Career Support and Resources for Military Service Members, Veterans, and Spouses
Maine State Government proudly supports our military service members, veterans, and their spouses in building meaningful careers. We know your skills, dedication, and experience are an incredible asset to our state—and we’re committed to helping you every step of the way.
This page is a resource for understanding your hiring preferences, finding the right job opportunities, and connecting with support programs that can make your job search smoother and more successful. Please find information about these resources with contact information below.
Interviewing Preferences
Veterans’ Preference in Hiring
Under Maine law (5 MRS, §7054-B), if you are a veteran who meets the minimum qualifications for a state job, you will be offered an interview for that position.
If you aren’t hired for the job, Executive Order 2016-002 ensures you can receive personalized guidance on other State of Maine job openings you may be qualified for. E-mail HumanResources.BHR@maine.gov or call 207-624-7761 to connect with one of our dedicated employees who can help you find your next opportunity.
More detailed information regarding Veterans' Preference
Gold Star Spouse Preference
Maine law (5 MRS, §7054-B) also recognizes and honors Gold Star Spouses. If you meet the minimum qualifications for a state position, you will be offered an interview.
More detailed information regarding Gold Star Spouse Preference
Career Support and Resources
Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services
At the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services (MBVS), Veteran Services Officers (VSOs) are dedicated to helping veterans and their families navigate benefits and resources. VSOs can guide you every step of the way, including information on the GI Bill, vocational rehabilitation, and job opportunities.
Connect with a Veteran Services Officer
Maine Career Centers
Maine’s CareerCenters provide specialized employment and training services for eligible Veterans and their spouses. If you served in the U.S. Armed Forces and meet eligibility requirements, you can meet with a Veterans Representative who can help you find a job, obtain new skills, aid with a career upgrade, or access other state or federal resources available to Veterans.
Learn more about employment and training opportunities for veterans
Maine Hire-A-Vet
Maine Hire-A-Vet is an annual series of hiring events connecting veterans, service members, and their families to employers statewide.
Information on Maine's Hire-A-Vet Campaign 2025 Locations and Dates
Boots2Roots
Boots2Roots is a nonprofit organization based in Maine that focuses on assisting active-duty military members, veterans, and their spouses in transitioning to meaningful employment in the state.
Boots2Roots provides career coaching, resume coaching, interview coaching and employer networking and introductions through our staff, veteran peer mentors and volunteer network. We will help translate your military experience into language that civilian hiring managers understand and introduce you to employment opportunities in Maine that may not be apparent to those living outside the state. There is no charge for these services.
Reach out to them through their contact form preferably around 12 to 18 months before arriving in Maine.
Submit a contact form to Boots2Roots
NASPE’s Military Spouse Network
This program is open to military spouses working for a state government in a National Association of State Personnel Executives (NASPE) member state (find a list of participating states here). The program activates when a military spouse/state employee receives notification of a Permanent Change of Station (PCS). The military spouse/state employee can receive career services, such as resume building, skills translation, informal contacts, etc.
Home state is responsible to:
Conduct an intake meeting with transitioning military spouse to help with resume, interview skills and identify jobs of interest/skill match.
Make initial contact with the receiving state’s point of contact to share the name, resume and contact information of the transitioning military spouse.
Receiving state is responsible to:
Conduct an initial meeting with the transitioning military spouse to review their resume and identify how their skill set translates into their state’s classification system.
Make connections for informal interviews with specific hiring managers that can explain jobs related to the military spouse’s background.
Any other support that would help the military spouse navigate the state’s recruitment process.
The NASPE representative for Maine State Government is Cari Gochenouer, Talent Development Coordinator, Talent Management Division, cari.gochenouer@maine.gov.