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SCIENTIST LEAD

South Florida Water Management District

West Palm Beach, FL

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JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$75,143.64–$93,281.76 Per Year
SKILLS
Biogeochemistry, Chemistry, Communication Skills, Data Analysis, Driver's License, Emergency Management, Emergency Response, Environmental Impact, Environmental Monitoring, Fishing, Interpret Regulations, Leadership, Physical Science, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Regulations, Reporting Skills, Staff Development, Standards Development, Team Player, Technical Delivery, Technical Leadership, Technical Presentation, Technical Support, Toxicology, Water Quality Analysis, Water Quality Testing, Wildlife Ecology, Writing Skills
LOCATION
West Palm Beach, FL
POSTED
1 day ago
The Office of Water Quality’s Compliance Assessment and Reporting Section is seeking a Lead Scientist to assess water quality impacts associated with restoration projects. This position will serve as the District’s subject matter expert on mercury and other toxicants, lead complex monitoring and assessment efforts, and provide technical guidance on water quality issues involving regulatory agencies, internal leadership, and partner organizations.
The Lead Scientist will work both independently and collaboratively to develop assessment methods, interpret scientific data, prepare technical reports, and communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences. This role is well suited for an experienced scientist with strong technical judgment, leadership skills, and experience addressing complex environmental water quality challenges.

Key Responsibilities
•    Provide subject matter expertise on mercury and other toxicants, including technical guidance on data interpretation, regulatory context, and related District activities.
•    Lead multi-phase monitoring and assessment efforts to evaluate restoration-related changes in water quality, sediment chemistry, and fish tissue contaminant concentrations.
•    Develop and apply advanced monitoring, assessment, and data-analysis methods to address complex environmental challenges.
•    Develop plans, standards, and technical guidance for reporting on mercury and other toxicants.
•    Prepare and deliver technical reports, briefings, and presentations for leadership, regulatory agencies, and partner organizations.
•    Provide technical guidance to junior scientists and support staff development, collaboration, and scientific quality.
•    Participate in task forces, committees, and interagency work groups to advance scientific and regulatory goals.
•    Support emergency management and response efforts during storms and other emergency events, as needed.

Required Qualifications
•    Master’s Degree in Natural or Physical Sciences and 8+ years of relevant experience.
•    Training or background in fisheries, wildlife ecology, water quality, biogeochemistry or a closely related field. 
•    Experience with heavy metals, toxicants, or environmental toxicology.
•    Experience applying advanced scientific methods for environmental monitoring and assessment.
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing technical reports and presenting findings to stakeholders.
•    Proven leadership abilities and supporting collaborative technical work.
•    Ability to work independently and make sound decisions with minimal supervision.

Why Join Us?
•    Impactful Work: Contribute to sustainable water resource solutions for South Florida.
•    Professional Development: Grow your expertise and leadership skills on high-profile projects.
•    Collaborative Culture: Join a dynamic team committed to innovation and scientific excellence.
 
The available position may be filled as any of the following:
Scientist Series: Lead Scientist, Senior Scientist, or Scientist 4
 
HIRING RANGE: $75,143.64 - $93,281.76 (FOR EXTERNAL CANDIDATES)

Please refer to the following table for Education and Experience requirements:

Employment Guidelines: 
 
PositionEducationDegreeRelevant Experience (years)
Lead ScientistNatural or Physical SciencesMaster’s Degree8
Senior ScientistNatural or Physical SciencesMaster’s Degree6
Scientist 4Natural or Physical SciencesBachelor’s Degree4


License(s) / Certification(s): 
Valid State of Florida Driver's License required.

Physical Requirements/ Working Environment:
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 hurricanes or other declared emergencies, depending on assigned emergency response role.

Veterans' Preference
Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  All documentation is due by the close of the job posting.

About the Company

S

South Florida Water Management District

Our mission: To safeguard and restore South Florida's water resources and ecosystems, protect our communities from flooding, and meet the region's water needs while connecting with the public and stakeholders. 

The South Florida Water Management District is a regional governmental agency that manages the water resources in the southern half of the state, covering 16 counties from Orlando to the Florida Keys and serving a population of 9 million residents. It is the oldest and largest of the state's five water management districts. Created in 1949, the agency is responsible for managing and protecting water resources of South Florida by balancing and improving flood control, water supply, water quality and natural systems.

A key initiative is restoration of the Everglades – the largest environmental restoration project in the nation's history. The District is also working to improve the Kissimmee River and its floodplain, Lake Okeechobee and South Florida's coastal estuaries.

COMPANY SIZE
1,000 to 1,499 employees
INDUSTRY
Government and Military
WEBSITE
https://www.sfwmd.gov/

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