Find Invasive Plant Biologist (0685) (Remote-Hybrid Eligible) Job in Brooksville, Florida | Snaprecruit

Work for Our Water Resources.

Help protect one of Floridas 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 publics water needs are met. We serve a population of nearly 6 million people in west-central Florida as directed by state law.

Join our Operations Bureau

Support the Districts Operations Bureau in this exciting and challenging role. As the Invasive Plant Biologist, you will perform professional-level scientific/technical duties and field work to successfully manage invasive species and other undesirable vegetation on more than 260,000 acres of District managed conservation lands, restoration projects, lakes rivers and canal systems while ensuring that operations are conducted using the most effective and environmentally sound control methods available. The successful candidate coordinates operations with funding and permitting agencies, the District's Land Resources Department, water treatment plant operators, property owners and other groups and citizens who may be affected by water use restrictions or other concerns and resolves issues with concerned citizens relating to District operations, plant problems and lake and pond management issues. This opportunity offers an ability to make an impact on the organization and provides flexibility and a true work-life balance. Youll 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, youll 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 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 for periodic meetings or work a portion of their time from a designated location and the remainder of their time remotely. The successful candidate must be a Florida resident.

For helping to maintain our valuable water resources, we offer:

Compensation: $50,460.80 - $68,659.00

The starting salary range is included for the Environmental Scientist profile which reflects the minimum to 50% 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

• Perform professional-level scientific/technical duties and provide guidance to field staff to successfully manage invasive and other undesirable vegetation on District managed conservation lands, restoration projects, FDOT mitigation sites, public lakes/rivers, and canal systems. Ensures that operations are conducted using the most effective and environmentally sound methods available. This will include reviewing all work orders for the assigned region and assisting with the annual update of Invasive Plant Prioritization Plans for conservation lands.
• Develop contract project SOWs and perform contract management duties.
• Ensure NPDES permit compliance.
• Conduct performance metric data collection, management, QAQC, and reporting.
• Research and implement new technologies to increase efficiency.
• Obtain and ensure compliance with required permits.
• Work with outside agencies such as USDA, FWC, UF IFAS, and local CISMA groups to support District and statewide research and treatment efforts of invasive plants.
• Pursue grant funding opportunities for invasive plant management on District lands.
• Participate in District outreach and education efforts.
• Participate in District emergency management activities duties as needed.

Working Conditions

Physical, Visual Acuity Requirements: Medium Work, Close Acuity, Balancing, Stooping, Crouching, Reaching, Standing, Walking, Pulling, Fingering, Feeling, Talking, Hearing, & Repetitive Motion

Working Environmental Conditions: Inside, Outside, Hiking, Bites, Remote, Measuring, & Wading. Travel in the field and to other District offices is required.

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, weekend or holidays, to respond to emergency management activities or other incidents requiring rapid response in support of District operations.

Required Credentials for All Invasive Plant Biologist

• Bachelors degree (or higher) in biology, environmental science, botany, forestry or a closely related field
• Five (5) years experience in vegetation management experience
• Obtain a pesticide applicator license issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in the Aquatic Pest Control and Natural Areas Weed Management categories within twelve months of hire
• Valid driver's license

Preferred Credentials for All Invasive Plant Biologist

• Masters degree or Ph.D

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, a District employment application. Any application that is not complete will not receive consideration for the position. A resume will not be considered as a substitute for the information requested on the application for purposes of qualification. Exceptions may be granted for those applicants who are within 30 days of graduation. If selected, candidate is 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, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, out of the Brooksville, FL office, however remote work may be available. 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 February 9, 2024 at 4 PM

About Us

Managing the water resources for west-central Florida, our district 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.

Apply Now

The District prides itself on providing a positive work flexible environment that engages and supports our employees. This could be the opportunity of a lifetime. Click on the link to apply and put yourself to work for our water resources.

#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 (352) 796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476 (FL only), ext. 4747; or email ADACoordinator@WaterMatters.org. 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 employees Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

The District will not sponsor applicants for work visas.