Seasonal Stream Habitat Technician 2026
Company: Trout Unlimited
Location: Portland
Posted on: April 1, 2026
|
|
|
Job Description:
Temporary Description DESCRIPTION Trout Unlimited is a national
organization with 300,000 members and supporters organized into
over 400 chapters and councils nationwide. These dedicated
grassroots volunteers are matched by a respected staff of
organizers, lawyers, policy experts, and scientists, who work out
of more than 45 offices across the country. Our mission is to bring
together diverse interests to care for and recover rivers and
streams so our children can experience the joy of wild and native
trout and salmon. Trout Unlimited recruits, employs, trains,
compensates and promotes regardless of race, religion, color,
national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other
protected status as required by applicable law. POSITION SUMMARY
This position will implement the on-the-ground benefits to
cold-water fisheries and local communities, including flood
resiliency, improvement of aquatic habitat and water quality, and
protection of aquatic health and biodiversity. The stream habitat
technician will report directly to the Maine Field Technician and
Maine Project Manager and will be responsible for working on a
small restoration team to conduct instream habitat improvement and
assessment of past work. The primary function of this team is to
restore streams with woody structures through the implementation of
strategic wood additions (SWAs). Additional projects may include
small dam removal, assessing streams for future wood loading, and
documenting the success of past projects. This position requires
being comfortable working in uncomfortable conditions. Work can
occur in rain, hot, and cold conditions. Generally, the work week
consists of 4, 10-hour days, with 3 days off. Multiple positions
(2-3) will be filled, working in conjunction with the full-time
technician. Technicians will support or act as sawyers (depending
on experience) in safely felling trees. Depending on the structure
and design needs, trees may be cut into smaller pieces, moved (with
hand tools), pinned with posts utilizing a post pounder, and/or
embedded in the bank using a winch setup. This position is
physically strenuous and requires hiking (primarily off trail) with
20-50lbs of equipment and the ability to lift large logs/shift
whole trees with use of hand tools. We are building in stream
habitat which requires working within the water/stream channel.
Weather conditions, unless unsafe, will not impact the work
schedule. Location: The team will be based in Maine (no office
location), with weekly travel throughout the state (mileage
reimbursement). Project areas include but are not limited to the
Rangeley Lakes region and the Northeast Piscataquis region in Maine
with lodging provided during the work week. Hours: The team
typically completes a 40-hour work week in 4 field days, with one
day for travel (Monday or Friday). Dates: The position begins in
June/July and runs 6-8 weeks, with the potential for more work.
Requirements DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Perform all duties with
safety as the top priority. Working onsite in remote areas with
limited or no cell signal for several days each week. With
appropriate training, use tools (chainsaws, grip hoists, hand
tools, pulleys, levers) to place trees into streams to create
aquatic habitat. Team lift/carrying felled trees or moving with
rock bars within the stream channel. Utilizing a post pounder to
drive posts that will pin wood in specific configurations within
the stream channel. Transport of field equipment to and from
project sites. Operating hand-powered equipment (e.g. winches,
axes, rock bars, etc.). Conducting stream habitat assessment and/or
culvert assessments. Collecting data with a provided phone and
collection application for current and all past project sites. This
is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.
REQUIREMENTS Saw experience (specifically with directional felling)
or sawyer training. Familiarity with hand tools (e.g. axes,
shovels, chainsaws, etc.). Ability to hike & carry heavy gear (up
to 50lbs) through rough terrain off-trail. Familiarity with data
collection/navigation applications. Ability and willingness to
travel. Valid driver’s license and own vehicle required. Ability to
work with others on a small team. Schedule flexibility, and
adaptability to varying environments and plans. Passion for
protecting and restoring trout populations and their watersheds.
Experience in outdoor field craft and equipment preparation.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience with directional tree felling for
strategic wood addition, (preferably with USFS, S-212, or Game of
Logging certification). Tree ID skills. Knowledge of fish habitat
and/or basic hydrology. Experience with Esri Applications
(Survey123, Esri Field Maps, etc.). Basic First Aid and CPR;
Wilderness First Aid or similar. COMPENSATION This is a seasonal
position for 6-8 weeks in the summer of 2026. Pay is approximately
$18-22/hour based on experience. Mileage reimbursement for travel
to and from sites each week. A work truck is provided for travel
from daily lodging accommodations. Housing/lodging is provided,
typically in the form of short-term rental during the work week.
Housing is not provided outside of the work week . Work boots, all
PPE, and equipment provided. Meals covered during the work week.
Potential to receive wilderness first aid training saw
certifications, or other professional development opportunities as
available. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Salary
Description $18-22/hour
Keywords: Trout Unlimited, New England , Seasonal Stream Habitat Technician 2026, Construction , Portland, Northeast
