DESCRIPTION

The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Coordinator plays a vital role in protecting the health of our Northwoods lakes and rivers. This position leads efforts to stop the spread of invasive species by partnering with lake associations, local organizations, and the public through education, ecological restoration, and hands-on lake work. The AIS Coordinator also helps manage seasonal staff and work schedules alongside the Woods and Water Program Director.

But this isn’t just meaningful work—it’s done in one of the most beautiful places in Wisconsin. You’ll spend your days on cool, clear lakes across Vilas, Oneida, Iron, and Price counties, snorkeling with turtles, boating past loons, and exploring wild shorelines. If you’re passionate about conservation and want to make a real impact while working outside in the heart of the Northwoods, this job is for you.

EXPECTATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES

• Project Management—Assist the Woods and Water Program Director with coordinating work to fulfil grants and partner agreements. Participate in stakeholder meetings and provide updates on current projects. Assist with scheduling projects and making adjustments as necessary to meet goals and deadlines.
• Secure Funding—Assist the Woods and Water Program Director with securing grant funding and partner agreements. Assist in writing grants, proposals, and partner agreements.
• Invasive Species Monitoring and Management—Conduct AIS monitoring, bio-control beetle rearing, water quality monitoring, and snorkel surveys. Identify, map, and control areas of AIS infestations. Conduct AIS removal by diver-assisted suction harvest, free-dive and hand pulling, and hand-digging shoreline invasive plants.
• Vegetation Surveys— Conduct point-intercept surveys and other vegetation surveys including plant identification, collection, and verification; recording and entering data; submitting final summary of finds.
• Inspect Boats — Conduct Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) boater surveys including boat inspections, inform boaters about AIS laws, and input survey data into statewide database (SWIMS).
• Seasonal Staff Training and Support— Assist with orientation for new seasonal staff and volunteers for their work as a member of the Woods and Water team, supporting Woods and Water projects. Prioritize and assign to Seasonal Staff and volunteers work for the day, ensuring they are well prepared. Serve as a role model for seasonal staff by setting examples of efficient work practices, how to manage personal work projects, completing administrative tasks on a timely basis, being available to address questions and resolve issues should they arise.
• Educational Programming — Develop and deliver high quality AIS training and programming teaching our community about AIS, healthy stewardship practices, and our teams’ local efforts on managing our lakes and rivers.
• Community Outreach — Setup NLDC table at community events while conducting outreach and educating the public on various topics.
• Contribute to the organization’s mission—Assist in programs, special events and fundraisers, and community outreach as needed. Communicate needs to and be willing to help other staff members as needed. Assist with storytelling initiatives for the organization, through social media, photos, and presentations.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, a positive attitude, and dependable organizational skills.
• Understanding of the importance of data collection and the ability to record, enter, and organize data across multiple stewardship and conservation projects.
• Passion for working outdoors with experience and appreciation for the conditions field work presents.
• Excellent swimming skills, comfortable in and around water, snorkeling, and experience working on many types of boats including pontoons, johns, kayaks and canoes.
• S In limnology, fisheries, conservation biology, environmental education, natural resources, or a closely related field.
• At least 3 seasons field experience implementing conservation principles including aquatic invasive species, biology, conservation, or sampling methods.
• At least 1 season experience leading teams or crew members to accomplish goals and meet deadlines.
• Ability to use taxonomic keys for identification, plant identification skills (especially aquatic), and experience using GPS to navigate to field sites. Training is provided for exact survey protocols.
• Strong sense of personal ownership and responsibility for your work with immense care for details.
• Collaborative with supervisors and a high degree of integrity and trustworthiness.
• CPR and First Aid certification, and WI Boater Safety Certification (if born after January 1, 1989), or ability to obtain upon hiring.
• A valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Experience and ability to trailer boats is a plus.

PREFERED REQUIREMENTS

• Scuba certification, have or be willing to obtain a PADI Open Water Scuba certification to assist in Diver Assisted Suction Harvest efforts.
• ArcGIS, experience creating maps in ArcGIS from data points collected from multiple projects.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Full-time position, expected start date between July 10th- August 15st
• Competitive salary based on experience: $42,000-$46,000
• Benefits package includes health insurance, paid holidays, paid time off, and 401k retirement plan