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 $69964 to $88970 Annually
Duties Description The Division of Air Resources (DAR) relies heavily on the expertise of Research Scientists for ambient monitoring, air quality modeling, and data analysis to inform air quality planning and permitting, support implementation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), and safeguard public health. The Bureau of Air Quality Analysis and Research (BAQAR) serves as the focal point of DAR’s research activities and provides scientific and technical support in the management of the New York State air pollution control program. Among many other responsibilities, BAQAR develops health protective ambient guideline values and regulations to evaluate toxic emissions from industrial process sources; analyzes ambient air monitoring data to assess regulatory effectiveness; conducts community air quality studies to address issues and examines exposure and risks; supports environmental justice work; and educates the public on air pollution health risks.
This job description is for a Research Scientist I position to support compliance with the New York State Environmental Justice Siting Law (EJSL). The EJSL establishes new requirements for evaluating existing disproportionate pollution burdens and cumulative burdens experienced by disadvantaged communities (DACs) when reviewing applications for air pollution permits. The law requires the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) to assess existing environmental and public health stressors and burdens and evaluate cumulative impacts from direct and indirect sources to ensure permitting decisions do not increase existing disproportionate burdens in DACs. This Research Scientist position will focus on evaluating existing burdens and cumulative health burdens from direct and indirect sources with emphasis on sensitive populations living in DACs with high air pollution burdens.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the general direction and supervision of the Chief of the EJSL Compliance Section (Research Scientist IV), and in coordination with other Research Scientists in BAQAR, the incumbent will work on the following multidisciplinary tasks:
60%: Applied Research and Data Analysis
• Contribute technical input and draft materials for the development and implementation of DAR’s EJSL guidance.
• Conduct research and data compilation on DAC indicators and environmental/public health stressors relevant to DEP 24-1 and EJSL implementation.
• Assist in reviewing existing burden reports for new, modified, and renewed permit applications providing health outcome data interpretation and characterization of health vulnerability.
• Conduct data analyses integrating DAC air pollution burden, health outcome data, and health vulnerability indicators. Keep abreast of EJ policies, cumulative burden assessment methodologies, and other state’s programs and rule development efforts aimed at reducing disproportionate impacts in DACs.
• Evaluate the utility of incorporating relevant federal and state health outcome, equity, and vulnerability data into EJSL efforts to identify higher risk areas in DACs.
• Develop educational outreach and training materials to discuss the EJSL and environmental and public health burdens and mitigation measures to reduce disproportionate burdens.
40%: Program Coordination and Support
• Assist the EJSL Compliance Section by carrying out assigned research tasks, advising on potential health burdens of proposed actions, and supporting project coordination under the direction of the Section Chief.
• Provide technical support in reviewing permit applications and applicability to EJSL, existing burden reports, sensitive populations, and cumulative health burden
assessments including evaluations of direct and indirect emissions.
• Draft public health sections of EJSL compliance reports including health outcome and vulnerability summaries and cumulative burden assessments.
• Respond to questions on hazard identification and exposure assessment and risk characterization of toxic air contaminants and criteria pollutants.
• Support the Office of Environmental Justice in maintaining DAC criteria and mapping layers relevant to public health and providing community education and outreach.
• Collaborate with the NYS Department of Health on evaluating health outcome data, cumulative health burdens, and measures to improve health equity in DACs.
Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor’s Degree and two years of professional research experience in public health, environmental health, or environmental sciences. 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: public health, epidemiology, 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 environmental justice frameworks and health equity concepts.
• Prior work with public health datasets, health risk assessment, and environmental justice analyses.
• Experience with ArcGIS, R, Python, and SharePoint strongly preferred.
• Preference given to individuals with strong data management, organizational and communication skills, and able to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
Additional Comments If applying, please provide a current resume & copy of conferred transcripts.
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.
If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please email: equity@dec.ny.gov.
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.