The South Florida Water Management District’s Water Quality Treatment Technologies Section is seeking a Lead Scientist to support efforts in the management and optimization of the District’s Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) wetlands.
The position requires a background in Freshwater Wetland Ecology with a strong emphasis on wetland biogeochemistry and soil science. The incumbent will be responsible for strengthening our interpretation of existing data and research, managing scientific studies related to STA performance to remove phosphorus from water flowing through the wetlands, evaluating water quality and coordinating operations in the northern STAs, providing critical technical review of scientific reports, and analyzing data for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Major responsibilities include evaluating currently available data, statistical analysis, report writing, and designing and executing research projects. The incumbent will be expected to work closely with other scientists to integrate their work into a broader ecological assessment of STA performance and management. The work will require statistical analysis and synthesis of data, assistance with ecological model development, publication of findings in peer-reviewed journal articles, and presentation of scientific information at meetings and workshops. The position also provides technical support and review of wetland science, water quality, monitoring design and optimizations, and external assessments. The successful candidate will be expected to coordinate with technical staff from other sections of the District and other state and federal agencies on wetland science.
This seasoned Scientist position is responsible for delivering high caliber scientific services and expertise that support often novel, complex, and ambiguous assignments entailing investigation of many variables and alternatives and requiring the application of advanced or innovative methods, tools, and techniques to solve highly complex technical problems. The incumbent must exhibit versatility in a dynamic environment and unstructured situations. The incumbent will function as a principal investigator for several scientific studies that aim to develop a better understanding of the complex biogeochemical relationships present in managed wetland ecosystems that lead to their ability to remove phosphorus from inflowing waters to low levels, in some cases less than 19 micrograms per liter.
Fieldwork is mostly conducted from airboats and involves working in remote and heavily vegetative areas with exposure to a hot and humid environment and potential exposure to or encounters with stinging/biting insects, snakes, and alligators. Experience working in remote wetland environments is critical, and experience operating airboats is highly preferred. Basic water skills and the ability to lift up to 40 pounds may be required. The ability to follow standard procedures and some scientific data analysis experience is also critical for the position. This position may be filled at the Senior Scientist level.
Employment Guidelines
- Lead Scientist: Typically has Masters’ Degree, Ph.D. preferred, in Natural or Physical Sciences or related field and 8+ years’ experience that demonstrates measurable career progression within a scientific discipline that can be applied to support the District’s strategic goals and objectives. Experience in tropical/subtropical environments, especially south Florida, preferred.
- Senior Scientist: Typically has Masters’ Degree, Ph.D. preferred, in Natural or Physical Sciences or related field and 6+ years’ experience that demonstrates measurable career progression within a scientific discipline that can be applied to support the District’s strategic goals and objectives. Experience in tropical/subtropical environments, especially south Florida, preferred.
