Planning & Research Associate I - Anticipated Vacancy

State of Maine•Augusta, ME

1d•$21 - $29

About The Position

The purpose of the Bureau of Parks and Lands is to manage state-owned lands for a sustained yield of multiple use natural resource values and public recreation. The Submerged Lands Program provides management of state-owned submerged lands which requires a balance between the protection of public trust rights and the private use of submerged lands. This position will perform significant administrative and research work in support of the Submerged Lands Program. Responsibilities will include researching, identifying, and inventorying structures such as docks, piers, submarine cables and marinas on submerged lands; and developing and maintaining this information in a computerized database. The position reviews and processes applications for structures to occupy submerged lands, writing public notices, preparing easements and lease documents, and communicates verbally and in writing with agents and the public, so attention to detail is very important. This position also requires strong customer service skills, as it involves interactions with the public, local municipalities, state and federal partners. Position will utilize a variety of desktop products and software in identifying, documenting, analyzing, and mapping submerged lands data, including extensive databases, invoice reporting, scanning and management of records, and geo-spatial tools.

Requirements

A six (6) year combination of education, training, and/or experience providing a knowledge of the principles of research and planning
The successful candidate must be detail oriented and demonstrate excellent organizational skills

Nice To Haves

Combination of education, training, and/or experience providing knowledge in permitting, land use planning and regulation
Knowledge or experience in natural resource issues
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Knowledge of real estate fundamentals
Knowledge of public trust rights and coastal issues
Experience with Access Database Software, Microsoft Access Suite Applications.
GIS software experience is helpful

Responsibilities

Researching, identifying, and inventorying structures such as docks, piers, submarine cables and marinas on submerged lands
Developing and maintaining this information in a computerized database
Reviewing and processing applications for structures to occupy submerged lands
Writing public notices
Preparing easements and lease documents
Communicating verbally and in writing with agents and the public
Utilizing a variety of desktop products and software in identifying, documenting, analyzing, and mapping submerged lands data, including extensive databases, invoice reporting, scanning and management of records, and geo-spatial tools.

Benefits

Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($11,857.68-$13,950.24 annual value), depending on salary.
Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%.
Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 14.11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program.
Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive forty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.