Description

The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) has an immediate opening for a program specialist to work on a variety of projects related to Great Lakes water quality and infrastructure. The desired candidate should be a self-starting, highly motivated individual with a desire to protect and enhance water resources in the binational Great Lakes basin. This position may also support other GLC program areas, as needed, including emerging work focused on climate resiliency.

Responsibilities

The program specialist will be responsible for a variety of activities in support of the GLC’s water quality and water infrastructure programming, including Blue Accounting, the GLC’s initiative to report on progress toward shared goals for the basin. The program specialist will support the water quality and infrastructure team by organizing meetings, researching state, provincial, and federal policies related to water quality and water infrastructure, and compiling and aggregating data from various public sources.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Assisting the program manager with coordinating four expert working groups focused on aspects of drinking water (source water protection; water treatment; water distribution; and water access).

• Obtaining, curating, and organizing (often large and complex) datasets.

• Maintaining content on project websites.

• Assisting with the development and implementation of stakeholder outreach plans and advocacy materials related to the creation of a water infrastructure “blueprint” for the Great Lakes.

• Processing data and compiling a detailed report on annual water use for the Great Lakes states and provinces.

• Researching and writing reports and briefing papers upon request.

• Assisting in planning and execution of online and in-person meetings.

• Documenting work activities to assist with project reporting and budget tracking, including the preparation of meeting notes and summaries.

• Tracking developments in water science and policy.

• Supporting the aggregation of content for the GLC’s Great Lakes Daily News service.

• Communicating effectively with project managers, partners and collaborators to complete the assigned tasks.

• Assisting in project communication as directed by supervisors, including preparing factsheets and newsletters, and developing web and social media content, among others.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree with at least two years of relevant full-time experience is required. A master’s degree with some experience is preferred. Other desired qualifications include:

• General knowledge of water infrastructure systems (drinking water, stormwater, and/or wastewater) and related policies and programs

• Knowledge of freshwater science and/or watershed management

• Ability to perform qualitative and quantitative analysis

• General knowledge of federal water policy

• Excellent writing skills with the ability to translate complex data into easily understood information

• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple projects and deadlines

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite of products (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)

• Ability to work independently and as part of internal and external teams

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

• Experience posting web content through WordPress

• Experience working with governmental agencies at the federal, state and provincial levels

Appointment

Position Classification
The position is classified as regular; full-time as defined by the GLC’s personnel policies.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $52,000 – $54,000 per year depending on education, skills and experience. The GLC offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including generous leave time, flexible schedules, medical, dental and vision insurance, and a retirement match program.

Work Environment
The GLC is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is expected that the majority of work is performed in the GLC’s office. COVID-19 precautions are in place, that currently include opportunities for a “hybrid” schedule of remote and in-office work. This position requires occasional travel.

Application Process

Applicants must submit their resume and a cover letter stating their interest in and qualifications for the position as a single PDF document via email to vacancy@glc.org. All required items must be provided for an application to receive consideration. No phone calls, please.

About the Great Lakes Commission

The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) is a binational government agency established by the eight Great Lakes states to protect the Great Lakes and the economies and ecosystems they support. The Canadian provinces of Ontario and Québec serve as associate members of the GLC.  Its membership includes leaders from the eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces in the Great Lakes basin. The GLC recommends policies and practices to balance the use, development, and conservation of the water resources of the Great Lakes and brings the region together to work on issues that no single community, state, province, or nation can tackle alone. Learn more at www.glc.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The Great Lakes Commission strives to create an inclusive, diverse and non-discriminatory workplace. The Great Lakes Commission is an equal opportunity employer; the Great Lakes Commission complies with applicable federal, state and local laws prohibiting discrimination. It is Great Lakes Commission policy that no person shall be discriminated against, as an employee or applicant for employment, because of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Description

The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) has an immediate opening for a part-time administrative coordinator. This position will work under the direction of the executive director and deputy director, and will assist with a wide range of administrative activities for the GLC and its staff. This position requires a skilled and highly organized person who can work as part of a team, and can also exercise independent judgment in a busy, deadline-driven environment. This position will serve as the initial point of contact for GLC visitors, Commissioners and partners, a role that requires a professional and positive attitude, and the ability to quickly learn and understand GLC structure and operations, organizational culture and decision-making.

Responsibilities

The administrative coordinator will be responsible for a variety of activities in support of GLC operations and programs, including general office administration, as well as scheduling and meeting support.

Specific responsibilities include:

Office Communication:

• Greet building visitors and respond to general inquiries.

• Manage the general voicemail box (forward voicemails to appropriate staff and respond to callers seeking general information). 

• Manage incoming and outgoing mail and shipping services.

• Manage and organize administrative and operational forms and files.

• Manage GLC Board, Commissioner and Observer rosters.

• Compose correspondence with GLC Board, Commissioners, Observers or other partners as requested by the executive or deputy director.

Scheduling and Meeting Support:

• Assist staff with securing travel, hotel and meeting accommodations.

• Provide logistical support and assist staff with in-office and project-specific meetings, including preparation and printing of materials (e.g., name tags, attendee lists).

• Take minutes for and work with the executive director to coordinate monthly GLC Board meetings.

• Provide logistical and administrative support for GLC’s three primary meetings a year including:

  • Manage online registration and payment, and reconcile final payments and receipts.

  • Negotiate and manage vendor contracts and payments; ensure events are within budget.

  • Work with venue staff and host state/province designee(s) to coordinate meeting, social event and field trip logistics.

  • Provide day-of meeting coordination (managing registration, directing event set-up, communicating with Commissioners and staff, organizing vendors, and managing breakdown).

  • Assist in preparation and printing of materials (e.g., name tags, attendee lists, briefing items).

  • Maintain and manage GLC meeting equipment and supplies.

Office Administration:

• Work with the executive director and deputy director to devise and implement strategic administrative improvements.

• Assist with the operation of shared office equipment; perform light maintenance and troubleshooting.

• Assist with scanning, bulk printing and copying.

• Work with equipment vendors, scheduling ongoing maintenance and arranging for repairs when equipment malfunctions.

• Work with building management company, manage issues as they arise and coordinate requests for building service, maintenance and repair.

• Manage relationship with contracted cleaning company; address issues as they arise and coordinate ongoing and special cleaning requests.

• Manage inventory of office supplies; purchase and distribute supplies when needed.

Qualifications

A high school diploma (or equivalent) and a minimum of three years’ experience in an administrative setting is required, along with the following qualifications:

• Outstanding ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with colleagues and individuals inside and outside the agency

• Strong organizational skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail

• Demonstrated proactive approach to problem-solving, both independently and in a team setting

• Ability to perform well under pressure

• Ability to handle sensitive or confidential information in a professional and mature manner

• Exceptional computer skills, including (but not limited to):

  • Proficiency with the Microsoft© Windows 10 operating system and associated products (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, etc.)

  • Adept at using the Internet for travel and meeting arrangements, postage and shipping, online account management, etc.

  • Ability to type quickly and accurately

  • Ability to prepare and format professional documents

The ideal candidate would also bring one or more of the following skills and experience to the position:

• Associate degree or higher in a related field

• Experience coordinating meetings or events

• Experience managing online or virtual events using web and videoconferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom)

Appointment

Position Classification and Compensation
The position is classified as regular, part-time as defined by the GLC’s personnel policies, with the successful candidate working a minimum of 20 hours per week, up to a maximum of 29 hours per week. The hourly rate for this position is $30 per hour. The GLC may consider reclassifying the position to full-time in the future, based on agency needs.

Work Environment
The GLC is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is expected that the majority of work is performed in the GLC’s office; however, occasional telework may be considered. This position requires occasional travel and occasional work outside of normal business hours.

Application Process

Applicants must submit their resume and a cover letter stating their interest in and qualifications for the position as a single PDF document via email to vacancy@glc.org. All required items must be provided for an application to receive consideration. No phone calls, please.

About the Great Lakes Commission

The Great Lakes Commission is a binational government agency established in 1955 to protect the Great Lakes and the economies and ecosystems they support. Its membership includes leaders from the eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces in the Great Lakes basin. The GLC recommends policies and practices to balance the use, development, and conservation of the water resources of the Great Lakes and brings the region together to work on issues that no single community, state, province, or nation can tackle alone. Learn more at www.glc.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The Great Lakes Commission strives to create an inclusive, diverse and non-discriminatory workplace. The Great Lakes Commission is an equal opportunity employer; the Great Lakes Commission complies with applicable federal, state and local laws prohibiting discrimination. It is Great Lakes Commission policy that no person shall be discriminated against, as an employee or applicant for employment, because of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Description

The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) has an immediate opening for a self-starting, highly motivated team player to join our Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention and Control program. This position will work under the direction of GLC AIS program staff and will assist with implementation of various AIS projects and provide support to regional collaboratives coordinated by the GLC. The GLC’s portfolio of invasive species projects target a variety of invasive species issues and rely heavily on regional coordination and collaboration to achieve desired outcomes.

Responsibilities

The Aquatic Invasive Species Program Specialist will be responsible for a variety of activities in support of the GLC’s AIS program, including project planning and implementation; communication with multiple partners; outreach to diverse stakeholder audiences; preparation of presentations and written documents; meeting planning, coordination and facilitation; assisting with grant reporting; and related responsibilities.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Provide staff support to invasive species forums including the Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species, the Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative and the Invasive Mussel Collaborative

• Assist with the coordination, planning, facilitation and documentation of collaborative meetings and workshops, including committee/work group meetings

• Conduct literature reviews, policy analysis and other research to support the development of fact sheets, reports, briefing papers and other written materials

• Organize educational webinars for diverse audiences on priority invasive species topics

• Develop content for and assist in maintenance of electronic communications, including biweekly
  e-newsletters, websites (www.greatlakesphragmites.net and www.invasivemusselcollaborative.net)

• Provide clear written and verbal communications to diverse partners and stakeholder groups

Qualifications

A master’s degree in natural resources, environmental science or a related field; or a bachelor’s degree plus two or more years of experience is required, along with the following qualifications:

• Working knowledge of natural resources management, ecology and/or aquatic sciences

• Experience with Microsoft Office products

• Ability to work independently and as part of internal and external teams

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

• Self-motivated and organized with strong attention to detail

• Excellent communication and time management skills

The ideal candidate would also bring one or more of the following skills and experience to the position:

• Knowledge of Great Lakes issues and programs, regional government, water quality, land use and/or resource management

• Knowledge of aquatic invasive species prevention and management

• Familiarity with social media, website content management (e.g., WordPress), and webinar platforms

• Communications experience

Appointment

Position Classification
The position is classified as regular – full-time as defined by the GLC’s personnel policies.

Compensation and Benefits
The starting salary range for this position is $54,000 – $57,000 per year depending on education, skills and experience. The GLC offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including generous leave time, flexible schedules, medical, dental and vision insurance, and a retirement match program.

Work Environment
The GLC is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is expected that the majority of work is performed in the GLC’s office; however, telework may be considered. This position requires occasional travel.

Application Process
Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume stating their interest in and qualifications for the position in a single e-mail to vacancy@glc.org. All required items must be provided for an application to receive consideration. No phone calls, please.

About the Great Lakes Commission

The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) is a binational government agency established by the eight Great Lakes states and Congress to protect the Great Lakes and the economies and ecosystems they support. The Canadian provinces of Ontario and Québec serve as associate members of the GLC. The GLC is an integral component of the governance structure of the Great Lakes basin – enabling the states and provinces to develop consensus and speak with a unified, powerful voice on behalf of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River region. The GLC staff manage a wide range of programs and projects on behalf of the states, provinces, and basin. Learn more at www.glc.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The Great Lakes Commission strives to create an inclusive, diverse and non-discriminatory workplace. The Great Lakes Commission is an equal opportunity employer; the Great Lakes Commission complies with applicable federal, state and local laws prohibiting discrimination. It is Great Lakes Commission policy that no person shall be discriminated against, as an employee or applicant for employment, because of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.