Public Affairs Specialist

Background: The bi-directional selective fish passage (FishPass; https://www.glfc.org/fishpass.php) project at the Boardman/Ottaway River’s Union Street Dam in Traverse City, MI is a multi-agency collaboration aimed at providing up- and down-stream passage of desirable fishes while simultaneously blocking or removing undesirable and invasive fishes. FishPass is a multifaceted project that is prominently located in downtown Traverse City and, therefore, prominently featured to its many residents and visitors. The project will have broad effects on how the existing site is accessed and used. The community has a strong desire to integrate the river into the fabric of the city. FishPass provides an excellent opportunity to support community values among other critical ecosystem and socio-economic values, such as: 1) enhancing access and use of the site for education, wayfinding, and recreation; 2) improving public understanding of the threat from invasive species; 3) informing the public on the role of human landscape alterations on fisheries and communities; and 4) promoting engagement regarding broad objectives for the Boardman/Ottaway River, ecosystem management, and city planning.

FishPass is currently under construction, and on-site selective fish passage research is expected to begin by 2027. In preparation for the opening of FishPass, the FishPass Advisory Board has prioritized the need to increase community outreach and education opportunities and ensure that Anishinaabek culture (past and present) is reflected in broader education and placemaking elements at FishPass.

Responsibilities: The FishPass Public Affairs Specials (PAS) will be responsible for being the first point-of-contact for all visitors (including external researchers, media, school programs, tour groups, and the general public) to FishPass and will assist in the implementation of an existing FishPass Outreach and Education Plan. The PAS will be knowledgeable about the river, its ecology, the history of the site and its people, and FishPass and will effectively communicate that information to visitors. The PAS will lead and coordinate all tours of FishPass and collaborate with FishPass partner agencies to develop interpretive materials such as signage, webcasts, and brochures, develop and implement curricula for educational programs, develop and implement citizen-science activities, coordinate and provide teaching and learning opportunities for local school programs, and to coordinate and deliver group tours of the site.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate must have a broad background in communications, education, and/or outreach. Knowledge of fishery biology/ecology, Great Lakes fisheries, invasive species, river restoration, and local knowledge including of Indigenous Peoples and cultures is preferred. Candidates must possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a proven record of public engagement and public speaking, including science communication, and be skillful in interpretive natural history and ecology.
Applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter addressing competencies in the above qualifications, CV or resume, and names and contact information for three references to Dan Zielinski ([email protected]) by November 30, 2024. The anticipated start date for the position is January 1, 2025 or sooner. The PAS will be stationed at the Great Lakes Fishery Commission office at 310 W. Front Street Traverse City, Michigan.