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What is the St. Johns River Water Management District?

Recognizing the need to protect and preserve the state’s water resources, the Florida Legislature enacted the Florida Water Resources Act of 1972 (Chapter 373, Florida Statutes). This statute created the St. Johns River Water Management District, one of five regional districts responsible for the protection and management of Florida’s most precious resource—water—with emphasis on water quality, water supply, flood protection and ecosystem management. The District is governed by a nine-member Board appointed by the governor.

The mission of the District is “to manage water resources to ensure their continued availability while maximizing environmental and economic benefits” as it works to preserve natural resources, promote recreational development, and protect public lands.

The District, an agency of the state, includes all or part of 18 counties in northeast and east-central Florida, or 21 percent of the state’s total area. The District’s main water resource is the 310-mile-long St. Johns River and the area it drains. Other significant drainage basins include the Matanzas, Nassau, St. Marys, Indian, Halifax and Ocklawaha rivers.

District activities include issuing permits for various water use activities, research, restoration and preservation; acquiring lands for preservation of vital water resources, restoration, mapping and classification of wetlands; and sponsoring public education programs.

The District is headquartered in Palatka at 4049 Reid Street (State Road 100 West). Service Centers are located in Jacksonville, Altamonte Springs and Palm Bay.

The District is an equal opportunity employer offering a variety of exciting and challenging positions for individuals pursuing professional, administrative, engineering, environmental science and hydrologic careers. The District also offers employment opportunities through cooperative education and internship programs.

Are you interested in a challenging career protecting the environment? Contact the District for detailed information about employment opportunities.