Planning & Research Assistant - (Anticipated Vacancy)

Planning And Research Assistant

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry are seeking to fill a vacancy for a Planning and Research Assistant in the Animal Welfare Program located in Augusta, Maine.

Opening Date: June 05, 2026

Closing Date: End of the day June 18, 2026

Location: Augusta

Position Number: 00500-0907

Position Type: Full Time/Year-Round

Class Code: 0940

Grade: 14 (Professional/Technical Unit)

Salary: $17.04 - $22.68 Per Hour

Interested applicants need to submit a Direct Hire Application, along with a Cover Letter, and a detailed Resume.

Brief Job Description: Work includes collecting, analyzing and presenting facts and figures relevant to the development of programs, policies, and/or resources.

Responsibilities include:

• Evaluating inspection reports and maintaining inspection files.
• Requests for importation permits for dogs and cats.
• Review of animal health certificates.
• Conducting surveys.
• Preparing charts and graphs.
• Writing reports.
• Serve as a point of contact to assist municipal clerks with dog licensing database.
• Develop and present training materials for dog licensing.

This position provides logistical support for case management from complaint through disposition including court proceedings process. Develop training and outreach materials, schedule trainings. Work requires extensive public contact by telephone, email and written correspondence, and significant data entry and database upkeep. Work is performed under general supervision. Some field work may be required.

Minimum Qualifications: A two (2) year combination of education, training, and/or experience providing a knowledge of statistics, methods of research and planning, and/or economic analysis.

Preference will be given to candidates with experience with the PetPoint system.

Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.

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 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.

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.

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.