Public Works Generalist / Infrastructure Technician

Calling all diesel mechanics, genset operators, linemen, park rangers, foresters. Matinicus Isle plantation is looking to hire skilled workers who want to do something a little different. Live and work on a remote island off the coast of Maine, supporting the critical island infrastructure come rain or shine.

Matinicus Island is a small island in the Penobscot Bay. We have a small dedicated year-round community, a flourishing seasonal community, a K-8 school, and plenty of lobsters. We have recently upgraded our power generation facilities and are planning to continue to invest in our island infrastructure over the coming years.

We are seeking to hire two people to work as part of a close knit team that is responsible for maintaining all the island infrastructure.

Essential tasks to ensure the smooth functioning of the island year round include:
1. Maintenance and monitoring of 2 diesel generators
2. Monitoring of the power grid (training will be provided)
3. Power Outage response (training will be provided)
4. Storm response
5. Fire response
6. Snow clearance
7. Fuel Deliveries on Matinicus
8. Managing ferry arrivals and departures

Hiring people to work on a remote island necessarily requires compromise. Between the two positions we are looking to cover the following activities:
● The operation and maintenance of the Plantation-owned Diesel Gensets which provide diesel-based power to Matinicus Plantation Electric Company.
● Develop and implement a plan for regular scheduled maintenance of Plantation equipment including, but not limited to: 3 Fire Trucks, 1 Bucket Truck, 1 Tractor, 1 Town Truck, fuel tanks, and fuel trailers.
● Train and manage individuals who will help deliver fuel to Plantation equipment to ensure equipment is kept fully fuelled and ready to go.
● On call if key equipment such as a fire truck or a generator fails.
● Co-ordinate and collaborate with specialist vendors and/or contractors.
● Develop a community training programme for volunteer fire fighters to learn how to run the equipment.
● Work with the municipal electric company to maintain power line rights of way while minimizing impacts on landowner properties.
● Develop and implement a wildland fire mitigation plan
● Provide wildland fire training to volunteers on an ongoing basis
● Manage response to a wildland fire should any arise
● Maintain extensive trail system and work with the island development committee to establish new trails.
● Respond to emergency medical calls on the island and provide field treatment until patient can be evacuated to the mainland.

Both positions will necessarily entail interacting with island residents on a daily basis. We would like to establish small summer programs for the children living out on Matinicus during the summer to introduce them to nature, wildlife, wildland fire risks, not to mention how fire trucks and tractors work.

Required Skills and Qualifications:
No candidate is expected to have all the required skills or qualifications listed below, but we are hoping to cover the following bases:
● The ability to service and maintain diesel engines ranging from pre-emissions equipment to the latest Tier 4 engines.
● Knowledge of building systems and key preventative maintenance measures that can be taken to preserve Plantation property.
● Familiarity with fire trucks, bucket trucks, and/or heavy equipment and hydraulics a plus.
● Basic electrical knowledge of three phase power systems and power distribution
● Demonstrated knowledge of wildland fire risks and mitigation strategies.
● At least three years experience working with chainsaws.
● Familiarity with computers and Microsoft Office (or equivalents) is essential.
● Trailbuilding Experience a plus
● EMT Qualified a plus
● Experience designing educational programs for adults and children a plus

The positions require you to work with limited guidance. We are looking for effective planners and problem solvers who are able to work in unstructured environments and who take responsibility for their actions.

No two days are the same on Matinicus so candidates have to be adaptable. These are not standard 9-5 positions where you do the same thing every day.

Salary, hours, and benefits:
We expected the positions to require 20 hours each week on average. Salaries start at $45,000 depending on experience and qualifications. Health insurance is available and a travel allowance is provided. Emergency response and on-call pay is extra. There are numerous opportunities to earn aditional income on Matinicus whether through additional work for the Plantation or working for island residents.

For more information please contact Administrator@MatinicusIsle.gov

Pay: From $45,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

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