Maine Fishermen’s Forum Onsite Event Associate

Position Summary:
The Maine Fishermen’s Forum is looking for a well-organized, energetic, friendly associate to assist the professional team for a three-week period before, during, and after the week of the Forum. This 100-hour role is active from February 12–March 5, 2025, and may recur annually.  The event associate will be customer-service focused and will: assist with administrative tasks, assist with packing, loading in, setup and loading out event materials, and will be the key person assisting attendees entering at the ground level entrance, and supporting our educational seminar rotations.

Schedule and Location:
This is potentially a recurring annual position of up to 100 hours, to be roughly divided as: 20 hours February 12-19, 40 hours February 19-26, and 40 hours February 26 – March 5, 2025.

This hourly position requires working closely with the organization’s executive director, event assistant, and at times interfacing with and supporting the 17-member Board of Directors. It will also involve regular interaction with attendees and seminar presenters during the event.

This hybrid position may be accomplished from a remote location at times, but you must have the capacity to work onsite in the Camden office, with a non-negotiable requirement to be onsite, at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine from February 25 – March 1, 2025.

About the Maine Fishermen’s Forum:
MFF is a 50-year-old nonprofit whose purpose is to convene a family-friendly, three-day annual event for commercial fishermen, sea farmers and marine-related businesses. This year we are proudly celebrating our 50th Anniversary and expect a higher than usual turnout.

The Forum takes place the first weekend in March at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine, welcoming approximately 2,000 attendees. It provides a neutral platform for fishermen and sea farmers to meet with marine scientists, service and equipment providers and regulators for collaboration, commerce, and to have fun.

Elements of the event include a trade show with over 130 exhibitors; a three-day series of educational seminars; a health clinic and safety trainings; children’s programs; an auction to fund student scholarships; and three evening social events.

Responsibilities:

  • Mail merge and print panelists’ name cards.
  • Greet attendees and assist with badging kiosks and keep the printers stocked with paper.
  • Respond to inquiries from attendees and direct them appropriately.
  • Organize, collate, pack, and distribute materials for onsite event.
  • Assist with moving in, setting up, and breaking down event materials.
  • Provide customer service for attendees and communicate with key personnel over two-way radios throughout the event days.
  • Scan tickets for dinner guests.
  • Other responsibilities may be assigned.

Qualifications Required:

  • Ability to multitask and perform under tight deadlines independently, and as part of a team.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications including Excel, Word, and Outlook; and Google Business Suite.
  • Experience with customer service.
  • Positive, friendly attitude.
  • Capable of standing long hours, climbing stairs, and lifting boxes up to 40 lbs.

Additional Desirable Qualifications:

  • Experience with Maine’s fishing communities
  • A desire to support fishermen and the industry in general.
  • Professional event experience.
  • Interest in and capacity to fill this role on an annual recurring basis.

Compensation:

This is an hourly position, on staff, with compensation of $25/hour.

How to apply:

Please email a resume and cover letter that explain how your skills and experience fit this position to forum@mainefishermensforum.org by January 20.