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 in 2022 and 2023 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 May through October to help us deliver a world-class experience for our visitors.

You would become a core member of our small maintenance team. 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. We are looking for someone who wants to be part of (re)building something special. 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 and Senior Grounds and Maintenance Staff, our Grounds and Maintenance staff are responsible for carrying out a variety of tasks across the Desert of Maine to ensure that all areas of the property are functional, beautiful, and memorable for visitors and campers. The grounds and maintenance staff perform regular tasks to keep the grounds, exhibits, and features safe for the public and in immaculate condition. Additionally, grounds and maintenance staff are assigned projects ranging in scope that have a long term impact on the business.

• Landscaping across the property, including weeding, mowing, and leaf blowing
• Execute daily procedures to keep exhibits safe, functional, and enjoyable
• Check and update task management software from a personal smartphone
• Carry out maintenance in campground, including daily site cleanup, firewood and camp store restocking, and common area maintenance
• Maintain greens and ponds on the mini golf course
• Address safety hazards, damages, or issues with exhibits or grounds
• Painting, staining, and varnishing as needed
• Occasional projects, ranging from day-long projects to week-long projects including light carpentry, equipment maintenance, and other handyman duties

Qualifications

• Experience with a wide variety of outdoor work, including landscaping, basic carpentry, and mechanical repairs
• Comfort operating lawn equipment and power tools required. Experience operating a tractor is preferred.
• Experience working both independently and in a team environment
• 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 May through October, with required weekend shifts throughout the season. The hourly rate will range between $15-$20 per hour. Access to reliable transportation is required. Please note that this position does not include housing. 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.