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LEAD ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
WPB Adm Headquarters (B2)Posted 1 weeks ago
onsite
Job Description
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.
Please refer to the following table for Education and Experience requirements:
Employment Guidelines:
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.
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
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:
| Position | Education | Degree | Relevant Experience (years) |
| Lead Scientist | Natural or Physical Sciences | Master’s Degree | 8 |
| Senior Scientist | Natural or Physical Sciences | Master’s Degree | 6 |
| Scientist 4 | Natural or Physical Sciences | Bachelor’s Degree | 4 |
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.