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MAINE OFFICE OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

SENIOR PLANNER

Opening Date: January 28, 2026

Closing Date: End of day February 10, 2026

Location: Augusta

Position Number: 01400-1198

Class Code: 0603

Grade: 25 (Professional/Technical Unit)

Salary: $54,412.80 - $76,315.20 Per Year

BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: The position oversees development and implementation of the Maine Climate Corps (5MRSA c373 §7507). The position coordinates with state agencies engaged in climate adaptation and resilience efforts, conducts outreach to potential applicants for climate corps grants, administers grants, and convenes the Maine Climate Corps Network. The position will also work with a coalition of states to develop, maintain, and deliver online training specific to climate corps that will be required training for participants who start service. The position must coordinate with multiple state and federal agencies whose individual policies and goals need to be synthesized in a manner that permits multiple community agencies to engage citizens as participants in the climate corps. The position monitors developments in climate science and tactics for responding then communicates those to operating programs so they use the most effective methods. The position also works with the training officer to provide both grantee staff and corps participants with training that meets climate corps goals. The position will also represent the Commission on national climate corps coordinating committees as the Executive Director’s designee and advise the Executive Director on policies, practices, or legislative initiatives that will impact Maine’s climate corps success. 

REPRESENTATIVE TASKS: This position oversees and supports Maine Climate Corps programs by coordinating policy, planning, and program development to align with state and national climate goals. Responsibilities include participating in national Climate Corps policy groups, collaborating with the Maine Climate Council, setting program goals, and developing policies and procedures for grants and operations. The role secures and administers federal and state funding, guides community-based program implementation, ensures compliance with program standards, and connects grantees with technical assistance and training. It also fosters collaboration among Maine service corps, identifies opportunities for regional and national partnerships, reviews grant proposals, and assesses funding sources to expand program resources. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

• Knowledge of climate change science and conservation science principles, including environmental and social science research methods. 

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methodologies, and objectives of National Service, volunteer, community service, and nonprofit management. 

• Ability to analyze issues, undertake data management, reach logical conclusions, and make sound decisions.

• Ability to conduct special studies/assignments, extract data from surveys and vendor reports, manipulate and analyze data for performance indicators and trends, and prepare correspondence and reports.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and work effectively in a team.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor's Degree in assigned area and four (4) years of related work experience. Equivalent related experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. 

Assigned Areas: Ecology, Environmental Sciences

Preference will be given to candidates with the following skills and/or experience:

• Knowledge of conservation and conservation science principles, including environmental and social science research methods.

• Experience with qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis related to environmental, climate, or natural resource issues.

• Ability to interpret complex conservation and sustainability data and apply findings to real-world ecological and community contexts.

• Training in interdisciplinary research, science communication, and facilitation that supports collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• 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. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.  
• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements. 
• Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value). 
• Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes at least 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. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office. 
• 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. 
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics. 

If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.