Water Quality Technician

Stantec•West Palm Beach, FL

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields and guide our work with rigor, a creative spirit, and vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties around the globe and are committed to fostering an inclusive community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. We’re a place to apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental talents on work that’s critical to our clients and the communities they support. Join a team that has the environment down to a science. Your Opportunity Stantec is seeking a full time Water Quality/Science Technician to provide field support for the South Florida Water Management District’s (SFWMD) Water Quality Bureau. This position is based at the SFWMD Field Station in West Palm Beach, FL, within a team that monitors water quality to comply with permit requirements and legal mandates, and to provide information in support of management decisions and strategies for restoration. The selected candidate will be hired by Stantec and will serve as an onsite staff member to the SFWMD. The position will support routine compliance water quality monitoring, groundwater, atmospheric deposition (rain), fish, soil/sediment, vegetation and other biological sample collections. The Technician will accompany SFWMD staff on field trips to remote project sites for water quality and multi-parameter field sample collections. The majority of work will be the collection of surface water samples by land, boat or helicopter, at various field locations. Field efforts often include exposure to hot, humid, and wet conditions in areas occupied by animals such as alligators, snakes, and stinging/biting insects. The position will work four 10-hour days, Monday thru Thursday of each week. Field days start in West Palm Beach, FL and occur throughout the SFWMD network.

Requirements

Experience in field sampling techniques for surface water, working with field and water quality equipment, and trailering and operating powerboats (up to 23 feet in length) is highly preferred.
Must be agile with good balance, and with the manual dexterity to perform repetitive tasks and to move across rough and uneven terrain.
Familiarity with use of data reporting and field software for data recording will be helpful.
Have a valid Driver’s License and the ability to drive 4-wheel drive vehicles over unpaved and sometimes rough terrain; experience trailering and driving large passenger trucks (Ford F250s, Chevy Silverado 2500s, etc.) is preferred.
Can passenger and work off boats, airboats, and helicopters after completing required safety training; boat operating experience is preferred.
The expectation of working in, on, or near water requires basic water skills with the ability to swim.
Can stand and/or kneel for extended periods outdoors during all weather conditions.
Be able to lift 50 LBS.
Be able to bend and/or twist while picking up and moving/transporting equipment.
Vision (near vision-computer screen; far vision-driving/operating equipment).
Where lawful and at Stantec’s discretion, your passing drug and alcohol testing.
A minimum of an associate’s degree in a Natural or Physical Science or related field.
At least 2-years related work experience in a scientific discipline.

Responsibilities

follow FDEP SOPs (DEP-SOP-001/01) and the WQM Quality System Requirements
operate, calibrate and maintain field instrumentation and equipment including automatic water sampling equipment, multi-parameter water quality instruments, boats, vehicles, and Global Positioning System (GPS)
collect field data and samples
document field conditions and/or data utilizing the Horizon Data Field Management (HFDM) application on field computers
troubleshoot instrument problems
perform specialized sampling, such as ultra-trace mercury and pesticide sampling following SOPs
prepare samples for laboratory analysis
organize field supplies and equipment
load/unload vehicles
set up/take down equipment
perform site management
Preparation for field trips
Collection of in-situ surface water quality field measurements using multi-parameter water quality sondes (e.g., Hydrolab, YSI, or equivalent)
Collection of surface water samples using automatic water samplers and surface water sampling equipment such as Van Dorn (a.k.a. Niskin) samplers
Collection of soil/sediment samples using PONAR dredges, corers, or other appropriate sampling devices
Collection of all appropriate QC samples
Performing all field sample and data collection activities in strict compliance with sampling protocols and quality assurance requirements
The documentation of all maintenance (e.g., autosampler) activities
Data reporting of site and field conditions, in-situ surface water parameters from continuous monitoring equipment, blue-green algae status and observations, among others
Documentation will be performed using portable field computer, field data collection software, and related software
Cleaning and decontamination of sampling equipment, as well as cleaning vehicle, laboratory, and warehouse space
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