Lead Scientist (Seagrass Monitoring)

The Coastal Ecosystems Section (CES) at the South Florida Water Management District seeks an Estuarine Ecologist to support research and monitoring efforts in South Florida estuarine systems. Candidates with experience focused on estuarine communities and demonstrable abilities in linking ecosystem processes, habitat responses, and external drivers in estuaries are especially urged to apply. Knowledge of and experience working in South Florida estuarine systems including the St. Lucie, Caloosahatchee, and Loxahatchee River estuaries is desirable.
 
Key Responsibilities:
Serving as the co-lead for CES’s benthic monitoring and assessment efforts, specifically for submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), in the northern estuaries

• Managing large project datasets, overseeing QAQC efforts, and keeping project files organized
• Providing technical support to District staff on SAV monitoring efforts
• Conducting statistical analyses of data and generating plots summarizing scientific data
• Creating maps and data visualizations using ArcPro
• Managing assigned contracts associated with the monitoring project and tracking project deliverables, ensuring timely delivery
• Authoring technical reports, manuscripts, and presentations, including portions of the South Florida Environmental Report and RECOVER reports annually
• Capable of meeting all required reporting due dates
• Assisting with field sampling, laboratory efforts and administrative duties

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrable experience in benthic ecology, preferably dominant macrofauna, macroalgae, and seagrass species of South Florida
• Experience with project management including planning and coordination of time-sensitive tasks, sample design and project implementation, and budget tracking
• Excellent technical, oral, and written communication skills with the ability to communicate complex scientific topics to stakeholders, water managers, agency personnel, the District’s management team, and the governing board
• Extensive experience using Microsoft suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) is required
• Strong organizational skills with data management, experience in coding software (Python, Visual Basic, Primer, or R) is desired
• Ability to trailer, operate and work from outboard motorboats (15 to 24 ft).

Employment Guidelines:
Valid State of Florida Driver’s License required.

Education requirement for Lead Scientist: Master’s Degree in Natural or Physical Sciences and 8+ years of qualifying experience that demonstrates measurable career progression within a scientific discipline that can be applied to support District goals and objectives. PhD preferred.

Physical Requirements/ Working Environment:
Enter related information here: Ability to work in estuarine environments in South Florida. The candidate must be able to swim and snorkel in coastal and estuarine environments. Must be able to lift field equipment (up to 30 lbs). Must have prior experience trailering and operating small boats (15-24 ft.). Must complete required boating safety course at start of employment.
 
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.

Americans with Disabilities Act
The South Florida Water Management District is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Bureau at HR_Solutions@sfwmd.gov 

Salary Minimum

$68,952.00

Salary Midpoint:

$98,737.60

Organization

EP8908921 FIELD SCIENCE UNIT

Salary Maximum

$128,502.40