The Environmental Scientist supports District environmental programs and/or activities and ensures environmental compliance under Florida statutes. This position conducts environmental sampling, evaluates and/or analyzes data, compiles data, and/or assists with technical report writing in order to meet project goals and objectives.
Job Duties Include:
Environmental Scientist I
- Assist with data collection and analysis, quality assurance, and quality control reviews to document key indicators of the health of natural systems and facilitate the analysis and archiving of biological data.
- Investigate the use of remote sensing for evaluating the areal extent of algal blooms, submerged aquatic vegetation and other key indicators of the health of natural systems.
- Provide technical assistance with management, analysis and communication of data in support of special projects.
- Provide field support for project as needed.
- Help draft technical reports and publications.
- Act as a District liaison with the public, local governments, and applicants; attend agency meetings, public meetings, and trainings, and give presentations.
- Perform data collection, quality assurance, and quality control reviews to support the District’s water quality monitoring network.
- Conduct site visits and inspections, and field work by land or river.
- Provide contract management of small projects.
- Provide subject matter expertise for project assessment, monitoring, and data analysis.
- Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) associated with improved data acquisition and processing systems.
- Develop hydrologic, rainfall, and water quality maps, graphs, and figures for use in presentations and reports developed by the District.
- Procure field and laboratory supplies, as needed.
- Cross-train and assist staff in other District offices as assigned.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Environmental Scientist II
- Assist the public through outreach, answering phone calls and conducting meetings to provide subject matter expertise or project/application requirements.
- Review project and/or application materials including rule interpretation, GIS review, aerial interpretation, application correspondence, plan review, and database entry.
- Coordinates work teams to conduct field reviews of project or application materials, including evaluation of water quality, soils, vegetation, and/or hydrologic indicators.
- Perform data collection, data analysis, quality assurance, and quality control reviews to support the District’s water quality monitoring network.
- Perform biological monitoring work including mapping and monitoring.
- Prepare technical staff reports and provide scientific support for projects.
- Conduct site visits, inspections and field work by land or river.
- Act as a District liaison with the public, local governments, and applicants; attend agency meetings, public meetings, and trainings, and give presentations.
- Perform some of the following duties specific to the assigned District Office:
- Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) associated with improved data acquisition and processing systems.
- Implement advanced, integrated hydrologic and water quality data collection at sites throughout the District.
- Operate, manage, and maintain automated data collection, transmission, and backup systems.
- Implement and evaluate field deployable data collection sensors, data loggers, and telemetry equipment.
- Train data collection staff in new data collection techniques, field equipment and programming software.
- Review and QA/QC of water quality data collected by District staff and contractors.
- Assist in the analysis of hydrologic, rainfall and water quality data and make suggestions for future monitoring needs, and potential water quantity or quality projects.
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- Develop hydrologic, rainfall, and water quality maps, graphs, and figures for use in presentations and reports developed by the District.
- Procure field and laboratory supplies, as needed.
- Provide contract management of small projects.
- Provide subject matter expertise for project assessment, monitoring, and data analysis.
- Cross-train and assist staff in other District offices as assigned.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Environmental Scientist I
- Bachelor’s Degree in natural, biological, mathematical, physical, or engineering science.
- Experience with ArcGIS and Microsoft Office Suite preferred.
- Experience in water resource management and Florida Boating Safety preferred
- Based on the assigned office, the following certifications may be preferred:
- FDEP Water Quality SOP Certification
- USCG Boating Safety
- Professional Wetland Scientist Certification
- Certified Soil Scientist
- Stormwater Erosion and Sedimentation Control certification.
- Valid drivers’ license.
Environmental Scientist II
- Bachelor’s Degree in natural, biological, mathematical, physical, or engineering science.
- Minimum of two (2) years’ related experience.
- Engineering Intern (E.I.) certification in civil, environmental, hydraulic, agricultural, or water resources may substitute for two (2) years’ experience.
- Master’s Degree preferred; may substitute for one (1) year of required experience.
- Based on the assigned office, the following certifications may be preferred:
- FDEP Water Quality SOP Certification
- USCG Boating Safety
- Professional Wetland Scientist Certification
- Certified Soil Scientist
- Stormwater Erosion and Sedimentation Control certification.
- Valid drivers’ license.
This position is Open until Filled
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans Preference/Drug Free/Tobacco Free Workplace
Base Salary: ES I $42,494.40 - $63,689.60; ES II $45,219.20 - $67,828.80
Starting salary commensurate with selected candidate's competencies and qualifications.
Benefits include Florida Retirement System, health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid leave and holidays, professional development and wellness program.