OVERVIEW:

The Whitefish Lake Institute (WLI), a leader in water quality monitoring, research, and education, is seeking a Program Coordinator to join our non-profit team in Whitefish, Montana. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Program Coordinator will play a key role in multiple aspects and initiatives of the organization. As part of a small but high impact non-profit team, the Program Coordinator will play a significant role helping WLI fulfill its mission to protect and improve water quality in the Whitefish area.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Core Responsibilities

• Coordinate and train volunteers in the Northwest Montana Lakes Network (NMLN)
• Visit all 41 lakes in the NMLN once per year (July 15-August 15) to collect basic limnological information as coordinated with the lake volunteer(s)
• Data input and analysis for NMLN and other programs
• Conduct Aquatic Invasive Species early detection monitoring and control techniques
• Coordinate K-12 and adult educational opportunities, including visits to the WLI owned Viking Creek Wetland Preserve
• Coordinate the planning and execution of the Science Quencher (semi-annual)
• Co-coordinate the Montana Lakes Conference (4-year cycle—next event 2027)
• Supervise undergraduate summer intern
• Develop work plans and implementation schedules with the ED

Other Responsibilities

• Participate in staff meetings, board meetings and WLI sponsored events
• Assist in data collection for the Whitefish Long-term Water Quality Monitoring Program that includes Whitefish Lake and local streams
• Draft articles and assistance in the production of the organization’s quarterly newsletter LakeFront
• Assist in special research projects
• Assist with boat and equipment maintenance
• Serve on external committees
• Fulfill miscellaneous tasks associated with a small non-profit corporation as assigned by ED

DESIRED SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS & QUALITIES:

• Minimum B.S. or B.A. in a natural resource related field with emphasis in water quality and/or aquatic ecology with five years of experience
• Command of major software programs including the Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher). Experience with GIS and R preferred but not required
• Exceptional communication skills both oral and written
• Proven collaboration and relationship-building skills and ability to work effectively with diverse people, funders, and partners
• Ability to forge strong relationships with volunteers and landowners
• Capacity to juggle multiple tasks in a high-energy environment
• Flexible, reliable, and self-directed work style
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Positive, motivated, energetic, and empathetic attitude
• Must be able to operate multiple types of watercraft, including trailering and transport
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds
• Passion for the aquatic resources of a small but vital watershed located at the headwaters of the Columbia River Basin