Watershed Scientist & Program Manager

The Glen Lake Association (GLA) is seeking a passionate and collaborative Watershed Scientist & Program Manager to lead our science and stewardship efforts in the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed. This is a rare opportunity to build a meaningful career protecting one of Michigan's most treasured freshwater ecosystems while working alongside talented colleagues, engaged volunteers, and a community that deeply values conservation.

The Watershed Scientist & Program Manager serves as the GLA's scientific leader, advancing the understanding and long-term stewardship of the Glen Lake/Crystal River Watershed in Leelanau County, Michigan. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine hands‑on field science with community engagement in one of Michigan's most treasured freshwater systems.

You’ll oversee the GLA's water quality, watershed science, and invasive species programs while communicating science in ways that inspire informed decision‑making and stewardship. Working closely with the Executive Director, you'll lead seasonal staff, interns, volunteers, and program partners to deliver impactful science and stewardship initiatives.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative scientist who enjoys spending time in the field, mentoring others, building partnerships, and making complex science accessible to the community.

• Develop annual work plans and lead the day‑to‑day management of the GLA's water quality, invasive species, stewardship, and scientific monitoring programs.
• Monitor program progress, budgets, and key deliverables.
• Supervise and mentor seasonal staff, interns, volunteers, and contractors.
• Contribute scientific expertise to organizational strategic planning and long‑term program development.
• Prepare technical reports, annual summaries, and scientific content to support organizational communications and decision‑making.
• Partner with the Executive Director to identify funding opportunities and provide technical expertise for grant proposals and applications.
• Recommend, where appropriate, new monitoring initiatives and scientific approaches to address emerging watershed issues.

• Lead and oversee long‑term monitoring of water quality and watershed conditions.
• Conduct and supervise watershed monitoring using a variety of scientific field methods and equipment, including water quality sampling with multi‑probe sondes; shoreline assessments; aquatic vegetation surveys conducted through snorkeling or scuba; and the use of drones, remotely operated vehicles, and microscopes.
• Monitor and interpret biological indicators of watershed health, including aquatic vegetation, plankton communities, fisheries data, wildlife observations, and other ecological trends.
• Lead implementation of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species prevention, early detection, and response efforts.
• Manage long‑term datasets and ensure data quality and reporting.
• Analyze and interpret data to identify trends and management opportunities.

• Lead the GLA's stewardship and community science programs, including the Guardian Stewardship and Discovery Boat programs.
• Design meaningful internship experiences and oversee, mentor, and support interns engaged in watershed science.
• Recruit and train volunteers participating in citizen science initiatives and stewardship programs.
• Represent the GLA through outreach and public presentations that communicate science and inspire stewardship.

• Develop and maintain partnerships with government and tribal agencies, researchers, nonprofits, and other watershed organizations.
• Serve as the staff liaison and scientific advisor to the GLA Water Quality Committee.

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, calibration, and replacement planning for scientific equipment, boats, trailers, and other assets.
• Support the Water Levels Committee in coordinating dam operations and required inspections while monitoring compliance with the court order and applicable permits and regulations.

• Bachelor's degree in Limnology, Environmental Science, Ecology, Natural Resources…