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 2025 off-season with ambitious plans to build on this momentum by building 8 new geodesic domes, a spa, and other buildings in our campground. We are seeking one or two people to work under our master carpenter, building these new structures. Work would begin immediately and continue through the winter and early spring of 2025.
As the member of our construction crew, 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 our Master Carpenter, our Carpentry/Construction Staff has overall responsibility for building luxury cabins, domes, tent platforms, fences and other structures in our campground.
- Build cabins, domes, tent platforms, and other structures.
- Assist with construction-related activities such as moving materials with a tractor, cleaning up the work site, etc.
Qualifications
- Proven experience with a wide variety of construction and carpentry work such as framing, building from engineering plans, roofing, interior work such as bath/kitchen installations, and more.
- 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
- Proficient using electrical and manual equipment and measurement tools (power saws, hammers, rulers, etc)
- Experience working both independently and in a team environment
- Willingness to follow safety guidelines and best practices at all times
- 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 August through April 2025. The hourly rate will range between $30-$35 per hour depending on experience. Access to reliable transportation is required. As part of the construction team, we need someone who can operate a small golf cart EV, walk across uneven ground, climb structures under construction, lift at least 80 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. Staff working on construction projects work during our offseason, which includes winter months, and must be prepared to work outdoors in any season. Construction 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.