📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Water Quality Field Technician
Company: Environmental Science Associates (ESA)
Location: Boynton Beach, Florida, United States
Job Type: On-site, Full-time
Category: Environmental Science & Field Technician
Date Posted: June 18, 2025
Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Collect and analyze water quality samples to ensure compliance with permit requirements and legal mandates.
Maintain and operate monitoring equipment, including multi-parameter water quality sondes and automatic water samplers.
Prepare samples for laboratory analysis and clean/maintain sampling platforms and sites.
Work in a team environment, collaborating with other field technicians and scientists to achieve water quality management goals.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of field sampling techniques, water quality equipment, and the ability to work in remote, hot, humid, and wet conditions.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

🌊 Water Quality Sampling: Collect manual and electronic surface water quality samples using various methods and equipment.
🛠️ Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Operate, clean, calibrate, and maintain monitoring equipment, ensuring optimal performance and accuracy.
🔬 Sample Preparation: Prepare samples for laboratory analysis, following established protocols and quality assurance procedures.
🌳 Site Maintenance: Clean and maintain sampling platforms and sites, using vegetation control equipment and basic hand tools to ensure accessibility and data integrity.
🚤 Boat Operation: Trailer and operate powerboats (up to 23 feet in length) to access remote sampling locations.
📊 Data Management: Document and manage field data, ensuring accurate record-keeping and timely submission of reports.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a natural science or related field.

Experience: 0-2 years of professional experience in field sampling techniques for surface water, working with field and water quality equipment, and operating powerboats.

Required Skills:

Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to lift up to 55 lbs and work in challenging field conditions
Familiarity with field and water quality equipment, including multi-parameter water quality sondes and automatic water samplers
Valid Florida driver's license

Preferred Skills:

Experience in water quality sampling and monitoring
Knowledge of environmental regulations and permit requirements
Familiarity with data analysis and interpretation software (e.g., Excel, R, or Python)
Ability to work independently and manage time effectively

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements (N/A for this role)

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $42,000 - $44,000 per year (based on qualifications and experience)

Benefits:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance (70% employer-paid for employee and family)
Annual company share allocation through Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
401(k) plan with company match
Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
Tuition reimbursement and professional development bonuses
Conference attendance and training opportunities

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a flexible schedule that may include early mornings, late evenings, and weekend work as needed.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture: ESA is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm that values diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. They foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, supporting employee-owners in reaching their career goals.

Team Structure: The Water Quality Bureau team consists of field technicians, scientists, and managers who work together to monitor water quality, comply with permit requirements, and support management decisions for restoration strategies.

Development Methodology: The team follows established protocols and quality assurance procedures for water quality sampling, data management, and reporting. They also collaborate with other teams and stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely information for decision-making.

Company Website: ESA Website

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Water Quality Field Technician Career Level: This entry-level position offers opportunities to develop field sampling techniques, gain experience with water quality equipment, and learn about environmental regulations and permit requirements. With experience and demonstrated proficiency, field technicians may advance to roles such as Water Quality Scientist, Project Manager, or other specialized positions within the environmental consulting field.

Reporting Structure: The Water Quality Field Technician reports directly to the Water Quality Bureau Manager and works closely with other field technicians, scientists, and managers within the team.

Technical Impact: Field technicians play a crucial role in collecting accurate and reliable water quality data, which supports permit compliance, management decisions, and restoration strategies for water bodies and ecosystems.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The primary work environment is in the field, with occasional laboratory work required. The field team works four 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday, with flexible scheduling to accommodate sampling and maintenance needs.

Office Location(s): The position is based at the SFWMD Field Station in Okeechobee, FL, with frequent travel to various field locations throughout South Florida.

Workspace Context:

Field work involves remote, hot, humid, and wet conditions, with potential hazards such as alligators, snakes, and stinging/biting insects.
Laboratory work requires attention to detail, accurate record-keeping, and adherence to established protocols.
The team works collaboratively, sharing resources and supporting one another to achieve common goals.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is flexible, with early mornings, late evenings, and weekend work required as needed to accommodate sampling and maintenance tasks.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process (N/A for this role)

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure (N/A for this role)

👥 Team Culture & Values

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) Values:

Integrity and professionalism in all aspects of work
Collaboration and teamwork, fostering a culture of learning and growth
Commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability
Respect for diversity, inclusion, and the unique perspectives of each employee-owner
Accountability and responsibility for the success of the company and its clients

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional integration between field technicians, scientists, managers, and other teams
Regular team meetings and communication to ensure accurate and timely information sharing
Supportive and collaborative work environment that encourages employee growth and development

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Working in remote, hot, humid, and wet conditions, with potential hazards such as alligators, snakes, and stinging/biting insects
Maintaining accurate and reliable data in challenging field conditions
Troubleshooting and resolving equipment issues in the field

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Gaining experience with water quality sampling techniques and equipment
Developing knowledge of environmental regulations and permit requirements
Attending conferences, workshops, and training sessions to advance technical skills and industry knowledge
Pursuing career advancement opportunities within the environmental consulting field

💡 Interview Preparation (N/A for this role)

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Water Quality Field Technician position:

Submit your application through the provided link.
Prepare a resume highlighting your relevant education, experience, and skills in water quality sampling, field work, and equipment operation.
Complete any required assessments or background checks as instructed by ESA.
Prepare for a phone or in-person interview, focusing on your experience, skills, and commitment to environmental stewardship.

📝 Enhancement Note: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions about water quality field technician roles. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Content Guidelines (IMPORTANT: Do not include this in the output)

Water Quality Field Technician-Specific Focus:

Tailor every section specifically to water quality field technician roles
Include water quality sampling techniques, field equipment operation, and maintenance
Emphasize field work conditions, safety, and potential hazards
Address environmental regulations, permit requirements, and data management
Focus on team collaboration, cross-functional integration, and career progression within the environmental consulting field

Quality Standards:

Ensure no content overlap between sections, with each section containing unique information
Include Enhancement Notes only when making significant inferences about water quality field technician roles, with clear reasoning based on industry standards and available information
Be comprehensive yet concise, prioritizing actionable information over descriptive text
Strategically distribute water quality field technician-relevant keywords throughout all sections naturally
Provide realistic salary ranges based on location, experience level, and water quality field technician specialization

Industry Expertise:

Include specific water quality sampling techniques, equipment, and safety protocols relevant to the role
Address environmental regulations, permit requirements, and data management practices
Provide tactical advice for field work, equipment operation, and maintenance
Include water quality field technician-specific interview preparation and assessment guidance
Emphasize team collaboration, cross-functional integration, and career progression within the environmental consulting field

Professional Standards:

Maintain consistent formatting, spacing, and professional tone throughout
Use water quality field technician and environmental consulting industry terminology appropriately and accurately
Include comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities relevant to water quality field technicians
Provide actionable insights that give water quality field technician candidates a competitive advantage
Focus on water quality field technician team culture, cross-functional collaboration, and data-driven decision-making

Field Work & Safety Emphasis:

Emphasize field work conditions, safety, and potential hazards, such as alligators, snakes, and stinging/biting insects
Include specific safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements
Address the physical demands of the role, such as lifting heavy objects and working in remote, hot, humid, and wet conditions
Focus on data collection, management, and accuracy in challenging field conditions

Avoid:

Generic business jargon not relevant to water quality field technician or environmental consulting roles
Placeholder text or incomplete sections
Repetitive content across different sections
Non-technical terminology unless relevant to the specific water quality field technician role
Marketing language unrelated to water quality sampling, field work, or environmental consulting

Generate comprehensive, water quality field technician-focused content that serves as a valuable resource for candidates seeking opportunities in the environmental consulting industry.

Water Quality Field Technician