Riverwoods Field Technician

Position Summary:

Florida Atlantic University is seeking a Riverwoods Field Technician – West Palm Beach , FL.

The Field Technician will offer support to Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Environmental Studies (FAU/CES) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). The position will be based at SFWMD Headquarters in West Palm Beach and provide field support for the Kissimmee River Restoration research and assessment program at the Riverwoods Field Lab (RFL) in Lorida, FL in Highlands County as needed.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Provides office support at SFWMD Headquarters.
• Data entry, filing, scientific report writing, technical scientific editing and literature review, and meeting scheduling.
• Provides field support conducted in remote locations on the Kissimmee River which require overnight stays at Riverwoods Field Lab.
• Assists senior scientists with field data collection such as water quality, sediment, vegetation, invertebrate, wading bird and waterfowl, or fish samples.
• Sample processing of vegetation, invertebrate, water and/or soil samples in the lab.
• Preparation, calibration and cleaning of field sampling equipment.
• Provides fleet management including, but not limited to, fleet management through coordination and documentation of all repairs and conditions of SFWMD boats and vehicles.
• Provides asset management including, but not limited to, management of SFWMD’s Kissimmee section’s assets and will be required to conduct annual inventory.
• Other duties as needed.
• The OPS position is full-time, hourly up to 40 hrs/wk.
• Per diem for travel and cell phone stipend are offered.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in Biological Science or related field (e.g., Ecology, Natural Science) and two years of ecological or natural science field experience required.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and EndNote required.
• Ability to lift 60 lbs. and work in remote locations, often under difficult environmental conditions (heat, humidity, and rain), and in areas occupied by alligators, snakes and stinging insects required.
• Valid State of Florida Class E Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one in a timely manner.
• Ability to complete the DOI Motorboat Operator Certification Course, South Florida Water Management District’s airboat pilot training, and safety training in first aid and CPR required.
• This position requires overnight field trips to Riverwoods, as needed (typically one night a week).

Preferred Qualifications/Skills:

• Familiar with flora and fauna of central and southern Florida in order to assist senior scientists with collection of water quality, aquatic invertebrate, amphibian, reptile, wetland vegetation, wading birds and waterfowl data.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Familiar with the operation of lab and field equipment such as GPS units and water quality equipment.