Careers
Employment opportunities at the district
The St. Johns River Water Management District is an equal opportunity employer, with a variety of challenging positions in the professional, administrative, engineering, environmental sciences and hydrologic fields. The district also offers internship programs.
In accordance with Chapter 119, Florida Statutes (F.S.), all information submitted in the online employment application system and any supporting documentation is considered public record. However, the District will keep confidential all information exempt from disclosure under Chapter 119, F.S.
The district provides generous benefits, carefully designed to offer comprehensive support.
Medical / dental insurance
Eligible first of the month following 30 days of employment
- Individual and family coverage available
- Shared cost with the district
Life insurance
Eligible first of the month following 30 days of employment
- Policy benefit equal to annual salary
- No cost to employee
Pretax / flexible benefits
Eligible first of the month following 30 days of employment
- Health insurance premiums
- Dependent care flexible spending account
- Additional insurance options
- Health savings account for use with high-deductible health plan
Long-term disability
Eligible first of the month following 30 days of employment
- Payment of up to 66 2/3 percent of monthly salary until age 70 if disabled
- No cost to employee
Florida Retirement System (FRS)
- Vested per FRS vesting requirements
- Option of a pension or investment plan
- Shared cost with the district
Employee assistance program
Eligible immediately upon employment
- Unlimited short-term counseling for employee and dependents
- No cost to employee
Holidays
- Nine paid holidays per year
- One personal day per year
Wellness program
- Periodic health-related workshops and activities
- Wellness incentives
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
The district is an eligible employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Other program requirements apply.
Annual leave
Accrue immediately upon employment; hours based on service with FRS
- Four hours per pay period for first 5 years
- Five hours per pay period for 5 to 10 years
- Six hours per pay period for over 10 years
Sick leave
Accrue immediately upon employment
- Four hours per pay period
- Employee may use up to 280 accrued hours to care and bond with a newborn or child recently adopted or placed in foster care
with the employee
Parental leave
Eligible after one year of cumulative service within the last seven years with the district
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- Paid Maternity Leave – 280 hours of paid maternity leave starting the first full workday immediately following childbirth
- Paid Care and Bonding Leave – 80 hours of paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child
Sick leave pool
Eligible after one year of service with the district or any other employer within FRS and accrual of 64 hours sick leave
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- Employee donates 8 hours of sick leave to be eligible for up to 240 hours of sick leave for serious illness
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Leave donation
Eligible after 6 months of continuous employment with the district
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- Used for serious illness of employee or life-threatening illness or injury of a family member
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Administrative leave
Effective immediately upon employment; may be used for:
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- Court appearances
- Death (immediate family) — 2 days per occurrence
- Short-term military training — 240 hours per fiscal year
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Deferred compensation
Eligible immediately upon employment
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- 457 Plan — Employee contributions to a retirement savings program
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Educational and professional development
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- Reimbursement of tuition, and other fees, up to a maximum of $5,250 per fiscal year; lifetime maximum of $35,000
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Professional organization affiliation
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- Reimbursement for annual dues for required professional organizations
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Other
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- Supplemental insurance — life, accident, critical illness, vision, short-term disability, hospital indemnity, and cancer
- Discount programs
- Ongoing training opportunities
- Van and carpooling
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Disclaimer
This summary is offered as a highlight of the benefits available to eligible employees of the St. Johns River Water Management District. It is not intended to be a complete description of any plan. The district reserves the right to amend, modify or eliminate any benefit program with or without prior notice. Nothing in this benefits summary is intended to create any express or implied contract of employment or guarantee of any benefits.
Degreed positions
A college degree and/or varied lengths of experience are preferred for these positions:
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- Environmental Scientists (biologists, botanists, etc.)
- Engineers (environmental, civil, agricultural, chemical, water resources)
- Chemists
- Hydrologists
- Water Resource Specialists
- Real Property Specialists
- Land Managers
- Information Systems Analysts
- Accountants
- Attorneys
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Non-degreed positions
Positions requiring a high school diploma or GED, supplemented by experience and/or college courses include these positions:
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- Office Support
- Clerical Accounting
- Water Sampling and Collection
- Trades
- Heavy Equipment Operation
- Data and Records Management
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The Internship Program at the St. Johns River Water Management District is designed to be mutually beneficial to both the district and the student. This program provides the student with a solid foundation and understanding of workplace ethics and is specifically tailored to each individual student’s area of concentration.
General information
Students who are interested in pursuing a professional career should contact their school’s career center. Applications are completed online at www.sjrwmd.com.
The district is not obligated to place interns in permanent positions after completion of degree nor is the student obligated to accept a position with the district if a position is offered.
The Internship Program encompasses the following disciplines:
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- Engineering (agricultural, chemical, civil and environmental)
- Hydrologic and geologic sciences
- Biological sciences
- Computer science
- Geographic information systems
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Salary
Interns are paid $15 per hour.
Transportation
Transportation to and from work is the responsibility of the student. Car pooling with current employees or interns may be possible. Van pools from Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Gainesville to Palatka may also be available based on seating availability.
The St. Johns River Water Management District participates in E-Verify®. E-Verify®is an Internet-based system that allows businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.
Equal Employment Opportunity • Veterans Preference • Drug-Free and Tobacco-Free Workplace
Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act should call 386-329-4165.
For more information about jobs, or for inquiries, contact:
St. Johns River Water Management District
Office of Human Resources
4049 Reid St., Palatka, FL 32177
Telephone: 386-329‑4282
Email: hrjobs@sjrwmd.com
Please do not send resumes or samples of work to the Office of Human Resources. If you are selected for an interview, additional information may be requested at that time.
Employee testimonials
(click to read full testimonials)
Tim Miller
Bureau Chief, Bureau of Water Resource Information
“At each step in my career at the District, three things have been a large part of why I am excited about working here: people, support, purpose.”
Stacey Leitheiser
Regulatory Manager, Division of Regulatory Services
“As a proud employee, I appreciate the supportive environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance.”
Marc Van Heden
Supervising Professional Engineer, Bureau of District Projects and Construction
“I’ve had the unique opportunity to be part of wide range of activities with a great team and supportive management.”
Tim Waln
Senior Project Manager, Bureau of Transportation and Facilities
“I value an employer that empowers and trusts staff to perform their assignments. From day one, I have felt very welcomed at the District and all staff have been very friendly and nice.”