Scientist 4
West Palm Beach Administrative Headquarters (B1) 1958BR
Job Description
A mid-level professional position responsible for coordinating vegetation management activities within the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project. This position serves as the resident expert on aquatic vegetation management control issues and is responsible for ensuring District compliance with various aquatic plant management permits, including the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit (NPDES). Requires a strong background in botany, herbicide application technologies, and integrated pest management practices.
This position will provide technical support to District field stations and will oversee support contracts for canal/levee management, aquatic and some upland invasive species control. This includes pre- and post-treatment inspections, developing work plans, statements of work and contractual work orders, on-site ground and aerial herbicide application contractor coordination and monitoring. Will appropriately plan projects and collaborate with aquatic plant management researchers on aquatic plant management evaluations. May also assists Land Stewardship and Stormwater Treatment Area Vegetation Management staff as needed.
In addition, this position also serves as the primary point of contact to the Army Corps of Engineers & FWC for coordination of aquatic plant management activities on Lake Okeechobee, the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes and the Kissimmee River. As the contract manager for the FWC Aquatic Plant Management Program, this position is responsible for oversight of aquatic plant management expenditures, attending/participating in Interagency and public meetings and coordinating monthly interagency flights.
The incumbent shall work independently under general supervision and is routinely exposed to a variety of challenging technical and non-technical problems that involves uncertainties, resource constraints, tight schedules and budget, policy and financial implications. The ideal candidate will have good verbal and written communication skills, ability to plan and manage heavy workloads, enthusiasm, a temperament for dealing with harsh field conditions, and a willingness and commitment to actively contribute to a collaborative team work effort.
Employment Guidelines
Typically has a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Agronomy, Weed Science, Botany, Plant Ecology, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management). Masters preferred. A minimum of four (4) years of vegetation management experience is required. Experience with aquatic and terrestrial invasive species identification, monitoring, control, and management is preferred and proficiency working with complex databases is preferred.
Licenses
A valid State of Florida Driver's License is required.
Possession or ability to acquire within 180 days State of Florida restricted pesticide applicators license.
Airboat experience preferred. District airboat certification will be required within 180 days.
Physical Requirements/Working Environment
This position reports to the Vegetation Management Section's Supervising Scientist in the Canal/Levee and Aquatic Plant Management Unit. The work environment is a combination of office and field work, with regular exposure to a hot and humid environment in remote and heavy vegetative areas, with exposure to stinging/biting insects, snakes, and alligators. May be required to lift up to 40 lbs.
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.
Salary Minimum: $54,371.20
Salary Midpoint: $64,625.60
Organization: OM5205231 Canal/Levee Aquatic Plant Management
To apply, go to:
https://www.sfwmd.gov/careers
François Brave Laroche
Section Administrator
Vegetation Management Section
South Florida Water Management District
3301 Gun Club Rd.
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
flaroche@sfwmd.gov
https://www.sfwmd.gov/
Phone: Office (561) 682-6193; Cell (561) 310-9102; Fax (561) 682-5125
Florida enjoys a broad public records law. Any emails sent to or from this address will be subject to review by the public unless exempt by law.
