Water Quality Environmental Scientist (Mid-Level)

ESA is seeking a motivated Environmental Scientist with a focus on water quality and watershed science to join our team of scientists, ecologists, engineers, and planners in the Southeast region. We are looking for a technically strong, data‑driven team member with 5+ years of experience applying quantitative methods to ecological, hydrologic, and water-quality datasets, preferred in Florida’s freshwater and estuarine systems and associated watersheds. The ideal candidate brings a passion for natural systems, analytical skills, and the ability to translate complex datasets into clear, defensible technical work products. This is an exempt, full‑time, salaried role working a hybrid schedule (2-3 days per week) depending on project needs, out of the Tampa and/or Orlando, FL, offices.  Qualified candidates within a commutable distance to other Florida ESA locations may be considered.  Strong preference given to candidates able to work hybrid from our Tampa or Orlando ESA offices.

 

Who You Are

You hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in ecology, environmental science, hydrology, water resources, or a related natural science field, and you bring 5+ years of professional experience in environmental consulting or applied ecological science. You possess knowledge and experience in water quality data analysis, including data compilation, quality assurance, statistical modeling, hydrologic/water quality data evaluation, and geospatial evaluation of watershed conditions.

You are skilled in:

• Data compilation and quality assurance, compiling data from various sources, conducting data quality reviews (QA/QC), and producing concise quality-controlled datasets ready for delivery and analysis.
• Water quality and water quantity analyses, producing descriptive statistics, plots, and other visualizations, exploratory data analysis, comparisons to water quality standards, and other regulatory evaluations.
• Watershed management planning, supporting or conducting surface water resource assessments, land use characterizations, and pollutant loading estimates.
• Water quality, biological, and hydrologic data analysis, scripting, reproducible analysis pipelines, and integration of large, multi‑source datasets to support statistical and mechanistic modeling.
• Regulatory technical documentation, including preparation of clear, defensible sections of permit applications, contributing to technical memoranda, environmental evaluations, and data‑driven summaries that support decision making.
• Advanced R or SAS proficiency or other 
• Familiarity with hydrologic, hydrodynamic, and/or water quality data and modeling preferred
• Watershed management plan development
• Experience with GIS, Field Maps, Survey123, or similar tools
• Ecological knowledge (e.g., wetlands, SAV, wildlife, restoration ecology).  Preference given to candidates with Florida specific experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently, manage deadlines, and contribute to high-quality analytical deliverables
• A valid driver's license
• Strong ability to data synthesis and analysis, translating complex water quality and hydrologic datasets into actionable insights into freshwater, estuarine, and watershed systems.

 

What You Will Do for ESA

You will apply quantitative and ecological expertise to support a wide range of environmental and water resource projects.

Responsibilities include:

• Work as a data scientist, including compilation and analysis of water quality and hydrologic data, to assist public and private sector clients in decision-making related to pollution controls in coastal and freshwater environments, in response to regulatory and/or policy directives.
• Serve as a technical specialist on projects involving watershed evaluations, source water protection, ecosystem restoration, and regulatory compliance
• Prepare technical materials, including memoranda, documents, and/or presentations, that describe methods and results of scientifically rigorous and technically sound biological, water quality, and/or hydrologic evaluations, which may serve as supporting materials for environmental management decisions or environmental permit applications
• Understand and apply environmental regulations relevant to Florida, including those associated with the Clean Water Act and associated regulatory programs (NPDES, TMDLs, BMAPs) and water supply programs (WUPs, MFLs) as well as other water‑resource programs.
• Support and lead project management tasks, including scope and budget development and schedule and budget tracking
• Contribute to a collaborative, feedback‑driven team culture through internal discussions, project coordination, and problem‑solving
• Present technical information to interdisciplinary internal teams and support meetings with clients, agency staff, and stakeholders in a clear and compelling manner
• Support business development through technical input on proposals, scopes, and budgets
• Participate in conferences, workshops, or networking events as appropriate
• Deliver assignments on time and within budget
• You will thrive in a fast‑paced environment balancing multiple responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience conducting water quality, biological, or hydrologic analyses, including scripting in R or SAS,
• Understanding of environmental regulations, water quality programs, and ecological assessment methods (Florida‑specific preferred).
• Strong technical writing and communication skills

 

What’s Special About Our Team

Our Southeast Biological Resources and Land Management team include environmental scientists, quantitative ecologists, hydrologists, planners, and technical specialists who support projects in water quality, hydrology, ecological monitoring program design and implementation, restoration design, and regulatory analysis. Much of our work focuses on watershed‑scale assessments, hydrobiological monitoring, permitting support, and data‑driven ecological evaluations that inform resilient, science‑based management decisions.

 

What’s Special About ESA

Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.

At ESA, we provide benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you AND your family), annual allocations of company share through our ESOP, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, to name a few.

We also provide specific programs whether you want to further your technical expertise, sharpen your business acumen, or help lead the next generation of employee-owners. We want to support you in reaching your career goals through tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and attendance at conferences.