Environmental Scientist

Work for Our Water Resources

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 Water Use Permit (WUP) Bureau by reviewing the environmental aspect of water use permits to determine impacts from groundwater withdrawals. The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing and interpreting data and reviewing environmental monitoring reports. You’ll have the chance to work with a wide range of teams in this promising position, each of which plays a vital role in our efforts to preserve our most valuable natural resources.

Using your expertise, you’ll play an important role in enhancing the results to ensure a brighter future for the environment of Florida.

The District supports employees who prefer a flexible schedule or a remote work schedule so that they can enjoy their time outside of the District through work‑life balance. This role is considered hybrid, which means the employee will be required to come on‑site and work a portion of their time remotely (must live in Florida). Come build a career that is challenging, fulfilling, and helps support the District’s mission to protect Florida’s water resources.

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) District Total Contribution 14.03%
• 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 Pay)
• Prescription drug coverage & mail order program
• Health savings & flexible spending accounts
• Flexible schedule for work‑life balance
• Legal and Identity Theft protection
• Wellness program
• Public service loan forgiveness qualified employer
• Tuition reimbursement ($5,250/year)
• State adoption benefit qualified employer
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Transfer in years of service for other public sector work – toward the FRS program and sick time

• Environmental Scientist 1: $48,995.00 – $50,223.09
• Environmental Scientist 2: $49,635.00 – $51,281.57

The starting salary range is included for the Environmental Scientist profile which reflects the minimum to approximately 4.6% of the respective pay grade. 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.

• Evaluate data to address potential for impacts resulting from the withdrawal of surface water or groundwater
• Provide scientific and/or technical guidance, support and coordination to management, internal staff and other agencies
• Review required annual reports to ensure compliance with special conditions of water use permits
• Work with Water Use Permit Regulations and apply scientific information to determine compliance and make recommendations to permit tees

In‑office: Standard office environment and equipment such as personal computer, copier, etc. Occasional travel may be required. Ability to perform continuous repetitive tasks (to include keyboarding and driving) with one or both hands and feet is required.

In‑field: Work performed in the field may often be in remote and undeveloped areas of the District, under adverse weather conditions. Extensive travel and some outdoor labor may be required. May be exposed to extremes in elements, temperature and humidity and to a variety of pests, including mosquitoes and ticks. Must be able to bend, lift, carry, swim and reach above shoulder level.

May occasionally require the ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Must be able to operate a motorized vehicle for extended periods; some driving may be in off‑road (4x4)…