Organic Blueberry Internship
Field Crew Supervisor
5 Person Field crew

Maine Coast Heritage Trust
1 Bowdoin Mill Island, Topsham Me 04086
CONTACT: Melissa Lee
mlee@mcht.org, (207) 733-2412

Position: Crew and crew Leader for organic blueberry fields
Location: Bog Brook Cove Preserve, Trescott and Cutler, Washington County
Pay: $$12/hr for crew and 13/hour for leader. 7+ weeks at an average of 25 hours per week
Time frame: Early June to late July
Housing: May be available on the preserve
Application Deadline: March 15


A crew and crewleader are needed for the summer of 2012 caring for 80 acres of commercial blueberry land on a Maine Coast Heritage Trust preserve in coastal Washington County. The blueberries are now in their 2nd year of the 3-year transition to organic management certification.

The position is for an average of 25 hours per week for 7 weeks, allowing for the time the crew will be unable to work in the field due to inclement weather. The crew supervisor will be compensated with pay of $13 per hour and the crew will earn $12/hr. Responsibilities include overseeing and record keeping for all aspects for the crew as well as managing weeding, spreading mulch, working with a research coordinator on study plots for different weeding strategies and other research components. They will be responsible for a propane powered torch used for weed and insect management. It is expected that the supervisor will be an active member of the work team.

The supervisor will work closely with Melissa Lee, Regional Steward, as well as a research coordinator. S/he will keep track of individual crew members’ work time, will keep the crew on task, and will submit written time sheets and work accomplishments on a regular basis. The successful candidate must be able to work very well independently, enjoy working with others and must be comfortable in a position of authority within a group of peers. Willingness to work outdoors in a wide variety of conditions is essential. Fondness of bugs a plus! The crew supervisor will also have to be resourceful and be able to problem –solve. Written and verbal communication skills are necessary.

This position will run from early June to late July.

The work location is remote and in the midst of a spectacular 1800 acre Maine Coast Heritage Trust Preserve in coastal Washington County along the “bold coast”. This is adjacent to 13,000 acres of state conservation land, making this the largest contiguous block of coastal conservation land in the state other than Acadia National Park. Views of the ocean, and ocean breezes are common on the blueberry fields. Hiking trails are plentiful and nearby. An ocean-front rustic cabin (water, gas stove and refrigerator, no power other than a generator for hot water) located on the preserve may be available for housing. There is no phone and cell phone reception is spotty.

Five crew members will also be hired at a pay rate of $12/hr.

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