Water Quality Technician

Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields and guide our work with rigor, a creative spirit, and vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties around the globe and are committed to fostering an inclusive community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. We’re a place to apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental talents on work that’s critical to our clients and the communities they support.

Join a team that has the environment down to a science.

Stantec is seeking a full‑time Water Quality/Science Technician to provide field support for the South Florida Water Management District’s (SFWMD) Water Quality Bureau. This position is based at the SFWMD Field Station in West Palm Beach, FL, within a team that monitors water quality to comply with permit requirements and legal mandates, and to provide information in support of management decisions and restoration strategies.

The selected candidate will be hired by Stantec and will serve as an onsite staff member to the SFWMD. The role will support routine compliance water quality monitoring as well as groundwater, atmospheric deposition (rain), fish, soil/sediment, vegetation and other biological sample collections. The Technician will accompany SFWMD staff on field trips to remote project sites for water‑quality and multi‑parameter field sample collections.

The majority of work will involve the collection of surface water samples by land, boat or helicopter at various field locations, often in hot, humid, and wet conditions.

The position requires working four 10‑hour days, Monday thru Thursday, beginning in West Palm Beach, FL and may occur throughout the SFWMD network.

• Follow FDEP SOPs (DEP‑SOP‑001/01) and the WQM Quality System Requirements.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain field instrumentation and equipment including automatic water sampling equipment, multi‑parameter water quality instruments, boats, vehicles, and GPS.
• Collect field data and samples; document field conditions and data using the Horizon Data Field Management (HFDM) application on field computers.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot instrument problems.
• Perform specialized sampling (e.g., ultra‑trace mercury and pesticide sampling) following SOPs.
• Prepare samples for laboratory analysis.
• Perform manual labor such as organizing field supplies and equipment, loading/unloading vehicles, setting up/taking down equipment, and site management.

• Preparation for field trips.
• Collection of in‑situ surface water measurements using multi‑parameter sondes such as Hydrolab, YSI, or equivalents.
• Collection of surface water samples using automatic samplers and Van Dorn samplers.
• Collection of soil/sediment samples using PONAR dredges, corers, or other devices.
• Collection of all appropriate QC samples.
• Performing all field sampling in strict compliance with protocols and quality assurance requirements.
• Documenting all maintenance activities for equipment.
• Reporting site and field conditions, continuous monitoring data, blue‑green algae status, and observations.
• Using portable field computers and related software for documentation.
• Cleaning and decontaminating sampling equipment, vehicles, laboratory, and warehouse spaces.
• Providing support before, during, and after major storm events and emergencies (e.g., hurricanes).
• Composing both office and field work; exposure to hot, humid environments, insects, snakes, alligators, polluted water, acids, and debris.

Your Capabilities and Credentials:

• Experience in field sampling techniques for surface water, working with field quality equipment, and operating powerboats up to 23 feet is highly preferred.
• Agility, good balance, and manual dexterity for repetitive tasks and rough terrain.
• Familiarity with data reporting and field software for data recording is helpful.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive 4‑wheel drive vehicles over unpaved and rough terrain; experience trailering and driving large passenger trucks is preferred.
• Capability to work off boats, airboats, and helicopters after required safety training; boat operating…