Conservation Technician

~ For thirty-eight years, DSF has been working to restore the Atlantic salmon and other sea-run fish to the rivers and streams of eastern Maine. ~

Position Overview

The Downeast Salmon Federation, based in Columbia Falls, Maine, is seeking a Conservation Technician. As a Conservation Technician, you will be on the frontlines of a growing campaign to restore ecosystems that have been destroyed or damaged by centuries of industrial use. You will watch fish return to rivers that have been empty of them since dams were built blocking them from the sea. You will be part of the campaign to bring the fish back.

It’s an exciting job in a beautiful part of the world.

The Conservation Technician undertakes organizational and programmatic projects. Organizational projects include new construction, refurbishment, or maintenance of DSF facilities. Programmatic projects include in-stream habitat restoration, fishway construction and maintenance, land stewardship, and fish monitoring. Programmatic projects may be initially designed by DSF staff scientists and then turned over to the Technician for execution. The Technician may also be required to assist in hatchery operations during busy times of the hatchery cycle.

• Location: Washington County, ME. We have two offices, one located in Columbia Falls and the other in East Machias.
• Start Date: ASAP.

Responsibilities

• Executes habitat improvement projects
• Maintains and develops land trust infrastructure
• Monitors land trust fee properties in coordination with DSF volunteers
• Supports organization wide projects including facilities infrastructure and events
• Supports fisheries research field work
• Supports operations of two salmon hatcheries
• Manages project permits, and assists with fundraising
• Maintains professional relationships with state and federal agency staff, civic leaders, and community members
• Manages volunteers assisting in projects
• Identifies opportunities for improvement of DSF’s project management
• Assists in the creation of baseline documentation and perform the field portion of environmental hazard assessments
• Serves as project foreman on habitat restoration activities

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to land, river, and fish conservation
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to cultivate and develop constructive and effective relationships;
• Strong communication skills
• A team player with the ability to productively work with staff, volunteers, and the board
• Knowledgeable about freshwater and sea-run fish and aquatic ecosystems
• Ability to work independently
• Skilled with Microsoft Office—principally Word and Excel
• GIS experience a plus

Compensation

• Full time, with competitive salary and benefits based on experience and qualifications.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email resume, cover letter, and three references.
• Application Closing Date: Until position is filled.
• Only those candidates we interview will be notified.
• Please mention how you learned of this opening.