OVERVIEW:

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

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

            Core Responsibilities

• Manage the Whitefish Long-term Water Quality Monitoring Program that includes Whitefish Lake and local streams
• Develop study methodologies and QA/QC documents
• Collect water chemistry samples, physical parameters, and stream flow information
• Manage and create databases
• Statistical interpretation of data and reporting of key findings
• Preparation of management / study reports
• Publish significant findings
• Identify research needs based on data analysis and land use pressures
• Database management and reporting for the Northwest Montana Lakes Network
• Scientific equipment calibration and maintenance
• Boat and trailer up-keep
• Manage and coordinate the Science Advisory Committee
• Develop work plans and implementation schedules with the ED

            Other Responsibilities

• Participate in staff meetings, board meetings and WLI sponsored events
• Team member in organizational planning
• Assist in the planning and execution of the Montana Lakes Conference (4-year cycle)
• Assist in the planning and execution of the WLI Science Quencher (quarterly)
• Assist in management of undergraduate summer intern
• Assist in educational programing
• Draft articles for WLI quarterly newsletter LakeFront
• Serve on external committees
• Fulfill miscellaneous tasks associated with a small non-profit corporation as assigned by ED, including but not limited to grant writing, budgeting, fundraising, and special events

DESIRED SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS & QUALITIES:

• Master’s degree in Limnology or closely related field. Current graduate or PhD students may be considered given certain circumstances
• Previous field work experience
• Demonstrated strong analytical and data interpretation skills
• Fluent in R software and programming
• Command of major software programs including the Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher)
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including public speaking experience, and the ability to effectively communicate ideas across disciplines and the public 
• 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

• Proven collaboration and relationship-building skills and ability to work effectively with diverse people, funders, and partners.

• 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

About Whitefish Lake Institute

Founded in 2005, WLI is a science and education based 501(c)(3) non-profit in Whitefish, Montana led by a volunteer board of directors and assisted by a Science Advisory Committee. WLI partners with various organizations to creatively fund research and develop programs for Whitefish Lake and Whitefish area water resources. We accomplish our work through three program areas: Science, Education, and Aquatic Resource Initiatives.

Connections working at Whitefish Lake Institute