Review Vacancy
AgencyParks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Office of
TitleWater Quality Program Assistant (Parks and Recreation Aide 5)
Occupational CategoryNo Preference
Bargaining UnitOSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA)
Salary RangeFrom $13.57 to $13.57 Hourly
Minimum Qualifications Required – One to two years of college experience in biology, ecology, natural resources, or related field; valid NYS driver’s license as a term and condition of employment; proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; excellent communication and writing skills.
Preferred - previous water quality-related coursework, fieldwork, or professional experience; experience with creating educational materials; proficiency with ArcGIS.
Duties Description The Water Quality Program Assistant will assist the Water Quality Unit with achieving unit goals and will collaborate closely with unit staff. The applicant must be able to work as a member of a small team and be comfortable working in both the office and from home. The applicant must have excellent written and communication skills and be meticulous in the collection and handling of data. Additional tasks can be catered to the applicant’s strengths and interests.
Job duties will include but are not limited to:
• Assist Water Quality Program Coordinator, Water Quality Program Assistant Coordinator & Water Quality Program Specialist with program tasks
• Assist with recording daily park beach water quality data, reporting and tracking HAB events, making decisions based on reported conditions, and tracking invoices from laboratories for beach monitoring activities across the state.
• Pick-up and drop-off park beach and HABs samples to labs
• Assist in developing education and standard operating procedure documents for the agency’s use.
• Potential fieldwork could include collaborations with partners on data collection and assisting with aquatic invasive species management.
Additional Comments The Water Quality Unit is housed under the Division of Environmental Stewardship & Planning (DESP) located at the Albany office of NYS Parks. The Water Quality Unit is responsible for monitoring water quality issues at beaches and waterbodies; coordinating identification and response to Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs); monitoring State Parks drinking water systems; responding to issues associated with potential impacts to rare, threatened and endangered aquatic plant and animal species; and aiding in the coordination, advisement and oversight on natural resource stewardship projects involving aquatic habitats. To provide for the safety of State Park patrons and employees at bathing beaches, the WQU identifies water quality exceedances of regulatory standards and provides technical and scientific information to make decisions regarding closures or remedial action. The WQU works closely with NYS Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to accomplish water quality goals and provides critical support to Parks with water quality issues.
This is a 16-week position from mid-May through early-mid September.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address April.Brun@parks.ny.gov
Address
Notes on ApplyingIf you are interested in being considered for this position, please send a resume, cover letter, references and a writing sample to:
April Brun, Water Quality Program Assistant Coordinator
Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning
NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Albany, NY 12238
e-mail – April.Brun@parks.ny.gov