Posted:
Location: Roque Bluffs, Maine

This is a unique opportunity to join a small staff in a remote, beautiful location! Our diverse farm is one of the few remaining Maine island farms and has been in operation since 1806. We produce beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, and pork on island and as well as dairy, eggs and produce for the staff and summer residents. Our year-round staff of six to eight maintain the island operations; staff includes The Island Manager, Assistant Manager, Assistant Farm Manager, Boatman, Handyman, Cook, as well as 2-6 farm apprentices depending on the season. There are miles of hiking trails and a mile-long sand beach to enjoy. Kayaks, paddleboards and small boats are also available for staff use.

The small island homestead is located off the coast of Downeast, Maine. The island has been privately owned for generations by a single extended family who visit seasonally. A year-round caretaking staff is employed to maintain the farm, buildings, equipment, waterfront, and natural resources. Our team cares deeply about their work and the land they care for and is resourceful and collaborative.

Primary responsibilities: (Training Provided)

• Provide marine transportation of persons, supplies and livestock to and from Roque Island
• Maintain seaworthiness and cleanliness of all vessels (38’ Landing Craft, 38’ Lobster Boat, 18’ Center Console, 16’ Sailboat and 14’ Work Skiff, 12’ Dory & 8’ Row Skiff)
• Fiberglass repair, painting/gel coating
• Vessel first aid equipment inventory/replenishment
• Safety equipment (life vests, immersion suits, flares, etc.) inventory/maintenance
• Scheduled service and maintenance of vessels
• Boat trailer maintenance
• Marine railway maintenance
• Mooring maintenance
• Wharf maintenance including ramps and floats
• Fossil fuel acquisition and distribution to all houses (heating oil and propane). Maintain diesel and gas usage logs.
• Fuel transfer systems maintenance
• Waterfront shops cleaning and organization
• Marine supplies (rope, chain, shackles, etc.) inventory/replenishment

Secondary responsibilities: (Training Provided)

• Operate tractors, backhoe & farm equipment
• Road maintenance
• Gravel pit operations
• Assist with Island heavy equipment maintenance
• Assist with Island vehicle maintenance
• Assist with woodcutting, firewood & lumber production
• Fulfill seafood requests from the Family in coordination with cook

Accommodations: One Bedroom Apartment w/full bath and kitchen/living room combo in the Farmhouse.

Meals: 2 meals per day--Breakfast and lunch prepared by staff cook, primarily using island meat, eggs, dairy, and produce when available.

Work Schedule: 10 days on, 4 off or 5 days on, 2 days off. May be required to fill-in for other positions/tasks when other staff is off duty. Workdays are variable depending on the season but are generally from 7am to 6pm in-season & 8am to 5pm off-season, with two - 1 hour meal breaks.

Full-time staff Benefits:
Room and board (Apartment & 2 meals; breakfast & lunch)
Health Insurance (90 days from start date)
Health Savings Account option
Vacation days-1 earned per month for first year
IRA contribution option after 1 year
Salary based on experience, paid every two weeks.
We provide two communal meals a day (breakfast and lunch), prepared with farm products (dairy, eggs, meat, produce)

Housing arrangements:

Number of people in the Farmhouse: 5-7
Type of housing: shared house, the “Farmhouse”
• Private Apartment
• Communal laundry, office and dining room
Electricity - included
Water - included
Phone –not provided, but good cell service for most carriers
Internet- Starlink - included
Computer access – yes
Farm library- yes
One Pet per person are welcome upon Manager’s approval
Guests are welcome upon Manager’s approval

How to Apply

Please Email: a cover letter, resume and 3-5 professional references to joe@roqueisland.com