Planning & Research Associate I - 6193 - Augusta - Limited Period (Anticipated Vacancy)

PLANNING & RESEARCH ASSOCIATE I

-ANTICIPATED VACANCY-

Opening Date:

July 01, 2025

Closing Date:

July 15, 2025

Location:

Augusta

Position #:

01715-6193

Position Type:

Full Time (Limited Period)

Class Code:

0039

Grade/Salary:

Grade 20 - $20.68 - $28.88 Per Hour

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry’s Maine Forest Service (MFS) is recruiting for a Limited Period Planning and Research Associate I in Augusta. 

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: This position will support outreach, education, communications, grant and data management activities related to MFS’s forest stewardship and conservation education programs. Primary audiences include woodland owners, foresters, loggers, and others. Responsibilities of this position will include: 

• Developing outreach materials and customer engagement tools, including websites, print, audiovisual, and other electronic media.


• Planning, providing logistic support, and participating in events, field tours, webinars, and meetings.


• Managing client information and project data in support of outreach, technical assistance, and financial incentive programs.


• Researching, writing, designing, and editing grants, contracts, reports, and related documents. 

The position is supervised by the Division Director of the Forest Policy & Management Division and will work closely with the Landowner Outreach Forester as well as other program managers and field-based District Foresters statewide.  

Note: A hybrid schedule (i.e., some remote work) may be possible, but incumbents are expected to work in the Augusta office for a minimum of two days per week. Some travel statewide, and evening or weekend work may be required.

For questions specific to the position, please email Morten Moesswilde at: [email protected]

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A six (6) year combination of education, training, and/or experience providing background in communications, planning & research.

Preference will be given to candidates who possess the following skills and abilities:

• Education, familiarity and field experience with natural resource, conservation, and forestry topics and activities.


• Creativity and initiative in applying media tools to develop effective and engaging materials (including publications & graphic design software, photo/video editing, web design, storymaps, social media, etc.). 


• Demonstrated ability to communicate easily, professionally, and effectively, in writing and in person, with multiple audiences, from woodland owners and managers to the general public.


• Demonstrated ability to work with colleagues, in teams, one-on-one, and independently, on multiple projects concurrently.


• Database management, analyzing, compiling and presenting client/project/program information.


• Ability to draft, edit, and review technical reports, contracts, grants, and maps.

HOW TO APPLY: Interested applicants need to apply online by selecting the "APPLY" button below along with uploading a Cover Letter, and a current Resume. In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your Resume includes month and year for any experience listed along with the duties and responsibilities associated with each particular time period. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such. 

If you can't apply online and you require a paper application, please download and print one here: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/application-process. Paper applications for this posting should be submitted along with a Cover Letter and a current Resume before the closing date, to: Natural Resources Service Center, c/o Kristin McCamish, 32 Blossom Lane, Marquardt Building, Augusta, ME 04333-0155. Please be sure that the title, and position number, of the job you are applying for is included.

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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 ($11,196.96-$13,172.88 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 ($358.08 annual value). 


• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.29% 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.