Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleResearch Scientist 2 - Air Pollution
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $75340 to $95392 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor's Degree and three years of professional research experience in an appropriate field; or a master's degree in an appropriate field and two years of professional research experience in that field; or a Doctorate in an appropriate field and one year of such experience. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. A Master of Science or higher degree in Physical or Atmospheric Sciences, Environmental Engineering, or related field is preferred.
Area of Specialty is Air Pollution. Preference will be given to candidates who possess experience in the following fields: air quality modeling, statistical analysis and interpretation of data, ambient air quality measurements, emission inventory development, and evaluation of emerging air quality modeling techniques.
Duties Description Under the general direction and supervision of the Research Scientist IV (Chief, Regional Urban Modeling and Analysis Section), the incumbent will carry out the assigned tasks independently and initiate research work consistent with the Division’s goals and regulatory framework.
The Research Scientist II will assist in the development of technical reports and memoranda for use in regulatory proceedings, and actively participate in interstate air quality planning efforts. The incumbent will demonstrate such capabilities by undertaking independent work and representing the Division at scientific, technical and policy calls and meetings.
The incumbent will be working in coordination with other Research Scientists in the Section under the supervision of the Section Chief on the following multi-disciplinary tasks:
Using grid-based photochemical modeling systems, investigate control strategies for the improvement in ambient air quality for criteria and non-criteria pollutants.
• Apply state of the science photochemical grid modeling systems such as CMAQ and CAMx to establish model credibility for both criteria and non-criteria pollutants, perform operational and diagnostic model evaluations, and synthesize results.
• Incorporate various emission changes and other sensitivity scenarios to project future ozone and fine particulate concentrations for state implementation plans.
• Test and evaluate various chemical and physical mechanisms to help inform the model development and improvement process.
Participate in interstate working groups and EPA meetings and conference calls as needed to represent Division views and policies related to air quality modeling and management.
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 editors of technical journals.
Keep abreast of developments in air quality monitoring and modeling in the scientific literature, in particular, how novel remote sensing data can be used to evaluate photochemical model performance and weigh the relative efficacy of different NOx and VOC emission reduction strategies.
Provide technical support and assist in the preparation of comments on State and Federal regulatory proposals, and other planning activities towards meeting and maintaining ambient air quality standards. Serve on at least one NYSERDA project advisory committee to provide guidance on environmental research in New York.
Update modeling and visualization software as necessary and document the associated changes on model performance and impacts on computing resources.
Act as a liaison between ITS and Section staff on Linux server file management, backups and maintenance.
Essential Functions:
• Must be able to prepare detailed, technically accurate, well written reports.
• Must possess good written and verbal communication skills to present results and analysis.
• Must have knowledge and experience in the use of higher-level computer programs.
• Must be able to travel to meetings and conferences.
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver's license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Travel, overtime, and overnight travel may be required. Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.