Environmental Technician

The Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program’s (PPBEP) mission is to restore and protect the Pensacola and Perdido Bay watersheds through restoration, education, and unbiased monitoring of the health of our bays, estuaries, and watersheds.

The Environmental Technician will assist with implementation of PPBEP’s Water Quality Collaborative Monitoring Program, Microbial Source Tracking, Living Shoreline Assistance Program, and other project specific monitoring. The environmental technician will be responsible for assisting with field-based monitoring events and restoration activities, in addition to participating in outreach activities and performing data management procedures. Duties primarily include collecting water quality data, leading field-based monitoring events using standardized protocols, preparing environmental samples for analysis, conducting data management quality assurance and control (QAQC) procedures, performing living shoreline site installations and monitoring, coordinating with PPBEP project partners, and assisting with the development of technical products (e.g., Biennial State of the Bays report, grant reports).

The environmental technician will also assist with other PPBEP and partner‑led monitoring activities including annual fish trawling and seagrass surveys, as needed.

The Environmental Technician should have previous field experience and possess skills in environmental monitoring and basic data analysis. This position will require familiarity with working on vessels and strong ability to swim and snorkel. The environmental technician should also possess outreach skills and the ability to communicate complex scientific principles to various audiences.

The Environmental Technician works under the supervision of the Senior Scientist and collaborates with all program staff. This is a full‑time, grant‑funded position that will have regular working hours from Monday‑Friday with potential for work outside of those hours, as needed. The position is based in Pensacola with frequent travel throughout the watersheds.

This position is grant‑funded through December 2030. The position has the potential to be extended contingent on funding availability.

• Prepares and maintains a variety of logs, plans, protocols, reports, and/or other related written documents in assigned area of responsibility
• Collects surface water samples using approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Collects environmental data in compliance with established SOPs
• Assists with in‑field habitat restoration
• Prepares equipment and supplies for field and laboratory work
• Prepares water and sediment samples for analysis
• Operates and calibrates field instruments
• Performs data entry through digital platforms, including ArcGIS Online
• Assists with physical, fisheries, and environmental data collection that may require swimming and/or snorkeling
• Engage with community members and landowners
• Operates vehicles and research vessel with trailer
• Performs other duties as assigned

Training and

Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Biology, Natural Resources Management, or related field, and a minimum of two years of experience in an environmental related field; or a combination of education and experience equivalent to these requirements.

Licenses and

Certifications:

Must possess a valid driver’s license from state of residence. Motorboat Operator Certification or similar, preferred.

• Strong verbal communication skills
• Strong written communication skills in a variety of writing formats for diverse audiences, including email correspondence, written reports, grant reporting, compliance reviews, meeting minutes, etc.
• Interpersonal skills to successfully establish and maintain effective working relationships with Program staff, partners, and the community
• Organize and coordinate work within schedule constraints and handle emergent requirements in a timely manner
• Translate communication needs into products that are thoughtful, highly organized, logical, and easy to digest
• Independent problem solving
• Using applicable tools and equipment
• Ability to work outside in…