Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleResearch Scientist 1 (Air Pollution)
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $66951 to $85138 Annually
Duties Description Under the general direction and supervision of a Research Scientist IV, the Research Scientist I will apply knowledge and expertise in air pollution to research, evaluate and implement potential solutions for air quality issues. The Division relies heavily on the expertise of the Air Toxics Section staff to provide technical support to NYSDEC’s nine regional offices. Support includes but is not limited to the implementation of 6NYCRR Part 212 for process operations subject to this regulation, developing guideline concentrations, conducting air quality trend analyses, and assessing scientific information on the toxicity and potential exposure to air contaminants. The incumbent will prepare well researched technical memorandums and reports that will be used for regulatory decision making by Department management and support the Division’s role in the implementation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).
The incumbent will be working in coordination with other Research Scientists in the Section on the following multi-disciplinary tasks:
Applied Research and Data Analysis
•Research and develop short- and long-term guideline concentrations for toxic air contaminants used to ensure public health protections during the air permitting process. Keep abreast of updates on previously published toxicity information by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other authoritative organizations.
•Keep current with research on newly emerging contaminants of concern including PFAS. Keep current with research on pharmaco (toxico) kinetics and new methods for dose-response relationships for chemicals. Stay current with research on structural-related properties and biological activity of studied compounds.
•Research in-practice use cases of best available control technologies for specific source categories with releases of high toxicity air contaminants. Evaluate and understand the implementation of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for specific source categories.
•Work on the development, design, and implementation of community air quality studies. Work with program staff to interpret and assess public health relevance of air toxics data from the network and community monitoring sites utilizing statistical programs and data management tools such as GIS, Python, and R.
•Assist in the preparation of technical reports and manuscripts on research findings actively participate in professional workshops and conferences.
Program Coordination and Support
•The Air Toxics Section assists and provides technical support to regional permitting staff on the proper implementation of the regulation regarding the NESHAP applicability, submission of accurate and complete air toxic emissions, and completion of Toxic Impact Assessments. The incumbent will evaluate draft permits for the proper implementation of 6NYCRR Part 212 and assist regional staff in answering questions on hazard identification and exposure assessment of toxic air contaminants.
•Keep apprised of research into the development of regulations to protect public health and the environment from the impacts of toxic air contaminants.
•Research and implement effective risk communication methods and use best practices to develop material in response to regional staff needs on facility-specific issues. Materials developed may include the following formats: web, research summaries, community presentations, factsheets and reports.
Community Monitoring and CLCPA Implementation
•Support the Division’s role in the implementation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act through involvement in the community monitoring efforts and assisting in environmental justice issues.
Minimum Qualifications A bachelor’s degree and two years of professional research experience in public health, toxicology, epidemiology, environmental chemistry or atmospheric science. A Master of Science or higher degree in Public Health, or Epidemiology and Biostatistics or Environmental Health is preferred. The position requires strong written and verbal communication skills.
Substitution options: A master’s degree in the appropriate fields described above may substitute for one year of experience, and Ph.D. in these fields may substitute for an additional year of experience.
Area of Specialty is Air Pollution. Preference will be given to candidates who possess experience in the following fields: public health, toxicology, and risk communication.
Essential Functions:
•Must be able to prepare detailed, technically accurate, well written reports.
•Must possess strong 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 may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.
We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...
For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.