Laboratory Technician (0690)

SW FL Water Management District; Brooksville (FL); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Flexible schedule

Deferred compensation

Job summary

The Southwest Florida Water Management District in Brooksville, FL is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support its Chemistry Laboratory operations, preparing and analyzing samples and ensuring data integrity.

The role requires an Associate degree or higher with relevant laboratory experience; a valid driver’s license is required. The District offers competitive benefits and a flexible work schedule, including up to one remote day after training.

Qualifications

• Associates degree (or higher) and two years of related laboratory experience.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• For Technician level 3: four years of related laboratory, scientific, environmental, or technical experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine sample preparation and testing following established regulatory and scientific methods.
• Record and review laboratory activities using LIMS and laboratory notebooks.
• Conduct preventive maintenance and cross-train at other laboratory workstations as needed.
• Troubleshoot routine analytical issues and prepare reagents accurately.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Quality control

LIMS

Documentation

Education

Associates degree or higher

Two years related lab experience

Four years related lab experience

Job description

2379 Broad Street
Brooksville, FL 34604, USA

Description

Work for Our Water Resources.

Help protect one of Florida’s most vital resources — water —with a career at theSouthwest 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 6million people in west-central Florida as directed by state law.

Join our Data Collection Bureau

Support the District’s Data Collection Bureau by performing essential laboratory tasks in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment. The Laboratory Technician plays a vital role in preparing and analyzing samples using established regulatory and scientific methods, ensuring high‑quality data through careful documentation, quality control charting, and precise comparison to detection limits. This position also contributes to laboratory operations through preventive instrument maintenance, troubleshooting routine analytical issues, preparing reagents and standards, managing sample intake, and assisting chemist staff with general lab and glassware duties. With opportunities to cross‑train, engage in departmental and emergency management activities, and collaborate with others on laboratory practices, this role offers a meaningful way to support the District’s mission while developing strong technical skills and contributing to reliable scientific outcomes.

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:

• 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)
• Health savings & flexible spending accounts
• Flexible schedule for work-life balance
• Legal and Identity Theft protection
• Wellness program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Transfer in years of service for other public sector work – towards the FRS program and sick time

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.

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.

#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 [phone] or 1-800-423-1476 (FL only); or email [e-mail] .If you require 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.