Hydrologic Data Field Technician (0349)

Help protect one of Florida’s most vital resources — water — with a career at the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District). The District is a government agency whose mission is to protect water resources, minimize flood risks, and ensure the public’s water needs are met. We serve a population of nearly 6 million people in west-central Florida as directed by state law.

About the role

Support the District’s Data Collection Bureau by managing multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. As part of the Data Collection team, the Hydrological Data Collection Field Technician will install and maintain data collection sites and collect various types of hydrologic data. This opportunity offers the ability to make an impact on the organization and provides flexibility and a true work-life balance.

Some key skills include excellent communication (both oral and written), attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a passion for technical excellence. You’ll work with a wide range of teams, each playing a vital role in preserving Florida’s most valuable natural resources.

Responsibilities

• Collects, compiles, and records various hydrologic and meteorologic data including rainfall, stream stages, lake levels, and ground water levels.
• Installs, operates, maintains, and services various types of mechanical and electronic hydrologic and meteorologic recording devices.
• Uses surveying equipment to verify or establish elevations of data collection sites.
• Constructs and maintains data collection sites by clearing brush and debris, building and repairing platforms, walkways, etc.
• Maintains assigned field equipment and vehicle, ensuring routine maintenance and repair, as necessary.
• Assists other staff in field work, as necessary.
• Participates in other data collection activities, as required.

Working Conditions

• Work is divided between office and field environments.
• Fieldwork is frequently conducted under adverse weather conditions, and may involve remote, undeveloped, and/or isolated sites.
• Work may be conducted on or around open water, wetlands, or marshes.
• Must be able to frequently bend and squat, with occasional requirement to climb or swim.
• Must be able to operate a District vehicle with attached equipment for two hours or more at a time.
• Will work 10-hour shifts and be required to sit for up to 5 hours and/or stand for up to 3 hours.
• Must be able to frequently lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift between 10 and 50 pounds.
• Must be able to carry up to 10 pounds frequently and carry between 10 and 50 pounds occasionally.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Employee may be subject to call-in outside of regularly scheduled work hours, or required to be on call, including on nights, weekends, or holidays, to respond to emergency management activities or other incidents requiring rapid response in support of District operations.

Requirements

For Hydrologic Data Field Technician

• Field Technician 2: High School Diploma or Equivalent and one (1) year related work experience. Valid driver’s license.
• Field Technician 3: High School Diploma or Equivalent and three (3) years' related work experience. Valid driver’s license.
• Field Technician 4: High School Diploma or Equivalent and four (4) years' related work experience. Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using computerized systems for data collection and equipment maintenance.
• Ability to survey from a known benchmark.
• Carpentry experience.
• Knowledge of electronic and electrical safety.
• Familiarity with the hydrologic and natural systems of West-Central Florida.

Benefits

• Florida Retirement System (FRS) District Total Contribution 14.03%.
• 9 paid holidays (+ 1 floating holiday).
• Generous vacation and sick leave.
• Paid Parental Leave, including Maternity, Bonding, and Family Supportive Work Program.
• Medical and dental insurance (91-97% District paid).
• Vision insurance.
• Deferred Compensation Program.
• Basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance.
• Long-term disability (District Paid).
• Prescription drug coverage & mail order program.
• Health savings & flexible spending accounts.
• Flexible schedule for work-life balance.
• Legal and Identity Theft protection.
• Wellness program.
• Public service loan forgiveness qualified employer.
• Tuition reimbursement ($5,250/year).
• State adoption benefit qualified employer.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Transfer in years of service for other public sector work – towards the FRS program and sick time.

Pay

• Hydrologic Data Collection Field Technician 2: $38,082.00 - $48,546.00
• Hydrologic Data Collection Field Technician 3: $40,557.00 - $51,704.00
• Hydrologic Data Collection Field Technician 4: $46,035.00 - $58,656.00

The starting salary range reflects the minimum to approximately 50% of the respective pay grade. The starting salary will be based on the education and experience of the successful candidate. The District conducts annual performance evaluations that may award applicable pay increases based on positive employee performance.

Schedule

• Typically scheduled to work 40 hours per week (10-hour days), Monday to Thursday, out of the Sarasota, FL office.
• Eligible for overtime for hours worked over 40 hours in a week.
• Travel required within the District's coverage area using a District vehicle.