Summer Program Steward
Application Deadline:
Sunday, February 27, 2026. Zoom interviews will begin on March 2 on a rolling basis.
To Apply:
Send a cover letter and resume tpascocello@kennebecestuary.org with the subject line ‘Summer Program Steward Application’. The first interview will be on the phone, and the second on Zoom. We will conduct all interviews on a rolling basis and will make a final decision by March 31, 2026. Please prepare the names and contact information of two references in advance and KELT will request references at the Zoom interview stage. We look forward to hearing from you!
Position Dates:
10 - 12 weeks between May 14 – August 30, 2026. 40 hours per week.
End dates flexible to accommodate summer schedules and based on weekly hours. Position is funded for a maximum of 480 hours.
Compensation:
$18.50 per hour
Seasonal employees receive paid national holidays within the summer employment period: Memorial Day (May 25), Juneteenth (June 19), and Independence Day (July 4).
Work-related travel is re-imbursed at IRS Standard Mileage.
A boot stipend, up to $200, is offered to offset the cost of acquiring appropriate footwear.
Paid chainsaw training & Wilderness First Aid training including CPR certification.
Housing: Not supplied through the position, but we have leads on affordable housing options in the area for seasonal staff.
Position Description:
Supervisor: KELT Community Education Manager
Summary: The Summer Program Steward will work with the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) to develop and deliver community education programs both in the office and out in the field. This position is an opportunity to gain experience on a variety of tasks and projects in the conservation field-- working with professionals, the public, and a diversity of age groups – in a close-knit community of staff and volunteers in beautiful midcoast Maine. This position is perfect for someone who is passionate about connecting people to nature, their local trails, and land protection, and there will be ample opportunity to pursue independent projects within of the land trust’s education, administrative, development, and land stewardship programs.
Why work with KELT this summer?
Experience the structure and operation of a not-for-profit land trust, with a particular emphasis on education, outreach, and development.
Gain hands-on experience with many facets of facilitating public events, including two weeklong summer day camps for children 6-11 years old.
Work outside to support stewardship field work and at an educational garden in Bath.
Exercise creative skills by assisting to write and design content for a variety of platforms (print and digital media) and taking photographs out in the field.
Spend the summer working in the beautiful natural areas of Maine.
Summer Program Steward Responsibilities:
Facilitate summer day camp activities during 2 week-long camp sessions for children 6-11 years old with the Community Education Manager during the weeks of *July 6-10, July 20-24, 2026*
Assist KELT staff with summer local garden programming on a weekly basis with children ages 0-5 years old.
Assist KELT staff to plan and attend public educational events on local trails.
Participate in community science monitoring with local volunteers.
Create written and visual content for a variety of online and print platforms, working closely with our Communications and Operations Coordinator.
Assist as needed with operational tasks such as database management, mailings, communication, and local outreach.
Necessary Skills:
Must be available 8 am – 4 pm the weeks of July 6-10 & July 20-24, 2026, in-person for KELT Kids Camp in Bath.
Driver’s license and reliable personal transportation.
Willingness to work with people of all ages and experiences, with an excitement to work with young children ages 0-12 years old. Experience working with children in a nature setting a plus.
Ability to manage time and tasks on independent projects.
Ability to communicate professionally with the general public and volunteers.
Willingness to work in outdoor conditions including heat, rain, biting insects, and difficult terrain.
Availability to work occasional events outside of traditional work day hours on some evenings and weekends.
Pass a basic background check to work with children.
a plus if you have:
Wilderness First Aid, Basic First Aid Certification, and/or Lifeguard Certification. We will provide WFA training during the summer with Wild Maine Med.
Experience working outdoors.
Experience communicating with the public.
Interest in collaborating with our Stewardship team for weekly Wednesday Workdays and in our local garden for Garden Tuesdays.
Ability to write content and copy for websites and social media.
Experience in photography.
Background knowledge in environmental studies, ecology, or land protection.
Experience using ArcGIS mapping software or Adobe InDesign software.