Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $97826 to $120492 Annually
Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor's Degree and five years of professional research experience in an appropriate field; or a Master's Degree in an appropriate field and four years of professional research experience in that field; or a doctorate in the appropriate field and three years of such experience. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. A Master of Science or higher degree in Public Health, or Epidemiology and Biostatistics or Environmental Health and Toxicology or related field is preferred.
Area of Specialty is Air Pollution. Preference will be given to candidates who possess experience in the following fields: toxicology, epidemiology, air pollution risk assessment methods, air quality study designs, statistical analysis, data interpretation and community outreach.
Duties Description DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Air Toxics Section provides scientific and technical support to the Division of Air Resources for the control of toxic air contaminants. The Air Toxics section implements and participates in the design of and reports findings from community air quality studies and screening activities; data analysis of the ambient air monitoring data to assess regulatory effectiveness, community complaints, develops risk communication information, participates in public meetings; the assessment of scientific information on the toxicity and potential neighborhood exposure to toxic air contaminants; and also general research into the development of regulations to protect public health and the environment from the impacts of toxic air contaminants.
Under the general direction and supervision of the Director of the Bureau of Air Quality Analysis and Research, the incumbent will carry out the assigned tasks independently, and initiate research work consistent with the Division goals and regulatory framework. The incumbent will assist other Division staff in research on toxic air contaminants, the design of community air quality screening and monitoring studies, statistical analysis of air quality data, data interpretation, communication of project results to the public, and support the division’s role in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). The incumbent will assist in the development of technical reports and memoranda for use in regulatory proceedings, as well as participate in inter-Division meetings. The incumbent will demonstrate such capabilities by undertaking independent work and representing the Division at scientific, technical and policy meetings.
The Research Scientist IV will be working in coordination with other Research Scientists in the Section under the supervision of the Bureau Director on the following multi-disciplinary tasks:
Manage and direct the Air Toxics Section (ATS)
• Supervise ATS staff, prepare work plans, schedule and assign tasks.
• Participate in inter-, intra-state and federal meetings and conferences representing the Division’s position on policies related to assessing the public health and environmental impacts of air pollution.
• Oversee staff research on new and emerging methodologies for public health risk assessment methods for air pollution.
• Keep abreast of developments in public health risk assessment methods for air pollution.
Manage and work on the development, design and implementation of community air quality studies and provide risk assessment support in coordination with Bureau of Air Quality Surveillance.
• Work on the actual design and implementation of the proposed community air quality study in order to adequately achieve the objectives of the study.
• Conduct the data analysis of the monitoring data using statistical software programs and graphically display and summarize the results in well written technical memorandums.
• Develop fact sheets and community updates as the study progresses.
• Work on the development of a final summary report for public dissemination of the results in a clear and transparent manner.
• Conduct public meetings and develop web pages for community outreach about the progress and results of the community air quality study.
• Provide technical support to the Division of Environmental Remediation for the interpretation of the air quality data.
• Use this information to support the Department’s Environmental Justice Program.
Provide direction in the development and implementation of regulations and mitigation of air toxics in NYS.
• Provide technical support on health risk assessment issues and complaints from the public on air pollution issues to Regional and Central Office staff.
• Work with the Division of Environmental Remediation to evaluate the design of air quality monitoring networks and review the results of air quality monitoring data to ensure compliance with project performance standards and guidelines.
• Prepare technical reports and manuscripts on research findings for peer-reviewed journals, and actively participate in professional workshops and conferences. Provide peer-review of manuscripts at the request of the editor of technical journals.
• Develop innovative statistical methods and techniques for analyses of air quality data with emphasis on trends.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Must be able to supervise the work of subordinate employees, interact professionally with co-workers and supervisors, and work collaboratively in team settings.
• Must possess strong communication skills to effectively communicate program findings and information to State and federal counterparts, the regulated community and the general public in a clear and professional manner.
• Must be able to travel to meetings and conferences.
• Must be able to prepare detailed, technically accurate, well written reports.
• Must have knowledge and experience in the use of higher-level computer programs.
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver's license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Travel and overnight travel may be required.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.