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Freshwater Science Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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$8.2K

$60.1K

$114.7K

How much do freshwater science jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for freshwater science in Florida is $60,074.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,500.00 and $83,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is freshwater science?

A Freshwater Science job involves studying freshwater ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, wetlands, and groundwater. Professionals in this field research water quality, aquatic life, pollution impacts, and habitat restoration. They often work for government agencies, environmental organizations, universities, or consulting firms. Their work helps protect water resources, support biodiversity, and inform policies for sustainable water management.

What are typical projects or responsibilities for someone working in freshwater science?

Professionals in Freshwater Science often conduct fieldwork to collect water and biological samples, analyze data to assess water quality or ecosystem health, and prepare reports or recommendations for environmental management. Depending on the position, you might collaborate with governmental agencies, conservation organizations, or research institutions to develop restoration plans or monitor the impact of human activities. Teamwork is common, as projects often require input from hydrologists, ecologists, engineers, and policy experts. This diversity of tasks provides an engaging, dynamic work environment, and offers excellent opportunities for skill development and professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in freshwater science, and why are they important?

To thrive in Freshwater Science, you typically need a background in biology, ecology, or environmental science, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with field and laboratory research. Familiarity with water quality monitoring tools, GIS software, statistical analysis programs, and sometimes certifications like HAZWOPER or professional society memberships are valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help set candidates apart in this interdisciplinary role. These skills ensure accurate research, effective data interpretation, and collaborative project outcomes essential to managing and protecting freshwater resources.

What can I do with a freshwater science degree?

A freshwater science degree prepares individuals for careers in environmental consulting, water resource management, conservation, research, and policy development related to freshwater ecosystems. Graduates often work for government agencies, research institutions, non-profit organizations, or private companies, utilizing skills in data collection, analysis, and environmental monitoring. Certifications in GIS, water quality testing, or environmental impact assessment can enhance job prospects.

What do freshwater scientists do?

Freshwater scientists study the ecosystems, water quality, and organisms in lakes, rivers, and streams. They conduct fieldwork, collect data, analyze water samples, and develop conservation or management strategies to protect freshwater environments.

What are popular job titles related to Freshwater Science jobs in Florida?

For Freshwater Science jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freshwater Science jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Freshwater Science jobs in Florida are:

Freshwater Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freshwater Science job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,074 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Water Quality Environmental Scientist (Junior-Level)

Environmental Science Associates

Orlando, FL • On-site

$70K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm. We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore for projects across our communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands. We are 50 years strong in 21 offices across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southeastern United States.
ESA is seeking a motivated Environmental Scientist with a focus on water quality and watershed science to join our Southeast team. This junior-level role is ideal for a scientist with 2+ years of experience applying quantitative methods to ecological, hydrologic, and water quality datasets, preferred within Florida's freshwater and estuarine systems and associated watersheds. The ideal candidate brings a passion for natural systems, analytical skills, and the ability to translate complex datasets into clear, defensible technical work products. This is an exempt, full-time, salaried role working a hybrid schedule (2-3 days per week) depending on project needs, out of the Tampa and/or Orlando, FL, offices. Qualified candidates within a commutable distance to other Florida ESA locations may be considered. Strong preference given to candidates able to work hybrid from our Tampa or Orlando ESA offices.
Who You Are
You hold a bachelor's degree or higher in ecology, environmental science, hydrology, water resources, or a related natural science field, and you bring 2+ years of professional experience in environmental consulting or applied ecological science. You possess knowledge and experience in water quality data analysis, including data compilation, quality assurance, statistical modeling, hydrologic/water quality data evaluation, and geospatial evaluation of watershed conditions.
You have foundational experience in:
  • Data compilation and quality assurance, compiling data from various sources, conducting data quality reviews (QA/QC), and producing concise quality-controlled datasets ready for delivery and analysis.
  • Water quality and water quantity analyses, producing descriptive statistics, plots and other visualizations, exploratory data analysis, comparisons to water quality standards, and other regulatory evaluations.
  • Watershed management planning, supporting or conducting surface water resource assessments, land use characterizations, and pollutant loading estimates.
  • Water quality, biological, and hydrologic data analysis, scripting, reproducible analysis pipelines, and integration of large, multi-source datasets to support statistical and mechanistic modeling.
  • Regulatory technical documentation, including preparation of clear, defensible sections of permit applications, contributing to technical memoranda, environmental evaluations, and data-driven summaries that support decision making.

You are eager to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and contribute to high quality analytical deliverables. Your interests are in data synthesis and analysis, and you are willing to support translating complex water quality and hydrologic datasets into actionable insights into freshwater, estuarine, and watershed systems.
  • Experience with R, SAS, or other statistical programming software
  • Familiarity with hydrologic, hydrodynamic, and/or water quality data and modeling preferred
  • Watershed management plan development
  • GIS, Field Maps, Survey123, or similar tools
  • Ecological knowledge (e.g., wetlands, SAV, wildlife, restoration ecology). Preference given to candidates with Florida specific experience.
  • Experience conducting water quality, biological, or hydrologic analyses
  • Ability to contribute to technical writing and environmental documentation
  • General knowledge of environmental regulations and water quality programs (Florida-specific preferred)
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills
  • Ability to work independently with limited direction
  • A valid driver's license

What You Will Do
You will apply quantitative and ecological expertise to support a wide range of environmental and water resource projects. Responsibilities include:
  • Work as a data scientist, including compilation and analysis of water quality and hydrologic data, to assist public and private sector clients in decision-making related to pollution controls in coastal and freshwater environments, in response to regulatory and/or policy directives.
  • Support projects involving watershed evaluations, source water protection, ecosystem restoration, and regulatory compliance
  • Contribute to the development of technical materials, including memoranda, documents, and/or presentations, that describe methods and results of scientifically rigorous and technically sound biological, water quality, and/or hydrologic evaluations, which may serve as supporting materials for environmental management decisions or environmental permit applications
  • Dive into and digest the environmental regulations relevant to Florida, including those associated with the Clean Water Act and associated regulatory programs (NPDES, TMDLs, BMAPs) and water supply programs (WUPs, MFLs) as well as other water-resource programs.
  • Contribute to a collaborative, feedback-driven team culture through internal discussions, project coordination, and problem-solving
  • Contribute to the presentation of technical information to interdisciplinary internal teams and support meetings with clients, agency staff, and stakeholders in a clear and compelling manner
  • Participate in conferences, workshops, or networking events as appropriate
  • Deliver assignments on time and within budget
  • You will thrive in a fast-paced environment balancing multiple responsibilities.

What's Special About Our Team
Our Southeast Biological Resources and Land Management team include environmental scientists, quantitative ecologists, hydrologists, planners, and technical specialists who support projects in water quality, hydrology, ecological monitoring program design and implementation, restoration design, and regulatory analysis. Much of our work focuses on watershed-scale assessments, hydrobiological monitoring, permitting support, and data-driven ecological evaluations that inform resilient, science-based management decisions.
What's Special About ESA
Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.
At ESA, we provide benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you AND your family), annual allocations of company share through our ESOP, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, to name a few.
We also provide specific programs whether you want to further your technical expertise, sharpen your business acumen, or help lead the next generation of employee-owners. We want to support you in reaching your career goals through tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and attendance at conferences.
Who We Are
We are a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm who values diversity and inclusion and celebrate the differences that make each of us unique. Our culture is built on mutual respect, recognizing that our variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives leads to better solutions, which fosters our continued success for our employee-owners and clients.
In accordance with ESA's duty and responsibility to provide and maintain a safe workplace that is free of known hazards and to minimize the exposure to potential hazards, any employee who works from an ESA office or conducts any other in-person ESA work-related activity is required to submit their proof of vaccination status or have received an approved exemption and accommodation in states which this applies.
Please note: We do NOT accept unsolicited resumes from agencies
If you are an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability-or unable to use-the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Human Resources Department via email: humanresources@esassoc.com for assistance.
Please include the following in your message so we can promptly address your request:
  • Full name
  • The best method to contact you (phone number and/or email address)
  • Title of Job Position Applied
  • Description of your accommodation request

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. (EOE M/V/F/D)

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