Working Title Scientist Senior Auto req ID 1283BR Organization WR4304332 Restoration Evaluation Location WPB Adm Headquarters (B2) Job Description The Lake and River Ecosystems Section at the South Florida Water Management District seeks a broadly trained and experienced water quality specialist with a working knowledge of the effects of ecosystem restoration and water management on water quality, with a focus on dissolved oxygen and nutrients in river systems, and nutrients in lake ecosystems. Major aspects of the position will be quantification and evaluation of the effects of water management and ecosystem restoration on dissolved oxygen anomalies, downstream nutrient (e.g., phosphorus, nitrogen) loads, and turbidity. Potential areas of study include the biogeochemical effects of floodplain inundation on the dynamics of dissolved oxygen and nutrients, contributions of watershed land uses and groundwater to nutrient loads, and aquatic community metabolism. The incumbent will work with teams of scientists to perform complex ecosystem assessments. Major responsibilities will include design and management of studies and continuation or adjustment of existing water quality assessments for the Kissimmee River Restoration Evaluation Program and the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. Responsibilities may also include analyses of hydrologic data to support hydrologic, ecological, and water management decision making and reporting. The position requires understanding of and experience with aquatic biogeochemistry of natural systems; data retrieval from large databases; experimental design and statistical analysis; complex spreadsheet data operations; synthesis and interpretation of water quality and hydrologic data; use of empirical models and software tools including databases (e.g., Access, Oracle, SQLServer), spreadsheets, and statistical packages; procurement and management of contractual work; and preparation of technical reports and presentations for internal reporting, scientific meetings, and peer-reviewed journals. The scientist will coordinate with technical staff from other agencies on water quality assessment and management programs and will provide technical support and review of water quality criteria, water quality and dissolved oxygen monitoring programs, and external assessments within the Kissimmee Basin. The senior scientist will independently plan, schedule, coordinate, manage, and conduct moderately complex scientific studies and/or multi-phase scientific projects to support environmental restoration and water resource management and other initiatives. The senior scientist may serve as technical consultant to the Agency for formulation of recommendations on related scientific issues, provide technical coaching to junior scientific staff, and author discipline-specific articles for peer reviewed journals. Education/Experience Guide: Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree or Ph.D. preferred) in Aquatic Science, Aquatic Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related science field and at least six (6) years qualifying experience demonstrating measurable career progression within his or her field of study. The successful candidate should have knowledge of the theories, principles, and methods of nutrient assimilation and transport processes and dissolved oxygen in freshwater systems; aquatic biogeochemistry; water quality research, data collection, and evaluation; knowledge of and experience with statistical data analysis including experimental design and associated software tools; and the skills necessary to effectively communicate with colleagues and stakeholders both orally and in writing. Knowledge of State of Florida water quality standards and Geographic Information Systems is preferred. Licenses: Valid Florida Driver's License required. Physical Requirements/Working Environment: Work may include site visits or field work in remote environments by boat, airboat, 4WD truck, off-road vehicle, or helicopter. Familiarity with water sample collection techniques and understanding of and experience with laboratory methods and QA/QC procedures, water quality standards, and water quality sampling devices and multi-parameter sonde units is desirable, as is the ability to tow and operate small watercraft.
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 hurricane and other declared emergencies, depending on assigned emergency response role. Note: This position may be filled at the Staff Level Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Aquatic Science, Aquatic Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related science field and 4+ years’ experience demonstrating measurable career progression within his or her field of study. Salary Minimum $59,966.40 Salary Midpoint: $71,281.60 Salary Maximum $102,793.60 EOE Apply at: www.sfwmd.gov/careers
