Field Science Technician II

DB Environmental (DBE) is accepting resumes for a motivated Field Science Technician II at their West Palm Beach, FL office. DBE is a small business, providing environmental consulting, research and laboratory services for government and private clients from offices located in Rockledge, West Palm Beach, and Gainesville, Florida. DBE specializes in conducting high quality biogeochemical research and ecological monitoring to improve and protect wetlands and aquatic systems throughout the state.

Position Summary

This is a field-based position consisting of 90% outdoor field activities and 10% indoor office activities (this could vary week to week). Primary responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Collecting high-quality water, vegetation, and soil/sediment samples in wetlands and other aquatic environments, often in remote locations;
• Leading a team of field personnel to ensure project objectives and quality requirements are met;
• Calibrating, using, and maintaining field instruments to measure and record field data (e.g. data sondes);
• Deploying, programing, collecting samples from, maintaining, and troubleshooting autosamplers;
• Identifying South Florida freshwater wetland plants;
• Recording detailed ecological observations and relaying those observations to project managers;
• Maintaining and cleaning boats and field vehicles at the field office facility;
• Updating and maintaining data files using MS Excel; and
• Performing administrative tasks that support general operations of the field office.

This position will provide a unique, interesting, and diverse work environment in aquatic ecosystems across South Florida; opportunities to gain skills and experience in environmental field work; and a deeper working knowledge of environmental research for a motivated candidate interested in pursuing an environmental career.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in the natural or physical sciences or a related scientific field and two (2) years’ experience collecting samples in wetlands or other aquatic environments required. Associate’s degree in the natural or physical sciences or a related scientific field and four (4) years’ experience collecting samples may substitute.

• Previous experience must include collecting environmental or water quality samples for low-concentration analytes.
• Ability to learn computer software to manage field instruments and produce detailed, organized field notes.
• Demonstrated experience and ability to work effectively under adverse field and weather conditions. Examples include wading in wetlands up to waist-deep, exposure to South Florida heat and rain, stinging and biting insects. Ability to swim. Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Capacity to independently evaluate operational situations, identify hazards or problematic conditions and problem-solve to appropriately apply techniques and protocols specified in Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Ability to learn and implement new SOPs.
• Ability to work in small teams in close quarters, operate and ride in vehicles and boats for extended periods.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software including Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Demonstration of initiative and willingness to perform a variety of tasks.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Familiarity with Florida Department of Environmental Protection Standard Operating Procedures for Field Activities, and experience in following quality control/quality assurance protocols.
• Experience and familiarity with South Florida freshwater wetland environments and biogeochemical issues, surface and groundwater sampling equipment and protocols.
• Experience and familiarity with water sampling equipment and instruments, including field meters and data sondes (YSI, HOBO, Hach, Hanna, etc.), autosamplers (ISCO, Hach, etc.), peristaltic pumps, horizontal water samplers (Van Dorn, etc.).
• Experience driving airboats; trailering boats and operating four-wheel drive vehicles.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation for the position is based on individual experience and qualifications. DBE offers competitive pay, paid vacation and holidays, health/dental insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits. DBE is an equal opportunity employer.

Submission

Please email your resume and cover letter by April 26, 2024. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.