Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleResearch Scientist 4 (Water Pollution)
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $111708 to $137590 Annually
Duties Description Program Overview
The Research Scientist 4 position is within Remedial Bureau D (Special Projects Bureau) that manages several large-scale, high profile, complicated cleanup projects including the Hudson River, Onondaga Lake, Hoosick Falls, Grasse River, and the Navy Grumman Groundwater Plume, as well as numerous emerging contaminant sites, etc. The Section is identified as the Research and Data Analytics Section which reports to one of two Assistant Division Directors for the Division of Environmental Remediation (as shown on the current organizational chart).
Duties/Responsibilities:
40% - Supervise the Research and Data Analytics Section within the Division of Environmental Remediation in Bureau D (Special Projects Bureau) responsible for:
•Regularly assess research needs of the Division pertaining to hazardous waste site clean up, including work on Hudson River PCBs NPL Site, PFAS sites, and other emerging contaminants.
•Provide technical assistance to DER project managers as needed in the field of PCBs and investigation and remedial action of sediment sites through the “project review” process and informal interactions to provide recommendations to project managers. Conduct in-house training for DEC/DER staff covering topics related to PCBs and contaminated sediment site issues.
•Plan all phases of research projects that aid the Division in gaining a better understanding of areas that are not well known. Examples could include PFAS plume tracking, PFAS fingerprinting, understanding PFAS distribution in various media across New York State, and identifying sources for PFAS detections in soil and groundwater.
•The Research Scientist 4 will implement research projects independently with a team of lower level researcher scientists and research outputs would be in the form of publishable work in professional papers, journals, or reports. Research findings will be presented to DER staff as well as interested parties inside and outside of the Agency, where appropriate.
•Supervise and direct lower-level research scientists as well as lower-level geology/engineering staff.
•Improve and maintain the Division’s Environmental Information Management System (EIMS). This includes, but is not limited to: development of EQuIS improvements; enhancing the links between the EIMS and other analytical software packages including GIS; developing and carrying out EQuIS training sessions for staff in DER and other Divisions
30% - Manage and Support Research Activities
•The Research Scientist 4 will oversee the entire DER research agenda which includes managing contracts, establishing MOUs with public research institutions, and securing funds for these efforts.
•Development of research plans and academic collaboration with universities and research institutions to advance the understanding of problems facing the Bureau, Division, Department, and the State of New York.
•Communicate results of research through issued reports, published papers, conferences, public meetings and website postings.
•Represent DER in scientific conferences and workgroups at regional and national levels.
•Be responsible for all phases of the section’s research projects.
20% - Oversee and supervise the Environmental Information Management System (EIMS)
•Direct and supervise technical staff management of EQuIS and associated environmental database workflows to ensure data integrity, accessibility, and quality control.
•Oversee the extraction, synthesis, and analysis of large-scale environmental datasets housed within EQuIS to support DER’s scientific research. This includes utilizing EQuIS data for spatial-temporal trend analysis, contaminant modeling, fingerprinting, and statistical evaluations to identify regional pollution patterns and guide remedial decision-making.
10% - DEI coordinator and EJ, OINA liaison
•Serve as Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator for Division of Environmental Remediation which includes attending public meetings or availability sessions for remedial sites located within Environmental Justice (EJ) areas or Disadvantaged Communities (DAC), representing DER at recruitment events, and coordinating with DEI Coordinators from other Divisions.
•Serve as the Office of Indian Nation Affairs liaison for the Division of Environmental Remediation. This will include periodic participation in DER projects and initiatives that involve coordination with the State and Federally recognized Indian Nations whose homeland is within New York State.
Preferred Additional Qualifications:
•Experience directing and supervising teams of research professionals working on water pollution or environmental remediation projects.
•Experience evaluating sediment, soil, surface water, and groundwater quality data to support the development of remedial programs, with specific expertise in emerging contaminants such as PFAS and 1,4-dioxane.
•Experience utilizing scientifically rigorous and defensible methodologies to define data requirements, design data-acquisition strategies, and systematically evaluate complex environmental datasets.
•Experience evaluating complex scientific problems and selecting, designing, and executing advanced statistical methodologies to analyze and interpret environmental data.
•Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary research teams and establishing productive, joint research initiatives with universities and academic institutions.
•Experience securing and managing research funds, or contracts to complete scientific studies.
•Strong public speaking and presentation skills, with demonstrated experience developing and conducting technical in-house training sessions for staff.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and five years of professional research experience in the field of water pollution or in an appropriate field such as Environmental, Public Health, Natural or Atmospheric Sciences, Chemistry, or Environmental Chemistry.
Substitutions: master’s degree in the field of water pollution or in an appropriate field may substitute for one year of experience, and Ph.D. in the field of water pollution or in an appropriate field may substitute for an additional year of experience.
Additional Comments Actual work schedule, duties and travel requirements may vary and will be discussed at the interview.
Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Transportation needs of this position require use of a state vehicle and adhering to the Department’s Vehicle Policy. You must have and maintain a valid driver’s license for this position.
Use of personal protection equipment, including a respirator, will be required.
Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.
Must be able to work in remote areas.
Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
Travel may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Must successfully complete (or have completed) the 40-hour OSHA 1910.120 training course and all other required training.
Must complete an annual Health and Safety Program including medical monitoring, fit testing, and 40 (or 8) hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification.
Must be able to lift and move objects up to 30 pounds.
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.