Work for Our Water Resources.

Help protect one of Florida’s most vital resources — water — with a career at the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District).

The District is a government agency whose mission is to protect water resources, minimize flood risks, and ensure the public’s water needs are met. We serve a population of nearly 6 million people in west-central Florida as directed by state law.

Join our Engineering and Project Management Bureau

Within the Engineering and Project Management (EPM) Bureau, you’ll have the opportunity to conduct varied levels of technical and administrative engineering work related to the District's Watershed Management Program.. The EPM Engineer will be responsible to lead and manage technical reviews relating to Watershed Management Planning, Cooperative Funding Initiative projects and internal District projects. Candidate will also be responsible for answering questions and performing activities related to water management planning and stormwater improvement projects. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and surface water modeling. In addition, they will possess Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification, and preferably hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license.

The District supports employees who prefer a remote work schedule so that they can enjoy their time outside of the District through work-life balance. This role is considered hybrid (including both remote and in-office work). The employee will be required to work on-site in the assigned office for one day per week and can choose to have the remainder of their time remotely, unless needed for periodic meetings and field work. The successful candidate must live in the Brooksville, Florida or Tampa Bay area or be willing to relocate.

District employees are offered an excellent total rewards package that includes:

Compensation: 

Engineer 1:
Starting Pay Range: $50,460.80 - $68,601.08
Full Salary Range (Future earning potential) : $50,460.80 - $86,887.07
Engineer 2:
Starting Pay Range: $57,678.40 - $79,406.84
Full Salary Range (Future earning potential) : $57,678.40 - $101,309.80
*Engineer 3:
Starting Pay Range: $62,316.80 - $85,785.04
Full Salary Range (Future earning potential) : $62,316.80 - $109,441.77
*Engineer 4:
Starting Pay Range: $67,288.00 - $92,625.01
Full Salary Range (Future earning potential) : 67,288.00 - $118,165.54
*Engineer 5:
Starting Pay Range: $72,654.40 - $100,000.00
Full Salary Range (Future earning potential) :$72,654.40 -$127,612.65
*Must have Professional Engineer License

The starting salary ranges are included for the Engineer profile which reflects the minimum to approximately 49.8% of the respective pay grades. The starting salary will be based on the education and experience of the successful candidate. The District conducts annual performance evaluations that may award applicable pay increases based on positive employee performance.

Essential Functions

• Provides technical review of Watershed Management Program (WMP) and Cooperative Funding Initiative (CFI) project deliverables, which may include hydrologic/hydraulic models and calculations, water quality models and calculations, geodatabases, construction plans, and budgets/cost estimates within expected time frames and established requirements.
• Work includes elements of the watershed management program: Topographic Information, Watershed Evaluation, Watershed Management Plan, Implementation of Best Management Practices, and Watershed Updates.
• Performs tasks associated with complex watershed management planning projects and storm water improvement projects. This position involves conventional engineering practices, technical review and analysis, and project management.
• Plans, schedules and performs tasks related to hydrologic and hydraulic analysis of flood protection projects.
• Performs project management and construction duties as needed, including preparation and evaluation of requests for proposals and bids; contract negotiations; contractor oversight, and cost tracking against budgeted funds.
• Oversees the work of assigned staff or contractors.
• Limited detail watershed studies.
• Applies knowledge of hydrology, hydraulics, fluid mechanics and other engineering, physical, and environmental principles to make sound recommendations.
• Understands and applies water related laws, policies, rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Conducts field work to support watershed management planning projects.
• Responds to questions from the public and consultants regarding surface water models and flood elevations.
• Assesses ground or surface water movement to provide advice regarding issues such as water or waste management, route and site selection, flood mitigation, water quality improvement, or water resource development.
• Evaluates and/or coordinates the planning, collection, and analysis of scientific data.
• Prepares reports including recommendations, agreements, specifications, contracts and other related correspondences and update key stakeholders as needed.
• Communicates scientific and technical information in various formats such as charts, graphs, briefings, reports and/or presentations.
• Participates in meetings with the public, consultants and/or their representatives to discuss models and project related matters.
• Prepares maps, cross-sectional diagrams, charts, or reports concerning field investigations, land use, or water resource management, using results of fieldwork or data analyses.
• Participates in District emergency management activities and other division activities and performs other duties as needed. 
• Makes presentations to boards, local government, citizen groups and scientists regarding surface water projects and participates in workshops and public meetings.
• Uses appropriate software, databases, modeling systems and other technology. 
• Plans, manages and performs special projects or activities relative to water resources management.
• Serves as a technical resource and liaison between other agencies, local governments, consultants and members of the public.
• Provides periodic guidance to entry-level engineers, technicians, students and other District staff on appropriate engineering practices.
• Mentors and oversees work of entry-level engineers for WMP and CFI projects.
• Acts as the technical contact, coordinator, or lead on large scale regional teams.

Working Conditions

Employee works in both a standard office environment and in the field. Regular travel during the workday is required.

In-office: Performs continuous repetitive tasks (to include keyboarding) with one or both hands. Occasionally lifts and carries objects up to 10 pounds. Occasionally requires bending and reaching above shoulder level.

In-field:  Work performed in the field may often be in remote and undeveloped areas of the District, under adverse weather conditions. Travel and some outdoor labor may be required. May be exposed to extremes in elements, temperature and humidity and to a variety of pests, including mosquitoes and ticks. Must be able to able to bend, lift, carry, and reach above
shoulder level. May occasionally require the ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 20 pounds. Must be able to operate a motorized vehicle for extended periods, some driving may be in off-road (4x4) conditions.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employee may be subject to call-in outside of regularly scheduled work hours, or required to be on call, including on nights, weekends or holidays, to respond to emergency management activities or other incidents requiring rapid response in support of District operations.

Required Credentials for Engineer Opportunity

 Engineer 1

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Civil, Environmental, Agricultural or Water Resources Engineering or related field
• Valid driver’s license

 Engineer 2

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Civil, Environmental, Agricultural or Water Resources Engineering or related field
• Two (2) years' related work experience
• Training in surface water modeling software
• Experience with GIS Software
• Valid driver’s license

Engineer 3

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Civil, Environmental, Agricultural or Water Resources Engineering or related field
• Four (4) years' related work experience
• Training in surface water modeling software
• Experience with GIS Software
• Project Management experience
• Florida State Professional Engineer License
• Valid driver’s license

 Engineer 4

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Civil, Environmental, Agricultural or Water Resources Engineering or related field
• Five (5) years' related work experience
• Training in surface water modeling software
• Experience with GIS Software
• Project Management experience
• Florida State Professional Engineer License
• Valid driver’s license

 Engineer 5

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Civil, Environmental, Agricultural or Water Resources Engineering or related field
• Seven (7) years' related work experience
• Training in surface water modeling software
• Experience with GIS Software
• Project Management experience
• Florida State Professional Engineer License
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Credentials for Engineer Opportunity

• Certified Floodplain Manager
• GIS Professional (GISP) Certification
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
• Flood Insurance Studies and Flood Insurance Rate Maps
• Ability to use appropriate software, database, modeling systems, and other technology
• Specifically skilled in using GIS/ArcMap, surface water models (i.e. ICPR, HECRAS, SWMM)
• Strong project management skills
• Excellent communication skills

Application Process

The District will determine eligibility for employment solely from the information provided on a District employment application. All applicants are required to complete, in full, the District employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. A resume will not be considered as a substitute for the required District application for the purpose of qualification. Applicants who are within 30 days of graduation, if selected are not allowed to start until all minimum qualifications are met. 

Additional Details

This position is typically scheduled to work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, out of the Brooksville, FL office, however up to 4 days of remote work is available after training. This position is eligible for compensatory time for hours worked over 40 hours, in a week.

It's My Life's Work: Engineer

This position is also eligible for relocation reimbursement, limited to moving expenses, upon meeting mileage and program criteria. 

Travel Required

Yes. Occasional travel, using District vehicle, within District's coverage area.

Accepting applications May 7, 2024 at 4:00 PM

About Us

Managing the water resources for west-central Florida, our District includes approximately 10,000 square miles of territory spanning 16 counties and serving more than 6 million residents. Established in 1961 as a flood-protection agency, our objective is to meet the needs of current and future water users, protect and preserve our water resources, manage the water supply, protect water quality, and preserve water-related functions. 

Apply Now

The District prides itself on providing a positive work flexible environment that engages and supports our employees. This could be the opportunity of a lifetime. Click on the link to apply and put yourself to work for our water resources.

#WorkForOurWater

Equal Employment Opportunity/Veterans Preference/Drug-Free Workplace/Tobacco Free Campuses.

All applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment in employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, familial status, or medical condition. All recruitment, hiring, placements, transfers and promotions will be on the basis of individual skills, knowledge and abilities, and the feasibility of any necessary job accommodation(s).

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) does not discriminate on the basis of disability in regard to job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the District to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Office Chief, at 2379 Broad St., Brooksville, FL 34604-6899; telephone (352) 796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476 (FL only); or email ADACoordinator@WaterMatters.org. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice). In the event of a complaint, please follow the grievance procedure located at WaterMatters.org/ADA. 

The District participates in E-Verify employment eligibility verification. We will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

The District does not sponsor applicants for work visas.