Stewardship Technician - Lake Leelanau Lake Association
To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, and three references to the Director of Administration and Programs and Dive Team Leader, Annalise Povolo, at annalise@lakeleelanau.org
Job posting: https://lakeleelanau.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026_StewardshipTechnician_JobPosting.pd
Applications will be accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis. For consideration, please submit by March 23, 2026.
Organization Summary:
The Lake Leelanau Lake Association (LLLA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect and enhance the quality and beauty of Lake Leelanau and its surrounding watershed for current and future generations. Since the discovery of the invasive aquatic plant, Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), LLLA has partnered with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians to monitor, control, and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in Lake Leelanau with non-chemical methods. In addition, LLLA is dedicated to monitoring the ecosystem health and fostering a community of members engaged in the stewardship of Lake Leelanau and its watershed.
Pay and Schedule Details:
- $25/hour, approximately 8 hours/day, 5 days/week for 11 weeks
- Regular Schedule: Start: June 8, End: August 21, Monday-Friday (weather dependent)
- Local housing options may be available, with the possibility of other work to cover room and board, and for additional pay.
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Position Description:
LLLA is hiring a seasonal Stewardship Technician to assist in the Association’s stewardship programs, focusing on aquatic invasive species (AIS) remediation, water quality monitoring, terrestrial invasive species control, event assistance, and more. The technician will assist in the planning and execution of the weekly field work plan and be responsible for supporting the day-to-day operations. The technician will report to the Association’s Director of Administration and Programs (DAP) and Stewardship Coordinator. Experience driving a boat is required, along with the relevant certifications (Michigan boater safety certificate, dependent on age). Preference will be given to those who have the potential and interest to continue in this role for multiple summers.
Responsibilities:
- Aquatic Invasive Species Remediation (~80% of time)
- Navigate the boat and crew to the work site each day.
- Ensure SCUBA diver safety while working in the lake, always staying attentive to the location of the divers and keeping other boats away from them.
- Perform basic maintenance to keep the boat clean and in proper working condition, and identify any maintenance needs.
- Ensure the boat is equipped with the materials and equipment needed for the day’s work (as determined by the DAP and Stewardship Coordinator) and that there is sufficient gas in the boat.
- Assist with filling SCUBA tanks and maintaining the air compressors.
- Assist the data manager in maintaining a detailed log of the daily activities and update all logged activities on an online database.
- Assist the Stewardship Coordinator in completing full lake surveys for AIS.
- Assist in maintaining the work site based on the property agreement stipulations.
- Assist the Stewardship Coordinator in propagating native plants.
- Lake Stewardship (~20% of time)
- Lead weekly water quality sampling on South Lake Leelanau.
- Track volunteer water quality sampling for quality assurance and thresholds of concern for harmful algal blooms.
- Assist in gathering consent forms for terrestrial invasive species (purple loosestrife and Phragmites) control.
- Assist in the deployment of Galerucella beetles to control purple loosestrife.
- Assist in the preparation and execution of educational events.
Required skills, knowledge, and experience:
- Team player and self-motivated
- Leadership and project management
- Demonstrated adherence to safety procedures and guidelines
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
- Boat driving experience, with a Michigan boater safety certificate, dependent on age
- Ability to swim in case of a diver emergency
- Emergency Response Certification (half-day course, course fee provided by LLLA, if necessary)
- Willingness to work outside under a variety of weather conditions
- Highly reliable and punctual
- Excellent personal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to organize and carry out data collection, data management, and computer database operation skills
Desired skills, knowledge, and experience:
- Lifeguard certification
- Aerial and underwater drone operation
- Comfort with troubleshooting equipment
- Passion for caring for natural resources
- Experience working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Background in natural sciences or ability to understand ecological concepts related to aquatic invasive species and watershed management
- Knowledge of aquatic invasive species and/or experience with aquatic species identification
To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, and three references to the Director of Administration and Programs and Dive Team Leader, Annalise Povolo, at annalise@lakeleelanau.org.
Applications will be accepted and evaluated on a rolling basis. For consideration,
please submit by March 23, 2026.
The Lake Leelanau Lake Association is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.