SCUBA Diver for Aquatic Invasive Species Control

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.

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.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

Pay and Schedule Details

• $25/hour, approximately 7 hours/day, 3 days/week for 10 weeks
• Regular Schedule: Start: June 15*, End: August 21, Monday-Friday (weather dependent)

*An alternate start date earlier than June 15 is possible, depending on availability.

• Local housing options may be available, with the possibility of other work to cover room and board, and for additional pay

Position Description:

Position Summary:

The Lake Leelanau Lake Association (LLLA) is looking to contract experienced SCUBA divers to join its dive team to assist in remediating, controlling, and monitoring aquatic invasive species (AIS), specifically Eurasian watermilfoil and Curly-leaf pondweed. Divers will report to the Association’s Dive Team Leader and Stewardship Coordinator. The dive teams work daily with dedicated field technicians who drive the boats and support the divers. The workday normally consists of two dives per day with a lunch break in between. Must be a certified diver.

Responsibilities

• Map and determine the area and shape of infestations to prepare to cover them with benthic barriers
• Deploy benthic barriers over AIS infestations and place sandbags over top to weigh them down
• Retrieve rebar used during barrier deployment
• Mark AIS strands or small clumps and place micro-barriers over them
• Hand-pull AIS fragments on top of barriers or in selected areas
• Scout for Eurasian watermilfoil, curly-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus), and other aquatic invasive species
• Record underwater video over previously-deployed benthic barriers
• Assist with collecting aquatic vegetation cover observations and data

Required skills, knowledge, and experience

• Certified diver
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
• Highly reliable, responsible, and punctual 
• Willingness to work outside under a variety of conditions
• Team player and self-motivated
• Excellent personal communication skills

Desired skills, knowledge, and experience

• Preference for divers with a rescue certification or higher, or a scientific diver certification
• High aptitude in underwater navigation, working with hands underwater, and spatial awareness
• Knowledge of aquatic invasive species and/or experience with aquatic species identification 
• Passion for caring for natural resources 
• Background in natural sciences or ability to understand ecological concepts related to aquatic invasive species

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.