Volunteer Island Caretaker Duo Wanted for the 2026 Season on Beautiful Burnt Island in Boothbay Harbor!
Welcome visitors, share local history, and help care for one of Maine’s beloved coastal landmarks just a mile off the coast.
The Department of Marine Resources is seeking two volunteers (retired couple, siblings, friends, or partners) to serve as seasonal caretakers of Burnt Island, working closely in partnership with us at the Keepers of Burnt Island Light.
Position Overview
Caretakers will live on Burnt Island for the duration of the season. The selected couple will stay in the upstairs portion of the historic Burnt Island Keeper’s House, which includes private bedrooms and bathroom facilities for their use. The downstairs level serves as a public museum. Kitchen facilities are shared in the Education Center. CPR and First Aid training will be provided. Please note, smoking is not permitted on Burnt Island. Primary Responsibilities • Greeting visitors and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere • Providing tours and sharing the history and significance of Burnt Island Light
• Routine lawn care and light gardening
• Keeping island facilities neat, tidy, and presentable
• Serving as calm, courteous points of contact during busy days or challenging situations Candidates should bring
• Proven boating experience and confidence navigating to and from the island
• A passion for history, storytelling, and Maine’s marine environment
• A friendly, kind, and courteous demeanor
• The ability to remain calm and helpful in stressful situations
• Comfortable living in a remote, boat-access-only setting
This is an extraordinary chance to live on the coast of Maine, contribute to public education, and care for a beloved historic landmark.
For more information or to apply, please send a letter of interest to: burnt.island.dmr@maine.gov
#BurntIsland #BoothbayHarbor #MaineCoast #MaineLighthouses
#VolunteerOpportunity #SummerByTheSea #maritimehistory
KEEPERS OF BURNT ISLAND LIGHT
Keepers of Burnt Island Light (KBIL) is a 501(c)3 charitable and educational non-profit organization that was formed in 2009. Its mission is to support the restoration, preservation and maintenance of Burnt Island and its historic buildings and nature trails. KBIL, in partnership with the Maine Department of Marine Resources (the USGS appointed stewards of the island) preserves Burnt Island's historical, cultural and natural heritage through its living history programs.
The specific mission of KBIL includes providing unique educational programming relating to the history of the Lighthouse and the rugged individuals who maintained it. Critical as well is educating the community regarding the relationship of the Burnt Island lighthouse to the local islands, marine commerce and the resources in and around and the region in general.
KBIL utilizes many volunteers including many former historic Lighthouse Keepers who return to the island in residence during the summer, working in many capacities on and off the island. Please consider a donation to the Keepers of Burnt Island Light as your support will preserve the strength, beauty and legacy of this historic site for future generations.
