Chemist

Work for Our Water Resources. Help protect one of Florida's 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 public's water needs are met. We serve a population of nearly 6 million people in west-central Florida as directed by state law. Join our Data Collection Bureau Support the District's Data Collection Bureau managing multiple tasks and priorities in fast-paced, team-oriented environment. The Chemist will perform routine quantitative and qualitative sample preparation and testing according to established regulatory or scientific methods, conduct preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment and may cross-train at other laboratory workstations. This position will record and enter laboratory activities and sample results in laboratory notebooks, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) database and computer files. This opportunity offers an ability to make an impact on the organization and provides flexibility and a true work-life balance. The District supports employees who prefer flexible 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 and work a portion of their time remotely (must live in Florida). Come build a career that is challenging, fulfilling, and helps support the District's mission to protect Florida's water resources. District employees are offered an excellent total rewards package that includes: Florida Retirement System (FRS) (employer 13% contribution + employee 3%) 9 paid holidays (+ 1 floating holiday) Generous vacation and sick leave Medical and dental insurance (91- 97% District paid) Vision insurance Deferred compensation Program Basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance Long-term disability (District Paid) Prescription drug coverage & mail order program Health savings & flexible spending accounts Flexible schedule for Work-life balance Legal and Identity Theft protection Wellness program Public service loan forgiveness qualified employer Tuition reimbursement ($5,250/year) State adoption benefit qualified employer Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Transfer in years of service for other public sector work - towards the FRS program and sick time Starting Compensation: $40,705.60 - $46,283.51 The starting salary range for the Chemist position reflects the minimum to 25% of the compensation. 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 Conducts preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment and may cross-train at other laboratory workstations. Records and reviews laboratory activities and sample results in laboratory notebooks, Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) database and computer files. Charts quality control data to monitor data integrity and maintain fixed levels of precision and accuracy. Compares test data to limits of detection. Uses manual and automated methods of data acquisition, manipulation and storage. Solves routine analytical problems, including those related to reagent contamination, interference from sample matrix effects, instrument malfunction or other determinate errors. Prepares chemical standards and reagents. Neutralizes and disposes of laboratory waste. Participates in District emergency management activities, departmental activities, occasionally meets with other individuals to discuss laboratory practices, and performs other duties as required. Working Conditions Employee works in a standard office environment. Occasional travel usually during the workday is required. Performs continuous repetitive tasks (to include keyboarding) with one or both hands. Occasionally lifts and carries objects up to 10 pounds. Occasionally requires bending and reaching above shoulder level. May spend time out in the field in remote areas. Possible travel to other offices. 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, weekends or holidays, to respond to emergency management activities or other incidents requiring rapid response in support of District operations. Required Credentials for Chemist Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Chemistry or related scientific field Valid driver's license 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, the District employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. A resume will not be considered as a substitute for the required District application for the purpose of qualification. Applicants who are within 30 days of graduation, if selected are not allowed to start until all minimum qualifications are met. Additional Details The primary work location for this position is out of the Brooksville, FL office. This position is typically scheduled to work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, out of the Brooksville, FL office, however up to 2 days of remote work is available after training. 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 April 17, 2024 at 4:00 PM About Us The District is responsible for managing the water resources for west central Florida which 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 Start and grow your career with the District. The District prides itself on providing a positive work environment that engages and supports our employees through flexible and remote work schedules. We provide and support learning and development for staff at all levels including conferences, association memberships, and formal education. Let us know if you have previous public sector experience that may allow for additional perks. Click on the link to apply. 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 the Human Resources Office Chief, at 2379 Broad St., Brooksville, FL ; telephone or 1- (FL only); or email . If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1- (TDD) or 1- (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 employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. The District does not sponsor applicants for work visas.