Position Title: Water Resources Manager

Reports To: Associate Director

Salary range: $60,000 - $70,000 commensurate with experience and education

Position Status: Full Time FLSA Status: Exempt

About Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council: We are dedicated to protecting our lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater through respected advocacy, innovative education, technically sound water quality monitoring, thorough research, and restoration actions. We achieve our mission by empowering others and believe in the capacity to make a positive difference.

Core Values:
1. The belief in the beauty and integrity of the natural world.
2. Technically sound information and programs.
3. High integrity and honesty.
4. Innovation and creativity.
5. Optimistic belief in the capacity to change human behavior.
6. Persistence.

The Benefit of Working Here: The Watershed Council’s compensation philosophy is based on  equity and transparency. Starting offers are determined by both the candidate's directly applicable experience and internal equity within the pay grade. As part of our total rewards package, we offer meaningful work, hybrid and flexible work schedules, a pet-friendly office, benefits, promotional opportunities, and competitive compensation.

Our attractive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for each employee in addition to life insurance, an annual paid wellness benefit, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution. Additionally, we operate with a discretionary paid time off system based on team equity and trust.

Position Summary: The Water Resources Manager will oversee monitoring staff in implementing field work, monitoring programs, volunteer coordination, and data analysis
within the Watershed Protection Program. They are responsible for developing and/or assisting with watershed management, monitoring, quality assurance plans, and for securing contracts with local lake associations and other clients. The role involves training staff in scientific best practices, executing research projects, and maintaining strong relationships with partners and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

Watershed Protection Program Management
● Assist with developing and implementing organizational priorities according to the Strategic Plan and Watershed Management Plans.
● Participate in and assist with development and updates to Watershed Management Plans and Quality Assurance Project Plans as needed.
● Prepare and/or update Annual Monitoring Reports for public sharing.
● Work with partners and stakeholders to determine survey, and research needs; and develop proposals, funding options, and budgets.
● Maintain open communications and encourage resource sharing and project collaboration with professionals in other local, regional, and partner organizations and agencies.
● Maintain water quality databases in AirTable including handling data analysis,  requests, and entry
● Manage volunteer monitoring programs including regular communication with volunteers, scheduling training and ensuring all volunteer information is up to date
in the organizations contact database.
● Play a role in field work as needed, coordinating with the Aquatic Resources Coordinator.
● Manage contract and coordinate the laboratory analyses for different projects collaboratively with the Aquatic Resources Coordinator and other staff.

Administrative
● Supervise the Aquatic Resources Coordinator, providing leadership and mentorship, ensuring job performance metrics are met.
● Coordinate and manage all aspects of grant and contract projects related to shoreline surveys, aquatic plant surveys, and water quality monitoring.
● Monitor budgets (including staff time) for contracts and grants.
● Communicate and coordinate with program managers across programs to determine project roles and responsibilities.
● Assist with grant proposals, develop appropriate project ideas, implement grant monitoring projects and related reports, coordinating with other staff as necessary.

Other Responsibilities
● Participate in staff meetings, retreats, and strategic planning sessions.
● Serve as an ambassador to local communities on behalf of the Watershed Council, including preparing and delivering presentations across the service area.
● Answer citizen inquiries.
● Participate in annual staff performance evaluations.
● Track time and expenses in a timely manner.

Qualifications
● Bachelor’s degree, certificate and/or at least cumulative 5 years' work experience biology, ecology, environmental science or similar.
● Experience managing and executing research projects
● Experience managing staff and projects, working with volunteers, conducting field work, and a knowledge of Michigan water quality standards is required.
● Proficiency in database management (Excel and AirTable preferred), mapping and data collection (ArcGIS Pro, FieldMaps, ArcGIS Online, Survey123), and use of water
quality monitoring equipment (multiparameter sonde, discharge meters, water sampler,etc) is required.
● Ability to operate and trailer boats and kayaks, wade in lakes and rivers, identify Northern Michigan aquatic macroinvertebrates to family level, and identify aquatic
and wetland plants to species level is preferred.

Work Location: Position requires on-site work at our Petoskey, MI office with work from home or remote work flexibility. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented water resources professional with a strong background in fieldwork, watershed management, and active leadership. If you are committed to advancing water resource protection through stewardship and collaboration, we encourage you to apply.

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations.
Candidates from traditionally underrepresented populations are encouraged to apply.