Water Quality & Pollution Specialist

1 comment 10 March 2025

WATER QUALITY AND POLLUTION SPECIALIST - SOUTHERN REGION

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Suncoast Waterkeeper seeks a dynamic, enthusiastic, Water Quality & Pollution Specialist who is passionate about water quality on the Suncoast. The Suncoast Waterkeeper Water Quality & Pollution Specialist position is a full-time position.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Weekly monitoring of enterococci at 11 locations in Southern Sarasota County.
Monthly monitoring of nutrients at locations across the southern Suncoast region.
Leading BloomWatch on the Suncoast
Assisting PFAS drinking water monitoring in North Port
Assisting with the Mangrove Rangers program
Data management of water quality results, and,
Seasonal pond monitoring and data analysis.

Ultimately, the Water Quality Program Specialist is responsible for day-to-day water quality monitoring activities. Monitoring waters on the Suncoast is an integral part of the clean water mission.

The mission of Suncoast Waterkeeper is to protect and restore Florida Suncoast’s waterways through environmental monitoring, advocacy, community engagement, and responsible legal action for the benefit of all. Our focus is on the coastal waterways of Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

SUMMARY OF WATER QUALITY & POLLUTION SPECIALIST’S RESPONSIBILITIES

These descriptions are general responsibilities and are not intended to describe all the responsibilities and performances expected of the Water Quality Program Specialist.

Administrative:

Maintain databases for water quality data in Excel, Water Reporter, and ArcGIS.
Assist with the management of Eyes on the Suncoast pollution reporting program.
Lead the volunteer Pollution Action Team through the creation of training materials, purchasing equipment, and leading pollution investigations.
Provide the water quality update at the annual meeting.

Communications:

Send weekly email with enterococci results to local government leaders and staff.
Create Storymaps illustrating and interpreting data for all monitoring projects.
Communicate to volunteers and members about specific water quality issues and events.

Technical:

Maintain water quality monitoring equipment.
Enter data into the state’s WIN database.
Perform basic statistical analysis on water quality data
Attend monthly Water Quality Committee meetings to discuss results, advance communication strategies, and determine new locations to monitor.
Process and run samples at new water quality lab.
Maintain lab equipment.

Monitoring:

Drive to the 11 locations monitored for enterococci weekly, collect samples, and deliver samples in a timely fashion to lab in Palmetto.
Drive to 15 locations monitored monthly, collect samples, and deliver samples in a timely fashion to lab in Palmetto.
Drive to 3 locations monitored for iron pollution, collect samples, and deliver samples to a timely fashion to lab in Palmetto.
Emergency monitoring as needed
During the growing season, monitor the water quality of up to 15 stormwater ponds in Sarasota County

Development:

Assist with securing funding for monitoring efforts.
Attend all fundraising events and assist as needed.

Other assigned tasks as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences, or equivalent.
2-3 years work experience in the environmental sciences or related fields (advanced degree can substitute for work experience).
Demonstrated reliability.
Safe, clean driving record.
Able to maintain a flexible schedule.
Organized and timely.

Suncoast Waterkeeper is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, contractors, volunteers, and community members.

Location of position: Offices in North Sarasota near the airport and downtown Sarasota

Pay rate:

$50,000 - $53,000/year.

Benefits:

Healthcare Insurance
Retirement Plan
Generous Paid Leave

To apply, please submit

Cover Letter
Resume/CV
Three References (we will only contact references during the final round of interviews)

Submit Applications to [email protected] as soon as possible. Application review will begin immediately. Looking to fill position by August 30, 2024.

Author

Samantha Wassmer

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Samantha Wassmer published this page in News 2025-03-10 19:02:32 -0400