Boat Cleaning Staff

Boat Cleaning Staff

To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, and three references to the Director of Administration and Programs, 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.

• $20/hour, up to 8 hours/day on Friday through Monday, for 18-weeks (weather and schedule dependent)
• Regular Schedule*: Start: Memorial Day Weekend End: Late September
  • *Note that some pre-season hours are requested for training.
• Local housing options may be available, with the possibility of other work to cover room and board, and for additional pay

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

position description:

Position Summary:

The Lake Leelanau Lake Association (LLLA) is hiring seasonal employees to staff our boat cleaning stations. Staff will report directly to the LLLA Boat Cleaning Manager. The work schedule is primarily during the summer, but some additional hours will be requested for training prior to the season. See the list below for boat cleaning stations:

• DNR Narrows Boat Launch
• DNR West Boat Launch
• DNR Bingham Boat Launch
• Suelzer Park Boat Launch

education & Communication:

The primary responsibilities of the Boat Cleaning Staff are to assist boaters with washing their boats and educate boaters and community members on the importance of cleaning their boats properly to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). Duties include intercepting boaters when they enter the launch to initiate a boat washing discussion, recording data, instructing boaters on how to effectively use our boat cleaning stations or washing their boats for them, and explaining to boaters the threat AIS pose to Lake Leelanau and the steps LLLA is taking to control and remediate it. Staff are also expected to collaborate with volunteers who may also be helping at the boat cleaning stations. AIS educational training materials will be provided, and the Staff are expected to master them. The LLLA will host several events during the summer seeking to educate community members about the importance of preventing the spread of AIS. The Staff may be required to participate during regularly scheduled hours.

Maintenance:

The Boat Cleaning Staff will be responsible for performing maintenance of our four boat cleaning stations, as directed by the Boat Cleaning Manager (training provided). Maintenance consists of performing routine checks on oil levels, filters, water levels, and wand operability at all stations. Maintenance also includes minimal pulling of weeds and litter removal when present.

Other Skills & Requirements:

Strong interpersonal skills, a willingness to work outdoors in a variety of conditions, and attention to detail. Workdays are Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday to align with peak boater traffic. Residence in Leelanau County is preferred. Staff are responsible for their own transportation to the area; however, mileage will be reimbursed if traveling between boat washes is required on any given workday.

Responsibilities

• Receive training and become well-acquainted with the operation of each boat cleaning station to be better able to instruct boaters on the proper use of the equipment
• Wash every necessary boat or instruct boaters on how to do so themselves
• Educate boaters at boat launches on AIS prevention
• Document boater conversations on boater survey forms
• Maintain boat cleaning stations
• Communicate necessary boat cleaning station repairs to the Boat Wash Manager

Knowledge, experience, and preferred skills

• Willingness to work outside
• Safety conscious
• Passion for caring for natural resources
• Highly dependable and punctual
• Team player and self-motivated
• Excellent personal communication skills needed; friendly demeanor is crucial when approaching boaters
• Demonstrated ability to organize and carry out basic data collection
• Experience working in public outreach (preferred)
• Mechanical aptitude (preferred, but willing to train)
• Background in natural sciences or ability to understand ecological concepts related to aquatic invasive species (preferred, but willing to train)
• Knowledge of aquatic invasive species and/or experience with aquatic species identification (preferred, but willing to train)