Hydrologic Data Field Technician (0349)

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. As part of the Data Collection team, the Hydrological Data Collection Field Technician will install and maintain data collections sites and collect various types of hydrologic data. This opportunity offers an ability to make an impact on the organization and provides flexibility and a true work-life balance. Some key skills include excellent communication (both oral and written), attention to detail, problem-solving skills as well as a passion for technical excellence. 

You’ll have the chance to work with a wide range of teams in this promising position, each of which plays a vital role in our efforts to preserve our most valuable natural resources. Using your expertise, you’ll play an important role in enhancing the results to ensure a brighter future for the environment of Florida.

District employees are offered an excellent total rewards package that includes:

Compensation:

Hydrologic Data Collection Field Technician 2 $38,082.00 - $48,546.00
Hydrologic Data Collection Field Technician 3 $40,557.00 - $51,704.00 
Hydrologic Data Collection Field Technician 4 $46,035.00 - $58,656.00 

The starting salary range is included for the Field Technician profile which reflects the minimum to approximately 50% of the respective pay grade. 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

• Collects, compiles, and records various hydrologic and meteorologic data including rainfall, stream stages, lake levels, and ground water levels.


• Installs, operates, maintains, and services various types of mechanical and electronic hydrologic and meteorologic recording devices.


• Uses surveying equipment to verify or establish elevations of data collection sites.
  Constructs and maintains data collection sites by clearing brush and debris, building and repairing platforms, walkways, etc.


• Maintains assigned field equipment and vehicle, ensuring routine maintenance and repair, as necessary.


• Assists other staff in field work, as necessary.


• Participates in other data collection activities, as required.

Working Conditions

Work is divided between office and field environments. Fieldwork is frequently conducted under adverse weather
conditions, and may involve remote, undeveloped and/or isolated sites. Work may be conducted on or around open water,
wetlands, or marshes.

Must be able to frequently bend and squat, with occasional requirement to climb or swim. Must be able to operate a
District vehicle with attached equipment for two hours or more at a time. Will work 10-hour shifts and be required to sit for
up to 5 hours and/or stand for up to 3 hours. Must be able to frequently lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift between
10 and 50 pounds. Must be able to carry up to 10 pounds frequently and carry between 10 and 50 pounds occasionally. 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 Hydrologic Data Field Technician 

Field Technician 2

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and one (1) year related work experience 


• Valid driver’s license

Field Technician 3 

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and three (3) years' related work experience 


• Valid driver’s license

Field Technician 4 

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and four (4) years' related work experience 


• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Credentials for Hydrologic Data Field Technician 

• Experience using computerized systems for data collection and equipment maintenance


• Ability to survey from a known benchmark


• Carpentry experience


• Knowledge of electronic and electrical safety


• Familiarity with the hydrologic and natural systems of West-Central Florida 

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

This position is typically scheduled to work 40 hours per week (10 hour days), Monday to Thursday, out of the Sarasota, FL office. This position is eligible for over 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 August 19, 2026 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. 

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.

#WorkForOurWater

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 34604-6899; telephone (352) 796-7211 or 1-800-423-1476 (FL only); or email [email protected]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (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.