Environmental Technician

The Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program’s (PPBEP) mission is to restore and protect the Pensacola and Perdido Bay watersheds through restoration, education, and unbiased monitoring of the health of our bays, estuaries, and watersheds.

The Environmental Technician will assist with implementation of PPBEP’s Water Quality Collaborative Monitoring Program, Microbial Source Tracking, Living Shoreline Assistance Program, and other project specific monitoring. The Environmental Technician will be responsible for assisting with field-based monitoring events and restoration activities, in addition to participating in outreach activities and performing data management procedures. Duties primarily include collecting water quality data, leading field-based monitoring events using standardized protocols, preparing environmental samples for analysis, conducting data management quality assurance and control (QAQC) procedures, performing living shoreline site installations and monitoring, coordinating with PPBEP project partners, and assisting with the development of technical products (e.g., Biennial State of the Bays report, grant reports). The Environmental Technician will also assist with other PPBEP and partner-led monitoring activities including annual fish trawling and seagrass surveys, as needed.

The Environmental Technician should have previous field experience and possess skills in environmental monitoring and basic data analysis. This position will require familiarity with working on vessels and strong ability to swim and snorkel. The Environmental Technician should also possess outreach skills and the ability to communicate complex scientific principles to various audiences. 

The Environmental Technician works under the supervision of the Senior Scientist and collaborates with all program staff. This is a full-time, grant-funded, position that will have regular working hours from Monday-Friday with potential for work outside of those hours, as needed. The position is based in Pensacola with frequent travel throughout the watersheds.

This is a grant-funded position funded through December 2030. The position has the potential to be extended contingent on funding availability.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

• Prepares and maintains a variety of logs, plans, protocols, reports, and/or other related written documents in assigned area of responsibility
• Collects surface water samples using approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Collects environmental data in compliance with established SOPs
• Assists with in-field habitat restoration
• Prepares equipment and supplies for field and laboratory work
• Prepares water and sediment samples for analysis
• Operates and calibrates field instruments
• Performs data entry through digital platforms, including ArcGIS Online
• Assists with physical, fisheries, and environmental data collection that may require swimming and/or snorkeling
• Engage with community members and landowners
• Operates vehicles and research vessel with trailer
• Performs other duties as assigned

TYPICAL QUALIFICATION

Minimum Qualifications

Training and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Biology, Natural Resources Management, or related field, and a minimum of two years of experience in an environmental related field; or a combination of education and experience equivalent to these requirements.

Licenses and Certifications:

Must possess a valid driver’s license from state of residence

Motorboat Operator Certification or similar, preferred

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics (KSAO’s):

• Strong verbal communication skills
• Strong written communication skills in a variety of writing formats for diverse audiences, including email correspondence, written reports, grant reporting, compliance reviews, meeting minutes, etc.
• Interpersonal skills to successfully establish and maintain effective working relationships with Program staff, partners, and the community
• Organize and coordinate work within schedule constraints and handle emergent requirements in a timely manner
• Translate communication needs into products that are thoughtful, highly organized, logical, and easy to digest
• Independent problem solving
• Using applicable tools and equipment
• Ability to work outside in uncomfortable positions (e.g., Florida summertime heat)
• Preparing and maintaining a variety of logs, records, and/or reports
• Environmental restoration principles and practices
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and/or statutes
• Knowledge of, and ability to adhere to, water quality SOPs and QAQC protocols
• Preparing a variety of reports and documents, including GIS maps and parcel information
• ArcGIS and database management including preparation of metadata
• Standardize data collection methodologies and QA/QC data entry and processes
• Conducting research
• Operating vehicles and trailers and operate vessels

COMPENSATION

Salary Range: $20/hour – $23/hour plus benefits

Salary is negotiable commensurate with experience, education, and budget availability.

BENEFITS

Health Insurance: PPBEP covers 100% of monthly employee premiums, up to 50% coverage for spouse/family coverage, and contributes $1,200 annually to the employee’s HSA account.

Dental: PPBEP covers 75% of monthly employee dental premiums. Spouse/family coverage is also available and is 100% covered by the employee.

Vision: Voluntary vision insurance is available and is 100% covered by the employee.

Retirement: PPBEP offers a 401(a) defined contribution plan and a 457(b) deferred compensation plan. PPBEP contributes a 9% match to the 401(a) plan, with a required 3% employee contribution. The 457(b) plan is voluntary and is 100% covered by the employee.

Paid Time Off: Paid time off will accrue beginning date of hire.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Physical Requirements:

Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, finger and hand dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Incumbents may be subjected to dusts, extreme temperatures, and travel