Laboratory Technician

2379 Broad Street
Brooksville, FL 34604, USA

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 6million people in west-central Florida as directed by state law.

Support the District’s Data Collection Bureau by performing essential laboratory tasks in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment. The Laboratory Technician plays a vital role in preparing and analyzing samples using established regulatory and scientific methods, ensuring high‑quality data through careful documentation, quality control charting, and precise comparison to detection limits. This position also contributes to laboratory operations through preventive instrument maintenance, troubleshooting routine analytical issues, preparing reagents and standards, managing sample intake, and assisting chemist staff with general lab and glassware duties.

With opportunities to cross‑train, engage in departmental and emergency management activities, and collaborate with others on laboratory practices, this role offers a meaningful way to support the District’s mission while developing strong technical skills and contributing to reliable scientific outcomes.

The District supports employees who prefer a flexible schedule so that they can enjoy their time outside of the District through work-life balance. Come build a career that is challenging, fulfilling, and helps support the District’s mission to protect Florida’s water resources.

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

• 9 paid holidays (+ 1 floating holiday)
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• Paid Parental Leave, including Maternity, Bonding and Family Supportive Work Program
• Medical and dental insurance (91- 97% District paid)
• Vision insurance
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance
• Long-term disability (District Paid)
• Health savings & flexible spending accounts
• Flexible schedule for work-life balance
• Legal and Identity Theft protection
• Wellness program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Transfer in years of service for other public sector work – towards the FRS program and sick time

The starting salary range for the Scientific Technician position reflects the minimum to 50% of the compensation . 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.

• Perform routine quantitative and qualitative sample preparation and testing following established regulatory and scientific methods.
• Conduct preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment and cross‑train at other laboratory workstations as needed.
• Record and review laboratory activities and sample results using laboratory notebooks, the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and computer files.
• Chart quality‑control data to monitor data integrity and maintain required levels of precision and accuracy.
• Compare analytical test data to limits of detection and ensure results meet established standards.
• Use manual and automated methods to acquire, manipulate, and store laboratory data.
• Troubleshoot routine analytical issues including reagent contamination, matrix interferences, instrument malfunctions, and other determinate errors.
• Prepare chemical standards and reagents accurately and safely.
• Neutralize and properly dispose of laboratory waste in accordance with…