Intro

The Desert of Maine is an iconic destination located in Freeport, Maine going through a total revitalization under new ownership. After two incredible seasons that included opening our new mini golf course, new exhibits across our property, new cabins in our campground, and an overhaul of our operations, we are heading into our 2024 season with ambitious plans to build on this momentum, with more additions to the campground and more offerings for visitors. We are seeking a passionate group of staff who can commit to our entire season, from April through October to help us deliver a world-class experience for our visitors.

As the leader of our small grounds and maintenance team, we are seeking someone who is eager to be part of (re)building something special. What we are trying to pull off is ambitious, so we move fast and we occasionally break things. We operate more like a startup than the 100-year-old business we are, but we offset the inevitable weeks of hard work and moments of stress with a deep appreciation for workplace humor. Breathing new life into this beloved destination gets us out of bed every day because we think the stories that echo here, stories of sustainable land use and environmental resilience, are particularly pressing now. We hope you will be drawn to the magic of this place and help us create a (not-so-hidden) gem on Maine’s coast for tourists and locals alike.

The Role

Reporting to the Owner, our Senior Grounds and Maintenance Staff has overall responsibility for ensuring that all areas of the property are functional, beautiful, memorable, and safe for visitors and campers. Senior Grounds and Maintenance Staff prioritize and delegate for the grounds and maintenance team to ensure projects are completed efficiently, safely, and with consideration to both short and long term impacts on the business.

• Delegate tasks to grounds and maintenance staff to keep the grounds, exhibits, and features safe and enjoyable for the public
• Offer training and support to junior staff to help them develop skills and efficiency in new areas in a positive environment
• Execute daily procedures to keep exhibits safe and functional, ensure campground is clean and operational, camp store firewood is stocked, and mini golf greens and ponds are maintained
• Address equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, and issues with exhibits or grounds and seek parts, materials and resources for efficient and long term solutions
• Carry out seasonal opening and closing duties, including setting up and taking down glamping tents and furniture, setting up and storing event equipment, and preparing the mini golf course for operation and winterization
• Light carpentry, fixing issues in cabins, equipment and vehicle maintenance, and other handyman duties
• Landscaping across the property, including weeding, mowing, and leaf blowing
• Painting, staining, and varnishing as needed
• Occasional projects, ranging from day-long projects to week-long projects

Qualifications

• Experience with a wide variety of work, including landscaping, basic carpentry, and mechanical repairs.
• Some knowledge of plumbing and electrical is preferred.
• Experience operating a tractor including various attachments such as a land plane, bucket, forks, and hydraulic grapple
• Comfort operating trucks, trailers, lawn equipment, tools and equipment powered by small engines, power tools, tractors and common attachments, and other tools and equipment typical in maintaining properties.
• Experience working both independently and in a team environment
• Ability to manage other, less experienced staff to carry out overall responsibilities:
  • Provide clear instructions and training as needed
  • Set priorities for staff and make sure they are performing duties in a safe and effective manner
  • Provide feedback and help staff improve their skills throughout the season
  • Check and update task management software using a smartphone or tablet computer
• Great customer service, communication, and a self-motivated attitude
• A long history of over-achievement, attention to detail, and consistent personal growth throughout your entire school and work history
• A burning desire to make an impact at a mission-driven organization. It may alternate between being exhilarating and a little overwhelming, but the right candidate will relish the challenge.
• A valid driver's license is required.

Other Information

This is a full time position from April through November, with required weekend shifts throughout the season. The hourly rate will range between $20-$22 per hour. Access to reliable transportation is required. As part of the grounds and maintenance team, we need someone who can operate a small golf cart EV, walk across loose sand, climb our various exhibits, lift at least 40 lbs, and perform tasks which include fine motor skills. The work for this role is physically demanding and at times involve repetitive bending, shoveling, kneeling, lifting, or climbing up and down ladders. Grounds and maintenance staff perform work in areas of the property where visitors and campers are present, therefore staff in this role are expected to interact with the public in a professional manner, answer questions, or direct visitors to helpful resources.

The Desert of Maine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes and hiring practices are inclusive, fair, and merit-based. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.