Special Project Coordinator (Summer Position)

The Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA) is Canada’s oldest lake association and has been active in the region since 1894. The MLA is a membership-based organization advocating for responsible stewardship and enjoyment of the unique environment of the Muskoka Lakes, representing over 11,500 individuals and over 2,000 families. MLA activities range from water quality testing to advocating for responsible government and land use policies to promoting education including hosting community events and webinars. Our Community events run from May to August.  We start the spring off with seedling day, members order seedling to plant and pick them up May 24.  We host two member Regattas, one for boating & swimming, and the other for sailing.  We also host the Antique Boat Show in Port Carling, a free community event with a fascinating display of wooden boats of days gone by. The MLA is a true leader in the Muskoka community and our work helps sustain the unique culture and environment in Muskoka for current and future generations.   

The MLA is looking for a student who is passionate about community, who believes in environmental preservation and who wants the unique place that is Muskoka to be enjoyed for generations to come. The MLA believes in fostering impactful learning opportunities for students by engraining them into our operations. This is a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity to join a leading, historic organization that’s continuing to innovate for the betterment of one-of-a-kind community and place!  

Focus of Responsibility:  

• Support the MLA Water quality testing program, 
• Support MLA special events
• Manage MLA event communications, specifically social media. 

What you will do:  

• Be a spokesperson and role model for best practices near the water 
• Coordinate and promote special events focusing on recreational activities for cottagers 

with the assistance of MLA staff and volunteers  

• Assist in creation and distribution of, environmental resource materials to cottagers and tourists 
• Catalogue and collect water samples as needed for our Water Quality Citizen Science testing program (WQI) 
• Coordinate water sampling volunteers, sampling equipment and answer questions about the MLA testing program to cottagers, officials and the public 
• Promote safe boating practices, environmental respect for lakes and waterways and answer other relevant questions during the summer 
• Support the backend administrative work required for the WQI program including data review and entry 
• Follow up with WQI volunteers when required
• Creation of MLA communications as required with the assistance of MLA staff and volunteers 
• Promote and attend special events for MLA members as required
• Answer general questions directed to the MLA when appropriate 
• Other duties as assigned by General Manager and/or Administrative Coordinator 

including opportunities to get involved with things your particularly passionate about within the scope of our operations (community building, communications, environmental education, advocacy, etc.)  

What you need to be successful:  

• Currently a student, returning to studies in Fall, 2026 
• Highschool diploma 
• Reside in the Muskoka, Port Carling area for the summer months (during week days) 
• Strong communication skills 
• Strong attention to detail 
• Ability to work independently and self-motivated 

Compensation: $16.90 – $20.00 per hour depending on experience  

Interested applicants can send their resume along with a cover letter to admin@mla.on.ca.  

Equal Opportunity Employment:  

MLA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We are happy to consider all qualified applicants for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, neurodiversity, protected veteran status, Aboriginal and Native status or any other legally-protected factors. MLA has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and prides itself on assessing talent needs based on an objective methodology.  

If accessibility accommodations are required during the recruitment process, we will gladly make the necessary arrangements to ensure MLA is able to support all interested applicants.