Intro
The Desert of Maine is an iconic destination located in Freeport, Maine going through a total revitalization under new ownership. After three busy, 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 fourth season with ambitious plans to build on this momentum! We plan to add more accommodations to the campground and more offerings for visitors. One of the most exciting additions for our guests has been the electric train that visitors can take to get to a couple key exhibits. It is a fun and interesting way to experience our beautiful landscape!
We are seeking a team of experienced and enthusiastic drivers to serve as train conductors. You would become a member of our summer staff working to create an incredible experience for our visitors. 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
Train drivers will work several days weekly, and operate our electric train on a loop, picking up visitors and dropping them off at designated stops across the Desert.
- Greet visitors, answer questions, and make them feel welcome at the Desert. A big part of the train conductor role is interacting with kids (and kids at heart)
- Safely transport visitors from one stop to the next while being mindful of surroundings
- Assist visitors with getting on and off the train as necessary
- Provide information about the Desert and its history
- Follow proper procedures to ensure the train is running correctly and is shut off, parked, locked charging, and stored at the end of the day
- Clean the train before and after each shift
*The Train Conductor role can be a standalone role, or combined with our Visitor Experience Staff position, and incorporated into a rotation of different visitor-focused roles, including operating our Welcome Center, Snack Bar, and mini golf course.
Qualifications
- Experience driving passenger or commercial vehicles a plus
- Great focus and attention while faced with distractions
- Off-the-charts customer service, communications, and interpersonal skills
- A valid driver's license is required with 1 year of driving experience required
Other Information
Staff in this position will be asked to commit to a couple of driving shifts weekly, arranged in advance. The train runs from 10am-3pm daily, flexibility to commit to a regular schedule is preferred. Our season runs from May through October so we are looking for individuals who can assist during the entire season. The hourly rate for this position will be $16/hr. Access to reliable transportation to and from the Desert of Maine is required. This position does not include on site housing. As part of the role, we need someone who is comfortable operating and driving a passenger vehicle, can navigate across loose sand, and offer assistance to visitors including loading and unloading strollers or mobility devices onto the electric train.
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.