"Scientist 4"

Scientist 4

Employer: South Florida Water Management District

Location: West Palm Beach, Florida

Salary: $62,524.80 - $116,480.00

Closing date: Nov 19, 2025

Discipline: Life Sciences, Ecology, Environmental Science

Position Type: Full Time

Job Type: Staff Scientist

Organization Type: Govt.

Job Details

SCIENTIST 4

WPB Adm Headquarters (B2)

4432BR

Job Description

The Restoration Evaluation Unit of the Lake and River Ecosystems Section at South Florida Water Management District seeks an experienced invertebrate ecologist with a working knowledge of the effects of river and floodplain hydrology on restoration of invertebrate communities in river channel and floodplain habitats. The successful candidate will continue management of a mature, well-documented invertebrate monitoring program, performing several essential functions within the Kissimmee River Restoration Evaluation Program (KRREP), including surveys of river channel and floodplain invertebrate communities, taxonomic identification including to support avian prey base monitoring, evaluation of invertebrate performance metrics, data maintenance and analysis, management of potential invertebrate sampling and taxonomic contracts, ongoing tracking and maintenance of study documentation, and writing and analysis for updates of the status of invertebrate communities for the South Florida Environmental Report (SFER), peer reviewed publications and upcoming KRREP publications relating to success evaluation for the Kissimmee River Restoration Project. The successful candidate will collaborate with a team of scientists from a range of disciplines to continue previous work to quantify the effects of hydrologic restoration on invertebrate and prey base communities. The position may also assist with field and analysis tasks for other studies as needed and may have opportunities to work on projects in vegetation, land management, hydrology, algae, and energy transfer, or to propose and develop new invertebrate studies. Duties also include working on a team that compiles and summarizes data for weekly, monthly, and annual reporting of hydrologic conditions.

The position requires a strong background in aquatic invertebrate taxonomy and ecology and should be familiar with methods of estimating secondary production, and have knowledge of and experience with invertebrate taxonomy and identification; the flora and fauna of central Florida river and floodplain habitats; spreadsheet data operations; synthesis, statistical analysis and interpretation of ecological data; and preparation of technical reports and presentations for internal reporting, scientific meetings, and peer-reviewed journals. The successful candidate may independently plan, schedule, coordinate, manage, and/or conduct moderately complex scientific studies to support environmental restoration and water resource management and may work with technical staff from various District teams and external agencies to provide technical support and review.

Work will include field work in remote environments by boat, airboat, 4WD truck, or off-road vehicle, and will involve overnight travel.

Employment Guidelines:

This position may be filled at the Scientist 3 Level with appropriate but limited years of qualifying experience.

Scientist 4: Typically has Bachelor's Degree in Natural or Physical Sciences and 4+ years experience that demonstrates measurable career progression within scientific discipline that can be applied to support the District's strategic goals and objectives.

Licenses

A valid State of Florida Driver's License is required.

Physical Requirements/ Working Environment:

Preference will be given to candidates with the Masters’ or Ph.D. in Invertebrate Ecology, Ecology, Wildlife Science, Environmental Science, or a related science field with a coursework emphasis in invertebrate studies and at least four (4) years of qualifying experience in invertebrate research. The successful candidate will have knowledge of the theories, principles, and methods of invertebrate studies in wetlands; ecosystem function; study design; statistical analysis of species data; analytical software tools; the ability to use, maintain, and enhance spreadsheet datasets; and should have the skills necessary to effectively communicate with colleagues and stakeholders both orally and in writing. Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems and spatial statistics is desirable. Training to operate and tow small watercraft, including airboats, will be required.

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

Organization

EP8908932 RESTORATION EVALUATION UNIT