Water Quality Field Technician

In Support of the SFWMD's Water Quality Bureau

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is offering a full-time position (40 hours per week) to provide field support for the South Florida Water Management District's (SFWMD) Water Quality Bureau. This position is based at the SFWMD Field Operations Center (FOC) in Okeechobee. The SFWMD monitors water quality to comply with permit requirements and legal mandates, and to provide information in support of management decisions and strategies for restoration.

Description: The Field Technician position will support water quality sampling and other tasks as assigned. The majority of work will be the collection of surface water samples, although collection of fish, soil, or atmospheric deposition samples may be required. The water quality sampling is project-specific and occurs on a routine schedule. The position's responsibilities include:

• collect manual and electronic surface water quality and/or ecological and biological samples;
• operate, clean, calibrate and maintain monitoring equipment, including multi-parameter water quality sondes, and automatic water samplers;
• prepare samples for laboratory analysis, including, but not limited to surface water samples and fish tissue for ultra-trace mercury analysis;
• collect soil/sediment samples using PONAR dredges, corers, and other devices; and
• clean and maintain sampling platforms.

Qualifications: Candidates must be proficient in Microsoft Office programs and have strong oral and written communication skills, proven organizational, time, and self-management skills. Experience related to field sampling techniques for surface water and experience working with field and water quality equipment is highly preferred. The field tech must be able to lift 40 lbs., work in remote, hot, humid, and wet conditions in habitats occupied by alligators, snakes, and stinging/biting insects. An associate or bachelor's degree in environmental science or related field is required, as well as 0-5 years of experience in relevant academic and/or professional scientific or environmental consulting environment. A background check will be performed as a condition of employment.

Additional: This is a regular, full-time position situated within SFWMD's water quality team in Okeechobee, Florida, with a maximum of 40 hours per week (the WQ field team works four 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday). The work responsibilities are primarily in the field, but some laboratory work is required. The starting salary is based upon qualifications and experience, and ranges from $42,000-$44,000 per year.