SETH WALTON
Penobscot Bay Waterkeeper
Seth is an outdoor educator, program founder, and public-sector professional with a career spanning outdoor leadership, public safety, maritime operations, education, nonprofit development, and government administration. In the Waterkeeper role, he works to protect water quality, ecosystems, and public access across the Penobscot Bay and River watershed, with a focus on science-based advocacy, community partnerships, and long-term stewardship.
Seth was most recently the founder and lead instructor of a certificate-granting Outdoor Leadership Program at the MidCoast School of Technology, where he designed and managed a two-year curriculum preparing students for careers in guiding, public safety, maritime trades, and environmental fields.
A Registered Master Maine Guide and trainer, Seth has led expeditions and instructional programs in ocean and inland environments for more than two decades. His experience includes serving as medical officer aboard the SSV Corwith Cramer with the Sea Education Association, along with work in search and rescue, technical rope rescue, emergency medicine, and maritime education.
He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Colorado Denver, a graduate certificate in atmospheric sciences from the American Meteorological Society, and completed graduate coursework in maritime history and nautical archaeology at East Carolina University. He is also a PADI Divemaster, a member of the Coastal Mountains Search and Rescue Team, and a Monitor Skipper with the Maine Island Trail Association.
He brings extensive experience in program management, consulting, and public administration, including federal grant review, legislative performance auditing, and advising environmental nonprofits. Known for building durable programs and mentoring diverse teams, Seth takes a practical, collaborative approach to conservation grounded in field experience and a commitment to protecting clean water and working waterfronts in Penobscot Bay.
