Field Technician

The Field Technician for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Innovative Technologies Grant supports Stetson University by providing technical expertise for a major grant program. Serving as a member of the Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience (IWER) team, the Field Technician will provide essential technical services to fulfill the obligations of a grant to test new technologies for advanced treatment systems for septic tanks, including but not limited to maintaining field equipment, collecting and transporting field samples, and training students in field sample collection. In alignment with Stetson’s Strategic Priorities, the Field Technician will contribute to Stetson’s commitment to Comprehensive Sustainability and Experiential Learning by training students in the field to use industry-standard field equipment and cutting-edge technologies for environmental systems that protect Florida’s surface and groundwater quality. 

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities: Employment duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assist with the installation of piezometers for drainfield sampling and setup of BioMaze systems
• Using DEP-approved methods for wastewater collection and sample handling, collect water samples from septic tanks and drainfields on private residences and prepare for courier pick-up for daily transport to a certified commercial laboratory; this involves walking short distances, working outdoors for several hours a day, carrying equipment, lifting heavy coolers containing water samples, completing documentation (field logbook and custody forms), and communicating with homeowners and commercial lab staff
• Maintain strict Chain of Custody documents for each sample
• Maintain and provide minor repairs of field equipment for collecting water samples
• Train and provide oversight to student field assistants in approved field techniques and equipment maintenance
• Communicate with other members of the IWER team about sampling progress and issues
• Perform other site and position-specific functions as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The knowledge, skills, and abilities for this role include:

• Use of standard environmental field equipment and methods for the collection and handling of grab samples of water; installing, maintaining, and retrieving water samples from piezometers (monitoring wells)
• Ability to learn about the innovative treatment systems that are installed in the septic tanks to recognize when they may be malfunctioning and needing adjustment
• Familiarity with OSTDS permitting processes
• Clear communication skills for training students and conveying important information to homeowners, commercial lab staff, and other team members
• Support the University’s Mission and Values 

Required Qualifications: This position requires:

• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science or Certificate in Wastewater Treatment and at least 1 year of experience as a student, apprentice, or employee using standard environmental field equipment OR 2 years of experience in septic system installation, maintenance, or inspection
• Ability to drive a rental car for field sample collection
• Ability to lift 20 lbs (e.g., cooler with water samples)
• Desire to join a distinct university community committed to inclusive excellence, kindness, and collaboration, as it seeks to move Forward Together in making our community and world a better place

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record as determined by the University’s auto insurance carrier.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications: The ideal candidate’s qualifications include:

• A Bachelor’s Degree and at least 2 years of experience working with septic tank installation, maintenance or inspection
• Experience working independently with manual water sampling equipment, including routine maintenance and minor repairs
• Experience with commercial laboratory environmental testing methods and sample handling protocols
• Work Environment: The position will be housed at the Sandra Stetson Aquatic Center in west DeLand on the western shore of Lake Beresford. The facility includes a lab, field equipment storage, and offices for the Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience. The 40-50 septic tanks that will be sampled every other week (for 52 weeks, or 26 rounds for each location) are concentrated within a half-mile radius in the neighborhoods surrounding the Aquatic Center. The Field Technician will drive from the Aquatic Center to the participating residences to retrieve samples from septic systems, and associated drainfields, with outdoor access. Samples must be collected on the weekly schedule regardless of weather. The Field Technician will drive a rented vehicle for field sample collection. The Field Technician will be supported by two to three student field assistants, the IWER Program Manager, and the Project Director.