Summary
The Water Resources Analyst (Analyst) is an integral part of the Alliance’s Water Resources team, supplying research and analysis to advance policy campaigns related to source water protection. With a particular focus on plastic pollution, PFAS, and other high-priority contaminants, the Analyst is committed to bringing scientific rigor to the Alliance’s work on behalf of people and ecosystems in the Great Lakes basin.
The Analyst works collaboratively with the Water Resources team to track, analyze and synthesize scientific research, policy developments, and regulatory trends in key geographies across the Great Lakes region. The Analyst brings a strong foundation in water quality science, paired with the ability to critically evaluate, interpret, and translate complex research into clear, actionable insights that advance issue-based campaigns. Leveraging rigorous research methodologies, innovative data visualization and applied policy analysis tools, the Analyst elevates technical information to support strategic decision-making and summarizes findings for diverse audiences, including policymakers, partners, and the public.
This position reports to the Director of Water Resources and works closely with Alliance staff across policy, government affairs, community partnerships, and communications to ensure research products are timely, credible, and strategically aligned, and that recommendations are effectively integrated into advocacy, outreach, and campaign efforts.
A typical week:
In a typical week, the Analyst might:
- Check in with the Director of Water Resources and Water Resources team to discuss progress on projects and coordinate tasks.
- Finalize a report with talking points and graphics to characterize the sources of water pollution entering the Great Lakes and impacts on the ecosystem and drinking water quality.
- Develop talking points and graphics to assist the government affairs team as they prepare for an upcoming meeting with a state lawmaker who has expressed interest in supporting legislation to require contaminant monitoring and assessment.
- Review a regulation proposed by a state agency and advise the Director of Water Resources on issues to address in our comment letter.
- Reach out to a partner to discuss the implications of new research related to water pollution and other water quality and quantity issues.
- Update the team’s policy tracking document with the latest information about a relevant agency action.
Responsibilities
Research
- Maintain awareness of the latest research related to priority issues for the Water Resources team, including but not limited to microplastics, PFAS, and emerging pollutants
- Synthesize and analyze research to glean insights relevant to policy campaigns
- Prepare compelling reports and data visualizations to make information accessible to a variety of audiences
Policy Analysis
- Track relevant policy developments across the Great Lakes states
- Review proposed rules, regulations, and bills to offer technical feedback on source water impacts and opportunities to strengthen protections
- Identify and describe opportunities to shift existing approaches to water quality monitoring, risk assessment, restoration efforts, and regulatory practices to protect source water, with a focus on state and federal policy
Relationship Building & Thought Leadership
- Foster collaboration with researchers and academic partners doing work relevant to the Great Lakes and source water protection
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal staff and external partners who have diverse backgrounds and skill sets to develop and tailor communication materials and advance campaign priorities
- Actively contribute to public dialogues in the fields of source water protection through conferences, roundtables, and workshops, including those that reach beyond the environmental NGO community
Program Development
- Contribute to annual and multi-year work and campaign plans
- Track and report on grant deliverables, project budgets, and expenses, as needed
- Contribute to the creation of proposals for philanthropic funding to support the work, including doing so in collaboration with complementary partners where possible
Knowledge/Skills
- Bachelor’s degree required and 5+ years of relevant experience in research for environmental science, biology, toxicology, chemistry, environmental engineering, natural/water resources management, or related field. An advanced degree or demonstrated additional experience preferred
- Strong research, data analysis and visualization skills, ability to convert analysis to different types of communication materials (e.g. talking points, blog posts, data visualization and graphics) that can be used as effective policy communication and storytelling tools that engage the media, Alliance supporters, and public officials
- Ability to convey recommendations in concise, precise, and compelling written and data visualization work products
- Willingness to listen and respond to the needs and demands of diverse groups of individuals and partner organizations
- Excellent listening, written, and verbal communication skills
- Motivated to work primarily internally and behind the scenes with Alliance staff
- Adept with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software
- Adhere to and exemplify the Alliance for the Great Lakes’ values of community, relationships, courage, integrity, optimism, and the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all our work
Additional Skills/Pluses - Fundamental commitment to socioeconomic and racial equity and demonstrated skills in identifying policy options that advance environmental equity
- Collaborative, collegial, with a good sense of humor and ability to adapt to diverse work styles; adept at working in teams and independently in both virtual and in-person settings
- Keen understanding of the dynamics of project and policy implementation within public agencies, ability to navigate complex political and fiscal landscapes, and adapt accordingly
- Commitment to and passion for mission-driven public interest work related to clean water, climate adaptation, the Great Lakes, and the role of water in community resilience and revitalization
Job Parameters
This position is full-time and consistent with Alliance employment policy. The Alliance has defined salary ranges that are evaluated annually, and it is customary for candidates to join the lower half of the range to leave room for learning and development in the role. It is uncommon for starting salaries to fall above the mid-point. The salary range for this position begins at $70,000, and we negotiate salaries with final candidates based on their experience in similar roles and expertise related to the qualifications.
- Excellent benefits, including medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, FSA, 11 paid holidays plus the business days between 12/26 and 12/30 (staff who must work on any paid holidays may take those holidays at another time subject to the employee handbook), 3 weeks’ annual vacation to start + PTO, and Fidelity 401(k) with employer match of up to 6% of salary, eligible after 30 days.
Application Process
Please e-mail a cover letter, resume, references, and writing or work sample that demonstrates relevant qualifications to hr@greatlakes.org. Include the job title in the subject line.
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis starting on February 9th, 2026, and until the position is filled. Materials should be compatible with Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat. Applicants will receive confirmation of receipt of their materials, further guidance, and updates about the hiring process by e-mail, with interviews provided for finalists. No phone inquiries, please.
About the Alliance for the Great Lakes
Our vision is a thriving Great Lakes and healthy water that all life can rely on, today and far into the future.
The mission of the Alliance for the Great Lakes is to protect, conserve, and restore the Great Lakes, ensuring healthy water in the lakes and in our communities for all generations of people and wildlife.
To achieve our vision and mission, everyone in our organization will live ourvalues of Community, Relationships, Courage, Integrity, and Optimism, and weave the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion into all our work.
For more information about the Alliance’s programs and work, please visit us online at www.greatlakes.org.