Maine and employment opportunity

Basswood

Basswood

Carpal tunnel level member
Location
Long island
wondering if anyone here works in Maine and has some insight to the job market there and it’s nuances. Are you doing tree work year round or switch to something else in winter? Most of the work in the Portland area?

im finishing up a horticulture/landscape design degree this fall. I grew up on Long Island and despite finding a lot of success so far (age 30) in this industry for the past 15 years I do feel like I’m missing some things lifestyle wise. It’s a tricky one because there’s a ton of work here year round and getting into the higher end of things is very possible. I’ve been mostly PHC for my career but the past 2 years have really gotten into and enjoy climbing. Been exploring some other parts of this industry as well. ISA certified, commercial pesticide applicator license and very motivated; this is my career and passion.

Mostly just doing some preliminary research, I always find the most insight from individuals rather than the bits and pieces you can find on google. I have friends who have lived there but different lines of work.
 
Prices are MUCH lower here than even NH. Wages reflect this. One of the bigger companies in my area (4 crews maybe) was paying something like $18/hr for climbing foreman. I applied for a residential foreman job with one of the Portland companies. With 4-5 years climbing experience, they offered $17/hr.

Seems like anyone with ANY motivation and skill does their own thing around here.

Lots of folks doing the work with varying degrees of skill.

Many cos are trees year round. Winter tree work is kinda rough, it is colder up here. Some do plowing in the winter too.

Quality of life is good, but the cost of living isn't that much less. Cheaper housing but food gas insurance utilities are the same as anywhere in New England.
 
My beloved Redwood hills are currently burning to the ground, and life in NorCal isn't looking very sustainable into the future. One of the locations the wife and I are strongly considering relocating to is Maine...My grandparents migrated to Maine from both Scotland and Nova Scotia and my father was born and raised in Maine. The place is in my DNA. As someone has who spent a lot of time in Maine, I can tell you that you would be hard pressed to find are more beautiful, salt of the earth, and laid back place too live...Maybe I will see you there in the future?
 
I’ll pm you my cell and feel free to call if you want to chat, Sean summed it up well. A few companies have recently ramped up gear and some diversified into more PHC than before so wages and work envi may be changing too in the near future? Lots and lots of sole proprietors and 2-3 person outfits/subcontractors. Portland area keeps getting more expensive and busy but there are other spots with accessible opportunities. Coastal to neighborhood of Belfast and MDI area as well as Lakes Region come to mind.
 
Thanks all for reaching out. I’d be more than fine with transitioning to more climbing if PHC doesn’t have a big presence. The lower wages isn’t the most encouraging. That’s significantly less than what I make now working for an employer but maybe going on my own after one year of getting my bearings would be better. That’s been in the cards for me for awhile now.

@Serf Life @SeanRuel I’ll get back to those PM’s ASAP.
 
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