Work for Our Water Resources.

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.

Join our Water Use Permit Bureau

Support the Water Use Permit (WUP) Bureau by reviewing the environmental aspect of water use permits to determine impacts from groundwater withdrawals. The successful candidate will be responsible for analyzing and interpreting data and reviewing environmental monitoring reports. You’ll have the chance to work with a wide range of teams in this promising position, each of which plays a vital role in our efforts to preserve our most valuable natural resources. Using your expertise, you’ll play an important role in enhancing the results to ensure a brighter future for the environment of Florida.

The District supports employees who prefer a flexible schedule or a remote work schedule so that they can enjoy their time outside of the District through work-life balance. This role is considered hybrid, which means the employee will be required to come on-site and work a portion of their time remotely (must live in Florida). Come build a career that is challenging, fulfilling, and helps support the District’s mission to protect Florida’s water resources.

District employees are offered an excellent total rewards package that includes:

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

Compensation:

Environmental Scientist 1 $48,995.00 - $50,223.09
Environmental Scientist 2 $49,635.00 - $51,281.57

The starting salary range is included for the Environmental Scientist profile which reflects the minimum to approximately 4.6% 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.

Essential Functions

Evaluate data to address potential for impacts resulting from the withdrawal of surface water or groundwater
Provide scientific and/or technical guidance, support and coordination to management, internal staff and other agencies
Review required annual reports to ensure compliance with special conditions of water use permits
Work with Water Use Permit Regulations and apply scientific information to determine compliance and make recommendations to permittees

Working Conditions

In-office: Standard office environment and equipment such as personal computer, copier, etc. Occasional travel may be required. Ability to perform continuous repetitive tasks (to include keyboarding and driving) with one or both hands and feet is required.

In-field: Work performed in the field may often be in remote and undeveloped areas of the District, under adverse weather conditions. Extensive travel and some outdoor labor may be required. May be exposed to extremes in elements, temperature and humidity and to a variety of pests, including mosquitoes and ticks. Must be able to able to bend, lift, carry, swim and reach above shoulder level. May occasionally require the ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Must be able to operate a motorized vehicle for extended periods, some driving may be in off-road (4x4) conditions. Should be able to operate all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and watercraft. Must be able to hike relatively long distances carrying sampling equipment in remote and rugged terrain.

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.

Required Credentials for Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientist 1

Bachelors degree (or higher) in Environmental Science or related field
Valid driver's license

Environmental Scientist 2

Bachelors degree (or higher) in Environmental Science or related field
Two (2) years related work experience
Valid driver's license

Application Process

The District will determine eligibility for employment solely from the information provided on a District employment application. All applicants are required to complete, in full, the District employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. A resume will not be considered as a substitute for the required District application for the purpose of qualification. Applicants who are within 30 days of graduation, if selected are not allowed to start until all minimum qualifications are met.

Additional Details

This position is typically scheduled to work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, out of the Tampa FL office. This position is eligible for compensatory time for hours worked over 40 hours, in a week.

Travel Required

Yes. Some travel, using District vehicle, within District's coverage area.

Accepting applications until May 26, 2026 at 4:00 PM

About Us

The District is responsible for managing the water resources for west central Florida which includes approximately 10,000 square miles of territory spanning 16 counties and serving more than 6 million residents. Established in 1961 as a flood-protection agency, our objective is to meet the needs of current and future water users, protect and preserve our water resources, manage the water supply, protect water quality, and preserve water-related functions.

Start and grow your career with the District! The District prides itself on providing a positive work environment that engages and supports our employees through flexible and remote work schedules. We provide and support learning and development for staff at all levels including conferences, association memberships, and formal education. Let us know if you have previous public sector experience that may allow for additional perks! Click on the link to apply.

#WorkForOurWater

Equal Employment Opportunity/Veterans Preference/Drug-Free Workplace/Tobacco Free Campuses.

All applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment in employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, familial status, or medical condition. All recruitment, hiring, placements, transfers and promotions will be on the basis of individual skills, knowledge and abilities, and the feasibility of any necessary job accommodation(s).

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) does not discriminate on the basis of disability in regard to job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the District to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Human Resources Office Chief, at 2379 Broad St., Brooksville, FL 34604-6899; telephone (352) 796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476 (FL only); or email ADACoordinator@WaterMatters.org.â¯If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice). In the event of a complaint, please follow the grievance procedure located at WaterMatters.org/ADA.

The District participates in E-Verify employment eligibility verification. We will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

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