Science Technician Supervisor - South Florida Water Management District
West Palm Beach, FL
About the Job
Supervisory position that oversees staff within a work unit that are responsible for surface water quality collection in remote field locations, such as Storm Water Treatment Areas, Water Conservation Areas, Lake Okeechobee, Caloosahatchee River, Kissimmee River, St. Lucie Estuary, Florida Bay, and other District projects. Staff activities supervised by this position include sampling utilizing helicopter, watercraft of various sizes, and 4-wheel drive vehicles in a variety of remote locations, such as marshes, rivers, lakes, and canals.
This position is responsible for all aspects of managing personnel, including coaching, counseling, resolving conflicts, communicating information, and evaluating employee performance. Other duties include hiring staff, ordering supplies, and tracking budget expenditures.
This position performs non-routine assignments of substantial variety and complexity, including setting up water quality monitoring programs and overseeing routine, flow-based, and emergency water quality collection events. This position provides technical guidance on appropriate sampling protocols, equipment selection, station location selection and registration requirements.
Responsibilities also include operating, calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting a variety of data collection instruments, including automatic water samplers, multi-parameter water quality sensors, field computers, and other sample collection equipment. In addition, this position assists in assuring a work unit’s compliance with water quality monitoring legal mandates, including federal and state permits; District sampling and safety protocols; and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and District quality assurance and standard operating procedures.
Employment Guidelines:
Bachelor’s Degree in Natural or Physical Science or related field and 6+ years of experience in scientific support work including two (2) or more years of experience supervising or leading scientific support staff. Or - an Associate Degree in Natural or Physical Science and 8+ years of experience in scientific support work, including two (2) or more years of experience supervising or leading scientific support staff.
This position is responsible for all aspects of managing personnel, including coaching, counseling, resolving conflicts, communicating information, and evaluating employee performance. Other duties include hiring staff, ordering supplies, and tracking budget expenditures.
This position performs non-routine assignments of substantial variety and complexity, including setting up water quality monitoring programs and overseeing routine, flow-based, and emergency water quality collection events. This position provides technical guidance on appropriate sampling protocols, equipment selection, station location selection and registration requirements.
Responsibilities also include operating, calibrating, maintaining, and troubleshooting a variety of data collection instruments, including automatic water samplers, multi-parameter water quality sensors, field computers, and other sample collection equipment. In addition, this position assists in assuring a work unit’s compliance with water quality monitoring legal mandates, including federal and state permits; District sampling and safety protocols; and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and District quality assurance and standard operating procedures.
Employment Guidelines:
Bachelor’s Degree in Natural or Physical Science or related field and 6+ years of experience in scientific support work including two (2) or more years of experience supervising or leading scientific support staff. Or - an Associate Degree in Natural or Physical Science and 8+ years of experience in scientific support work, including two (2) or more years of experience supervising or leading scientific support staff.
Licenses/Certifications:
- Valid State of Florida driver’s license (required)
- Airboat Operator certification (preferred)
- Motorboat operator certification (preferred)
Due to the District’s response role and in the total scope of emergency management, this position may at times be required to provide support before, during and after major storm events and emergency situations, such as hurricanes or other declared emergencies, depending on assigned emergency response role.
Experience with airboat and small boat operation is preferred. Office to field work percentages will vary. The candidate must anticipate regular exposure to a hot and humid environment in remote and heavily vegetated areas that may be occupied by animals such as alligators, snakes, and stinging/biting insects. The candidate must have basic water skills and be able to swim. The candidate must be able to lift up to 60 lbs. to move and transport equipment.
Veterans' Preference:
Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. All documentation is due by the close of the job posting.
Veterans' Preference:
Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. All documentation is due by the close of the job posting.
Source : South Florida Water Management District
