or maintain data collection and management efforts.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants will need to complete and submit an online State of Maine Direct Hire Application, along with a Cover Letter, and detailed Resume at: https://www.maine.gov/nrsc/jobs/index.shtml#acf

Direct Hire Application forms can be obtained by accessing the NRSC website at: https://www.maine.gov/nrsc/jobs/application.shtml 

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO APPLY ONLINE: Please mail the application materials listed in the "How to Apply" section to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155.

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No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3 weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave. 
• Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.41% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense. 
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses. 
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions. 
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness. 

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.