What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chemist IV position at St. Johns River Water Management District?
Bureau of Water Resource Information
Job Summary:
This is advanced professional work involving the performance and coordination of routine and complex laboratory analysis and equipment maintenance, coordinates with other Chemists in the design, development, and evaluation of new District analytical methods, coordinates the work of lower-level staff. May also function as a Project Manager for outsourced analysis, supplies and services.
Job duties include:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, limnology, botany, zoology, environmental science, or a field directly related to analytical chemistry and five years professional experience in laboratory analysis.
Comparable professional experience can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.
A chemistry degree and experience with Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) instruments is preferred.
SJRWMD has determined this to be a mandatory-testing position as described in Section 440.102, Florida Statutes. Any offer of employment for a mandatory-testing position will be contingent upon successfully passing a drug screening paid for by SJRWMD. The SJRWMD Drug Free Workplace Policy is available for review in the Careers section at www.sjrwmd.com.
Working Conditions:
Work in lab wearing lab coat, gloves and eye protection as required by Chemical Hygiene Plan and Standard Operating Procedures; may stand for prolonged periods of time, performs tasks with equipment set-up in a fume hood; lift and carry heavy packages and coolers, safely manage toxic and hazardous chemicals.
Additional Details:
Starting Salary Range: $61,318.40 - $76,648.00
Starting Salary Is Based On Qualifications And Experience.
Benefits include Florida Retirement System, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid leave and holidays, professional development, wellness program and eligible for public service student loan forgiveness program.
Your application will receive careful consideration and, if selected for an interview, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment. St. Johns River Water Management District participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an internet-based system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the Unites States.
Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans will receive preference in employment and are encouraged to apply.
Equal Employment Opportunity/Veterans’ Preference/Drug-Free and Tobacco-Free Workplace
Location: Palatka
Closing Date: January 21, 2026
Job Summary:
This is advanced professional work involving the performance and coordination of routine and complex laboratory analysis and equipment maintenance, coordinates with other Chemists in the design, development, and evaluation of new District analytical methods, coordinates the work of lower-level staff. May also function as a Project Manager for outsourced analysis, supplies and services.
Job duties include:
- Performs advanced, complex laboratory analysis.
- Performs instrument installation and setup: install laboratory instruments in accordance with manufacturer specifications and facility requirements (e.g., electrical, ventilation, gas supply, bench space); ensure all necessary supplies and accessories are available for installation and start-up; document installation procedures and maintain records for audit purposes.
- Perform method development and validation: develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods for new and existing instruments; perform quality assurance testing, including analysis of check standards and proficiency testing samples; determine and verify method detection limits (MDL) and demonstrate capability according to established protocols; prepare and revise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for instrument operation and method implementation.
- Perform training and support: Provide onsite training and user familiarization for lab staff during and after instrument installation; serve as a technical resource for troubleshooting, maintenance, and method refinement.
- Perform compliance and documentation: ensure all activities comply with lab quality management systems and regulatory requirements; maintain detailed records of instrument conditions, calibration, maintenance, and method development activities; support audits by providing documentation and demonstrating compliance with SOPs and procurement agreements.
- Assists the Laboratory Manager in the administration of the laboratory by making recommendations concerning instrumentation and equipment purchases.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in chemistry, biology, limnology, botany, zoology, environmental science, or a field directly related to analytical chemistry and five years professional experience in laboratory analysis.
Comparable professional experience can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.
A chemistry degree and experience with Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) instruments is preferred.
SJRWMD has determined this to be a mandatory-testing position as described in Section 440.102, Florida Statutes. Any offer of employment for a mandatory-testing position will be contingent upon successfully passing a drug screening paid for by SJRWMD. The SJRWMD Drug Free Workplace Policy is available for review in the Careers section at www.sjrwmd.com.
Working Conditions:
Work in lab wearing lab coat, gloves and eye protection as required by Chemical Hygiene Plan and Standard Operating Procedures; may stand for prolonged periods of time, performs tasks with equipment set-up in a fume hood; lift and carry heavy packages and coolers, safely manage toxic and hazardous chemicals.
Additional Details:
Starting Salary Range: $61,318.40 - $76,648.00
Starting Salary Is Based On Qualifications And Experience.
Benefits include Florida Retirement System, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid leave and holidays, professional development, wellness program and eligible for public service student loan forgiveness program.
Your application will receive careful consideration and, if selected for an interview, you will be contacted to schedule an appointment. St. Johns River Water Management District participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an internet-based system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the Unites States.
Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans will receive preference in employment and are encouraged to apply.
Equal Employment Opportunity/Veterans’ Preference/Drug-Free and Tobacco-Free Workplace
Location: Palatka
Closing Date: January 21, 2026
Salary : $61,318 - $76,648