Water Quality Field Technician

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is offering a full-time position (40 hours per week) to provide field support for the South Florida Water Management District’s (SFWMD) Water Quality Bureau as a Field Technician/Scientist. This position is based at the SFWMD Field Station in Okeechobee, 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 strategies for restoration. The work responsibilities are primarily in the field, but some laboratory work is required. You will be part of the WQ field team that works four 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday.

What Will You Do

The Field Technician/Scientist position will support water quality sampling and other tasks as assigned. The majority of work will be the collection of surface water samples by land, and boat, at various field locations. The position’s responsibilities include:

• collect manual and electronic surface water quality and/or ecological and biological samples;
• operate, clean, calibrate and maintain monitoring equipment, including multi-parameter water quality sondes, and automatic water samplers;
• prepare samples for laboratory analysis; and
• clean and maintain sampling platforms and sites, using vegetation control equipment and basic hand tools.

Who You Are

• You must have an associate's or bachelor’s degree in a natural science or related field and 0-2 years of professional experience.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office programs and have strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in field sampling techniques for surface water, working with field and water quality equipment, and trailering and operating powerboats (up to 23 feet in length) is highly preferred. 
• Must be able to lift 55 lbs., and work daily in remote, hot, humid, and wet conditions in habitats occupied by alligators, snakes, and stinging/biting insects. 
• Be comfortable working in the field and work in a laboratory setting occasionally.
• You must pass a background check as a condition of employment and a valid Florida driver's license is also required. 
• The starting salary is based upon qualifications and experience, and ranges from $42,000-$44,000 per year.

What’s Special About ESA

Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.

At ESA, we provide benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you AND your family), annual allocations of company share through our ESOP, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, to name a few.

We also provide specific programs whether you want to further your technical expertise, sharpen your business acumen, or help lead the next generation of employee-owners. We want to support you in reaching your career goals through tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and attendance at conferences.