Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleResearch Scientist 4 (Air Pollution)
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $106898 to $131665 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Duties Description Under the general direction and supervision of the Director of BAQAR, the incumbent will serve as Chief of a new EJSL Compliance Section, carrying out the assigned tasks independently, and initiating research work consistent with the Division’s goals and regulatory framework. The incumbent will be responsible for developing guidance, supporting regulatory rule development, and advancing the research and analytical components of the EJSL as it applies to public health and environmental impacts from permitted air pollution sources. The incumbent will supervise other Research Scientists and seasonal employees on conducting research on existing environmental and public health stressors, disproportionate burdens, data interpretation for cumulative impact assessments, and communication of information to the public. The incumbent working in collaboration with other DAR permitting staff will support the Division’s role in permitting decisions and mitigation strategies to reduce air pollution and quality of life issues in DACs. Specific multidisciplinary tasks include:
Applied Research and Data Analysis
•Oversee staff research on DAC indicators, emissions data, source attribution, exposure/impact evaluations, air pollution mitigation strategies, and technical support to permit writers.
•Keep abreast of research, cumulative impact analysis, and other state program and rule development to reduce disproportionate impacts in DACs.
•Continue to support the overall CLCPA goal to reduce emissions in DACs by representing DAR in interagency mitigation strategy development for disadvantaged communities per the Community Air Monitoring Initiative.
•Evaluate the utility of incorporating EPA’s National Emission Inventory and AirToxScreen data in the EJSL efforts to identify higher risk areas in DACs.
•Oversee staff research on the development of mapping tools for DAR’s EJSL guidance and implementation.
•Research mechanisms for streamlining implementation of EJSL.
•Collaborate with NYS Department of Health and NYS DEC’s Office of Environmental Justice’s (OEJ) on health risk and EJ/DAC assessments.
Program Coordination and Support
•Supervise and assign workloads to the EJSL Compliance Section staff.
•Lead the development and implementation of DAR’s EJSL guidance.
•Oversee existing disproportionate burden and cumulative impact analyses to ensure consistent EJSL implementation across permits.
•Coordinate with Regional staff and Permitting and Compliance, Enforcement, and Impact Assessment and Meteorology Sections to evaluate direct emissions and air pollution impacts.
•Track facilities contributing to high burdens in DACs and coordinate with permitting and enforcement staff on compliance history.
•Work with Bureau of Mobile Sources & Technology Development and Bureau of Air Quality Planning staff to evaluate indirect emissions.
•Coordinate with OEJ to maintain DAC mapping tools and criteria.
•Support OEJ’s community engagement for permitting.
•Develop DAR EJSL training.
•Support future regulatory analysis and rule development for EJSL such as an indirect source rule.
Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor’s Degree and five years of professional research experience in atmospheric science, chemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental health, environmental sciences, or public health. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.
Substitution options: A Master’s Degree in an appropriate field described above may substitute for one year of experience, and a Ph.D. in an appropriate field 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: environmental health, community air quality studies, air pollution exposure and health risk assessment methods, environmental justice research and disproportionate burden analysis, data interpretation, and community outreach.
Preferred Additional Qualifications:
•Familiarity with New York State DAC criteria and experience with integrating environmental, health, and demographic datasets used to understand cumulative burden analyses.
•Prior work with air quality impact assessments, community air monitoring, evaluating air pollution disparities in EJ areas/DACs, and developing air pollution mitigation strategies.
•Experience participating in public meetings and communicating air quality data and health risks in plain language.
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 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 may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule, 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.
Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.