Laboratory Technician (0690)
Southwest Florida Water Management District
- Location
- Hybrid (Brooksville, FL)
- Compensation
- $40k - $58k/yr
- Employment
- Full-time
- Level
- Mid Level
About the role
The Southwest Florida Water Management District seeks a Laboratory Technician to support water resource protection through sample analysis and quality control. This role involves preparing samples, maintaining instruments, and ensuring data integrity within the Data Collection Bureau.
Skills
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Vacation and sick leave
- Retirement plan
Perks
- Hybrid work
- Tuition reimbursement
- Flexible schedule
Full job details
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
The District supports employees who prefer a flexible schedule so that they can enjoy their time outside of the District through work-life balance. 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) District Total Contribution 14.03%
- 9 paid holidays (+ 1 floating holiday)
- Generous vacation and sick leave
- Paid Parental Leave, including Maternity, Bonding and Family Supportive Work Program
- 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:
Laboratory Technician 2 $40,557.00 - $51,704.00
Laboratory Technician 3 $46,035.00 - $58,656.00
The starting salary range for the Scientific Technician position reflects the minimum to 50% 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
- Perform routine quantitative and qualitative sample preparation and testing following established regulatory and scientific methods.
- Conduct preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment and cross‑train at other laboratory workstations as needed.
- Record and review laboratory activities and sample results using laboratory notebooks, the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and computer files.
- Chart quality‑control data to monitor data integrity and maintain required levels of precision and accuracy.
- Compare analytical test data to limits of detection and ensure results meet established standards.
- Use manual and automated methods to acquire, manipulate, and store laboratory data.
- Troubleshoot routine analytical issues including reagent contamination, matrix interferences, instrument malfunctions, and other determinate errors.
- Prepare chemical standards and reagents accurately and safely.
- Neutralize and properly dispose of laboratory waste in accordance with District procedures.
- Receive and log samples into the LIMS database.
- Provide general laboratory support including assisting Chemist staff and maintaining clean and organized glassware stations.
- Participate in District emergency management activities, departmental initiatives, and discussions related to laboratory practices.
- Perform additional duties as required to support Chemistry Laboratory operations.
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 Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technician 2
- Associates degree (or higher) and Two (2) years of related laboratory, scientific, environmental, or technical experience (equivalent combination of education and experience is accepted)
- Valid driver’s license
Laboratory Technician 3
- Associates degree (or higher) and Four (4) years of related laboratory, scientific, environmental, or technical experience (equivalent combination of education and experience is accepted)
- Valid driver’s license
Preferred Credentials for Laboratory Technician
-
Experience working in an environmental, chemistry, or water‑quality laboratory.
-
Additional coursework or training in chemistry, environmental science, or laboratory technology.
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, Monday to Friday, out of the Brooksville, FL office, however up to 1 day of remote work is available after training. This position is eligible for overtime for hours worked over 40 hours, in a week.
The is a safety sensitive position. As such, the employee will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
Travel Required
Yes. Some travel, using District vehicle, within District's coverage area.
Accepting applications until October 16, 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.
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.