Planning & Research Associate II

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Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (and Boards) - Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation  

Job Class Code: 0040 
Grade: 23 (Professional/Technical)  
Salary: $ 49,275.20 - $ 69,139.20 
Location: Gardiner, ME 

Opening Date:  February 4, 2026

Closing Date:  February 19, 2026

Make a difference in public safety and professional accountability across Maine.

The Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR) is seeking a Planning and Research Associate II to play a key role in protecting the public by supporting Maine’s professional licensing boards and safety programs. If you enjoy complex work, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and ensuring that systems run efficiently and fairly, this role offers meaningful impact and variety every day.

In this position, you’ll help ensure that professionals who serve the public—from electricians and plumbers to geologists and elevator inspectors—meet Maine’s standards for safety, competence, and accountability. Your work directly supports timely licensure, effective compliance, and transparent governance.

As a Planning and Research Associate II, you will provide high-level administrative, research, and coordination support to multiple boards and programs, including:

• Electricians’ Examining Board
• Maine Fuel Board
• Nursing Home Administrator Licensing Board
• Board of Licensure for Geologists and Soil Scientists
• Plumbers’ Examining Board
• Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Program
• Elevator and Tramway Safety Program

Your responsibilities will include:

• Serving as a professional point of contact for licensing boards, senior staff, licensees, and the public, delivering advanced customer service.
• Processing applications on behalf of assigned boards and programs.
• Supporting complaint investigations by attending Complaint Committee meetings and serving as a knowledgeable resource.
• Assisting with the rulemaking process, including research, filings, and workflow coordination.
• Representing programs or leadership at public meetings by clearly explaining program goals, processes, and decisions.
• Ensuring compliance with state laws, rules, confidentiality standards, and information security policies.

The successful candidate will be detail-oriented and comfortable working in a regulatory environment. In addition, they will have:

• An understanding of the State’s role in protecting the public through professional licensing processes.
• Knowledge of (or the ability to quickly learn) professional licensing structures and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong organizational skills and advanced written and verbal communication abilities.
• The ability to analyze information, draw sound conclusions, and make well-reasoned recommendations.
• Confidence working with a wide range of stakeholders, including board members, attorneys, agency staff, and the public.
• Comfort learning and using multiple computer systems and applications.

Minimum qualifications

• An eight (8) year combination of education, training, and/or experience providing a knowledge of planning and research principles, practices, and techniques.

Preferred qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate:

• Exceptional organization and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.

If you’re motivated by public service, enjoy variety in your work, and want to contribute to systems that keep Maine residents safe, we encourage you to apply.

Please contact Holly Poirier, Board Manager with any questions about the job posting at [email protected]

Benefits of working for the State of Maine:

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 Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 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. 
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.91% for Confidential employees. 

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.

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.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.