Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleResearch Scientist 1 - Water Pollution
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $56604 to $71980 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Minimum Qualifications Qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree and two years of professional research in the field of Environmental Science or Natural Sciences or a Master’s Degree and one year of professional research in the field of Environmental Science or Natural Sciences.
Area of Specialty is Water Pollution.
Duties Description • Assist higher level Research Scientists to perform research to be used in the development of a nonpoint source pollution program specific to the Chesapeake Bay watershed that will serve to provide technical assistance to partner organizations. Research methods of various non-point source BMPs (e.g. urban and agricultural) and the associated coefficients to measure water quality benefits, review and provide input on the scoring criteria for NYS nonpoint source funding programs, attend meetings of partner organizations to build relationships and distribute technical information and provide training opportunities.
• Assist higher level Research Scientists in the development of a New York’s Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan for 2019-2025 to implement best management practices to reduce nutrient and sediment loadings to the Chesapeake Bay in accordance with the priorities set by New York. Compile and analyze data to set Chesapeake Bay program priorities and identify appropriate best management practices to achieve water quality goals to determine the reductions that will be achieved through program implementation. Assist in the execution of, and provide oversight for, awarded contracts and implementation of projects. Perform technical evaluations of current programs to further reduce nutrients and sediments by expanding partnerships and researching opportunities not currently being fully utilized.
• Provide technical assistance to partner organizations (e.g. soil and water conservation districts, local governments, regional planning entities) who are seeking funding for nonpoint source pollution control projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed (e.g. review NYS Environmental Protection Fund project proposals).
• Provide training, education and outreach on DEC nonpoint source pollution control programs in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Represent New York on Chesapeake Bay technical groups and task forces, as needed.
• Conduct research, data analysis and interpretation of environmental data to assist in development and targeted implementation of non-point source BMPs with consideration of climate change. Analyze data in the CAST watershed model to evaluate BMP effectiveness, model credits, cost benefit, and relevance to existing DEC programs.
• Investigate ways to leverage additional state and federal funding sources.
• Assist in the development of research products and synthesis of technical information to include in department reports, white papers and spoken communications, participate in the presentation of research results at scientific meetings and publication of technical results in appropriate venues.
• Provide technical support and maintain effective working relationships with non-Departmental experts and the public and participate in the Division of Water’s research related workgroups.
Additional Comments Must have valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Travel and overnight travel may be required.
Preferred Additional Qualifications
• Experience identifying pollution sources and related impairments in watersheds
• Familiarity with assignment of load reductions, regulatory planning and implementation of practices involved in Total Maximum Daily Loads or other clean water restoration efforts
• Experience recommending and implementing projects to improve water quality
• Ability to evaluate and manage large datasets and competence in statistical and geospatial analysis of environmental data sets
• Competence developing collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals
• Familiarity with state and federal programs to identify, prioritize and obtain funding to support protection and restoration or other nonpoint source projects
• Familiarity working in ArcGIS and understanding landscape drivers of water quality
• Experience developing work plans, writing technical reports and grant applications
• Ability to concisely disseminate technical information (presentations; correspondence)
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.