maine government 2017 report summer internship program · pdf file2017 report the maine...

2017

Rep

ort

The Maine Government Summer Internship Program places talented Maine college students in internships in which they contribute to state and local government. The students gain meaningful work experience, make professional connections, and gain insight into career goals. The supervisors benefit from eager workers with fresh perspectives and a variety of skills who care deeply about contributing to Maine government.

The 2017 program ran from May 30 to August 18. Most state interns were placed in the Augusta area, and seven interns were placed in municipal or regional government positions. Some positions required statewide or regional travel.

The Maine Government Summer Internship Program is a full-time, paid work experience. To be eligible a student must either be enrolled in a Maine college or be a Maine resident enrolled elsewhere and have successfully completed a minimum of two years of college. Students are placed in internships based on their skills and interests, and all majors are eligible.

Supervisors select projects for the intern to accomplish and identify the skills required for the job. A selection committee reviews all applications and makes the final selections. Consideration is given to education and skills in relation to the internship positions available. In 2017, 153 students applied; 39 were selected. The program was established in 1967 by the 103rd Legislature and has placed more than 1700 students in Maine government internships.

Administered by the

Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center 5784 York Complex, #4

University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5784

Phone: 207.581.1648Fax: 207.581.1266

website: mcspolicycenter.umaine.edu

Maine GovernmentSummer Internship Program

Major Projects of the 2017 Maine GovernMent interns

2017 Maine Government Summer Internship Program

The 2017 Maine government interns were placed in 13 different state departments, five municipal governments, and one regional planning commission. Interns were assigned to specific projects while also assisting in general workflow. This list shows a sampling of interns’ activities.

• Developed and published the 2017 Maine Planning and Land Use Law book for Maine municipalities.

• Developed a business inventory map of the City of Saco.

• Designed CAD drawings for projects, ran pre-bid meetings, visited construction sites to determine progress.

• Planned and carried out a project to map and assess all culverts on town-administered public roads. Made a final report to the town select board.

• Conducted a study on laboratory methods of evaluating E.coli in produce rinse water. Edited and revised the new State Dairy Rules and Regulations book.

• Updated entire statewide database of municipal officials for 400+ towns and cities.

• Worked with health and safety officials to improve personnel and safety manuals for the town office, fire and EMS, and public works departments.

• Collected and analyzed data and wrote a research report on the development costs of affordable housing in Maine.

• Created Preliminary Design Reports (PDRs) including cost estimates for multiple bridges in the state.

• Prepared mediations, prepared discovery responses, drafted final briefs, managed medical files, reviewed records, drafted motions and petitions.

• Researched forest and dairy crops to identify and recruit farmworker families with children for the migrant education program.

• Created maps for the state dam inspector to illustrate various watersheds and areas of flooding.

• Managed the department’s 13 social media pages.

• Located, analyzed and presented data to identify schools that should be targeted for a visit by the Learning through Technology Team, based on rich use of technology vs. ineffective use of technology

• Completed the new Downeaster Best Practice booklet and a guide to be used with exam personnel and regulated licensees, and presented at an AARP conference in Portland.

• Completed a comprehensive review of risk assessment methodologies from across the country. Extrapolated best practices to apply to Maine’s own risk assessment process leading to analysis tools that the state will use to analyze natural, technological, and human-caused threats to Maine.

• Gathered data on 655 stream crossings around the state for a state-wide stream connectivity project. This data will be used to prioritize projects to restore stream function and provide fish passage.

• Drafted and revised operational procedures involving wage and hour, workplace safety, administration of employer substance abuse testing and statistical programs for workplace safety data.

• Wrote a map-making manual and inspected dams. Made maps for Emergency Action Plans.

• Helped collect financial data from over 250 school administrative units, and created a handbook for Maine Financial Accounting for local school systems.

• Researched and summarized legislation, attended committee hearing in the State House, and reported back to city government on a referedum’s impact on the city.

• Spent several weeks in Machias enrolling children of farmworkers in education programs.

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2017 Maine GovernMent suMMer interns and aGency suPervisors

2017 Maine Government Summer Internship Program 3

2017 Maine Government Summer Supervisors and Interns


Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services Supervisor name, title and division Intern name, hometown Intern college, major Intern title

Julie Ervin-Liddell Natural Resources Service Center

Jeffrey Nagy Old Saybrook, CT

Thomas College Forensic Accounting

Fixed Asset Audit Intern

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry

Tom Gilbert Water Resources Specialist Maine Forest Service

Heather Stukas Lewiston, ME

Montana State University Land Resources and Environmental Sciences

Stream Barrier Survey Technician

Josh Caldwell West Gardiner, ME

Bates College Environmental Studies: Global Environmental Politics

Stream Barrier Survey Technician

Linda Stahlnecker Dairy Program Supervisor Quality Assurance and Regulation

Kaile Kimball Bangor, ME

Husson University Environmental Science and Biology

Laboratory Assistant

Maine Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management

Alan Ballard Energy Manager Camp Keyes

Trevor Gettig Belgrade, ME

University of Maine Civil Engineering

Energy Manager Assistant

Tony Fletcher State Dam Inspector Maine Emergency Management Agency

Andrew Manzi Westford, MA

University of Maine Civil and Environmental Engineering

Engineering Intern

Joe Legee Senior Planner Maine Emergency Management Agency

Jacob Weinshank Orono, ME

University of Maine Anthropology and Environmental Policy

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Mark Roberts Engineering Supervisor Directorate of Facilities Engineering

Andrew Fleishman South Portland, ME

University of Maine Engineering Physics

Facilities Engineering Assistant

Daniel Trembley Deputy Base Civil Engineer Military Branch

Taylor Bemis Orono, ME

University of Maine Civil Engineering Engineering Intern

Maine Department of Economic and Community Development

Hannah Collins Office of Tourism

Joshua Pearce Boothbay, ME

University of Southern Maine Marketing

Tourism Destination Assistant

Maine Department of Education

Tyler Backus School Finance Compliance Coordinator School Finance and Operations

Joseph Leclair Fairfield, ME

University of Maine Accounting/Finance

School Finance Compliance Assistant

David Fisk State Director Migrant Education

Valentina Annunziata Honeoye Falls, NY

University of Maine at Presque Isle Criminal Justice

Migrant Education Field & Office Assistant

Casey Rogers Farmington, ME

University of Maine Social Work

Migrant Education Field & Office Assistant


2017 Maine Government Summer Internship Program4



Maine Department of Education Supervisor name, title and division Intern name, hometown Intern college, major Intern title

Deborah Friedman Learning Through Technology Team

Benjamin Huber Westborough, MA

University of Maine Secondary Education/History

Maine Learning Technology Assistant

Maine Department of Environmental Protection

Stacy Knapp Emissions Inventory Section Manager Bureau of Air Quality

Adam Fortier-Brown Randolph, ME

University of Maine Economics/Political Science

Emissions Inventory Specialist

Maine Department of Labor

Mark Dawson Supervisor of Research and Statistics Bureau of Labor Standards

Benjamin Lucas Augusta, ME

Wagner College Political Science

Organizational Assistant

Libby Stone-Sterling Assistant Director Bureau of Rehabilitation Services

Kelsey Rohman Augusta, ME

University of Maine at Farmington Psychology

BRS Summer Intern

MaineHousing

Richard Taylor Research and Communication Manager MaineHousing

Kaine Hutchins Dixfield, ME

University of Maine Economics

Research and Analysis Intern

Deborah Turcotte Public Information Manager Communications and Planning

Alexis Soucy Windsor, ME

Southern New Hampshire University Communication

Communications Intern

Maine Department of Marine Resources

Jon Lewis Aquaculture Program Lead Aquaculture Division

Melissa Littlehale Dixfield, ME

The University of Maine School of Law Law

Aquaculture Intern

Maine Office of the Public Advocate

Timothy Schneider Public Advocate Executive Department

Benjamin Plant Yarmouth, ME

University of Maine School of Law Law

Legal Intern

Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation

David Leach Principal Consumer Credit Examiner Bureau of Consumer Credit Protection

Kody Theriault Caribou, ME

University of Maine Communications

Assistant to the Principal Examiner

Maine Department of Transportation

Brian Burne State Highway Engineer Maintenance and Operations

Trevor Lessard Greene, ME

University of Maine Ecology and Environmental Sciences

Highway and Information Intern

Peter Coughlan Director Community Services Division

Miranda Hotham Winslow, ME

Clark University Political Science and Sociology

Community Services Assistant

Amelia DeGrace Civil Engineer II Maintenance and Operations

Tucker Hyora Orono, ME

University of Maine Civil Engineering

Traffic Engineering Intern





Maine Department of Transportation Supervisor name, title and division Intern name, hometown Intern college, major Intern title

Helen Eagen Audit Manager Finance/Audit

Jessica Bickford Albion, ME

Thomas College Accounting

Audit Staff Document Retention Assistant

Nate Howard Transportation Planner Office of Planning

Sarah Maloney Scarborough, ME

Clark University Environmental Science & Policy

Transportation Planning Intern

Roger Soucy Senior Project Manager Project Development, Region 5

Courtney Cote Stockholm, ME

University of Maine at Presque Isle Criminal Justice/Psychology

Environmental & Highway Assistant

Maine Workers’ Compensation Board

Margaret Bratten Worker Advocate Advocate Division, Augusta

Ethan Ellsworth Greenlawn, NY

Bowdoin College Government and Legal Studies WCB Intern

Beatrice Turner Worker Advocate Advocate Division, Portland

Sara Trouillot Coral Springs, FL

University of Maine School of Law Law

WCB Intern

City of Hallowell

Nate Rudy City Manager

Clio Barr Hallowell, ME

Bates College Politics City of Hallowell Intern

Town of Kennebunkport

Jen Lord Town Manager

Laura Henny South Portland, ME

Brown University Public Policy Municipal Intern

Town of Rockport

Michael Young Public Works Director

Peter Huntington Newcastle, ME

University of Massachusetts Amherst Geography

GIS Field Assistant

City of Saco

Kevin Sutherland City Administrator

Nicole Anthony Amherst, NH

Bowdoin College Government and Legal Studies/Economics

City Administration Intern

Danica Lamontagne Biddeford, ME

University of Maine at Farmington Environmental Policy and Planning /Political Science

City Administration Intern

Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission

Lee Jay Feldman Planning Director

Kelsey Pelton Gray, ME

Saint Michael's College Environmental Studies Legislative Analyst

Town of Union

Jay Feyler Town Manager

Asher Sizeler-Fletcher Montville, ME

University of Maine Political Science Manager Assistant

Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation

Karissa Davan Attorney, Office of Professional and

Occupational Regulation

Emilly LaFleur Jay, ME

University of Vermont Anthropology OPOR Intern

2017 Maine GovernMent suMMer internshiP ProGraM


Summer SeminarThe interns gathered in July for a mid-summer education day in Augusta. First, the group learned about Maine’s labor market and the resources available for job seekers from Ruth Pease of the Center for Workforce Research and Information in the Maine Department of Labor. Each intern then reported on their summer work, its benefits and challenges, illustrating the remarkable variety of internships offered through this program. An afternoon spent in the State House introduced the interns to legislative leaders, partisan and non-partisan legislative offices, and the process of bills becoming laws.

A panel of student interns discussed what they gained from their summer work experience.

Government interns in the Senate chamber

Aaron Chadbourne, Senior Policy Advisor to Gov. LePage, addressed the interns, supervisors and

guests, and awarded certificates to interns.

Blaine House Recognition Reception

Comments From Interns

• “My internship stretched me to new limits, and opened my eyes to the impact of state government on day to day life.”

• “I was trusted to work independently on the projects that I undertook. I really feel like everything that I accomplished this summer was my own.”

• “My supervisors were incredible and made my summer one of the best.”

• “It was an awesome learning experience in a professional environment that truly encouraged me.”

• “I really liked the people I worked with. All very helpful, kind, and wanted to make sure I was busy!”

• “My internship allowed me to combine my interests in government and marketing/communications through performing community outreach and promotions work for the city government.”

• “At this point in my internship, I can participate in conversations about my project and feel like an expert.”

• “I was able to see a side of government I probably never would have seen if a hadn’t been given this opportunity.”

• “I gained great mentors that I can come to in the future for advice.”

Comments From Supervisors

• “Excellent program to encourage people to join state government.”

• “We’re pleased with the level of education the interns bring. They adapt well and get right to work with ease.”

• “The Internship Program vets and places its interns very well, and for our Bureau, the results have always been as positive as anyone could hope. ”

• “The Internship Program is a great resource for state agencies. It was not very hard for the supervisors from my perspective, and we got a great intern.”

• “Overall the program was a great fit. It was well organized and from this end felt almost effortless.”

• “I found the intern program to be a great success for our department. Our intern was skillfully selected and I found the rest of the program well run.”

• “We really felt that this program is a success in helping us find students that want to do this work and learn at the same time.”

the 2017 internshiP exPerience

2017 Maine Government Summer Internship Program 7

2017 awards cereMony: interns and suPervisors

internshiP selection coMMittee

Molly Bogart, Special Assistant, Office of the Speaker of the House

Meredith Cherry, Policy Assistant, Senate President’s Office

J. Thaddeus Cotnoir, Public Service Manager, Bureau of Human Resources

Jay Feyler, Town Manager and Public Information Officer, Town of Union

David Leach, Principal Consumer Credit Examiner, Department of Professional & Financial Regulation

Charlie Morris and Peggy McKee, Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, University of Maine

James Westoff, Director of Career Services, Husson University

NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE

The University of Maine does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status and gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. Contact the Director, Equal Opportunity, 5754 North Stevens Hall, Room 101, Orono, ME 04469-5754 at 207.581.1226 (voice), TTY 711 (Maine Relay System), [email protected] with questions or concerns.


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