VA Maine Healthcare System (Togus)
MEVA health care system serving Maine veterans with medical, mental health, and specialty care services.
Veteran Employment Resources in Maine
Find veteran employment resources in Maine. State hiring preferences, career counseling, job training, and transition assistance for Maine veterans.
Veterans bring exceptional skills to the civilian workforce — leadership, discipline, technical expertise, and the ability to perform under pressure. Maine, home to approximately 110,000 veterans, offers a robust network of employment resources to help service members transition to meaningful civilian careers.
This guide covers federal and state employment programs, hiring preferences, career counseling, training opportunities, and veteran-friendly employers in Maine.
Federal Employment Programs
American Job Centers & DVOP/LVER
The Department of Labor funds Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists and Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVERs) at career centers across Maine. These specialists provide intensive career counseling, job placement, and follow-up services. Veterans receive priority of service at all federally funded employment programs.
VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E)
Chapter 31 VR&E provides career counseling, resume development, job training, education, and job placement for Maine veterans with service-connected disabilities who face employment barriers. Contact the VA Regional Office serving Maine to apply.
Maine Employment Resources
Maine provides veterans' preference in state employment. The Maine Department of Labor has veteran employment representatives. Bath Iron Works, one of Maine's largest employers, actively recruits veterans for shipbuilding
Skills Translation & Licensing
Maine has taken steps to recognize military credentials and training for civilian licensing. Veterans with military occupational specialties in healthcare, commercial driving, aviation, and other regulated fields should contact the MBVS for assistance with credential recognition.
Veteran Entrepreneurship
The SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development provides resources including Boots to Business training, Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs), and SCORE mentoring. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) receive federal contracting preferences. Contact your nearest SBA office in Maine for details.
Key Resources
- VA Careers: VA for Vets at vaforvets.va.gov
- Federal Jobs: usajobs.gov (Veterans' Preference applies)
- MBVS: Contact for state employment resources
- DOL Veterans Services: 1-866-487-2365
Employment Resources in Maine
Maine Bureau of Veterans Services
MEMaine state veterans affairs office providing benefits counseling, claims assistance, and connections to state veteran programs.
Maine Department of Labor Veterans Services
MEEmployment and training services for Maine veterans including job placement and career counseling.
Maine Military and Veterans Family Support Program
MESupport services for military and veteran families in Maine including counseling and family readiness programs.
MaineHousing
MEState housing finance agency providing mortgage assistance, rental programs, and housing resources for Maine residents including veterans.
Pine Tree Legal Assistance Veterans Project
MEFree civil legal assistance for low-income veterans in Maine.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Maine offer veterans' hiring preference?
- Maine provides veterans' preference in state employment. Veterans' Preference also applies to all federal jobs.
- What employment programs are available for disabled veterans in Maine?
- VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) provides career counseling, training, and job placement for veterans with service-connected disabilities. DVOP specialists at career centers provide intensive services for disabled veterans.
- How do I translate my military skills to civilian jobs in Maine?
- Use the VA Military Skills Translator at va.gov or O*NET to map military experience to civilian careers. Maine has also taken steps to recognize military credentials for state licensing.
- Where can I get job training in Maine?
- Options include VR&E, GI Bill-funded training, apprenticeships, state career center programs, and community college certificate programs. Contact your local career center or the MBVS for specific programs.
- How do I start a business as a veteran in Maine?
- The SBA offers Boots to Business training, SCORE mentoring, and Veterans Business Outreach Centers. Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses receive federal contracting preferences. Contact your local SBA office in Maine.
Related guides in Maine
Employment in nearby states
Related resources
Recently verified employment resources serving Maine, ordered by most recent verification.
Maine Department of Labor Veterans Services
MEEmployment and training services for Maine veterans including job placement and career counseling.