Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleResearch Scientist 1 - Ecotoxicology
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $61270 to $77912 Annually
Minimum Qualifications Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and two years of professional experience in a field relevant to ecotoxicology including Environmental Toxicology, Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science or other related Natural Science, OR, a master’s degree in one of the above fields and one year of such experience in a field relevant to environmental fate and ecological risk assessments.
Advanced degree in environmental toxicology, biology, ecology, or related fields with experience in research evidenced by peer reviewed publications and familiarity with the general principles and methodologies of ecological risk assessment on environmental chemicals and experience with using scientific databases (ECOTOX, ChemView, ECA SCIP, and ejournal databases, etc.) are preferred.
Knowledge in toxicology, experience in ecological risk assessment on pesticide use or toxic substance contamination, and proficiency in basic statistical analysis are essential. Familiarity with current procedures and tools employed by major regulatory agencies (e.g., EPA and EFSA) for ecological risk assessment on environmental contaminants and pesticide products, and prior experience in developing screen level ecological risk assessments (SLERA) models are highly desirable. Candidates must possess strong writing skills including the ability to create and maintain scientific documents, the ability to review and adopt the work of others in a constructive manner while upholding high standards, and the ability to produce professional reports to support regulation or publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Additional desirable skills include advanced statistical expertise and proficiency in statistical software such as R.
Extensive computer skills including manipulation of Adobe Acrobat files and use of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint are critical.
Duties Description Program Overview
The Bureau of Pesticides Management (BPM) is responsible for overseeing and implementing New York State’s pesticides management program. That includes registering pesticide products to be sold, distributed and used in New York, certifying pesticide applicators, registering pesticide businesses, developing regulations, enforcing New York State pesticide laws and regulations, and providing technical assistance and outreach to the regulated community and general public.
BPM requires a Research Scientist 1 (RS1) to support the pesticide registration program which is responsible for the review of all incoming product registration applications and all registration reviews within legislatively mandated timeframes. The RS1 will work with BPM ecotoxicology staff to perform in-depth review and evaluation of pesticide products containing new active ingredients and representing major changes in labeling before they are registered in the State. The RS1 will provide support for the evaluation, study and review of the ecological impacts of pesticides before and after they are registered for use in New York State.
Incumbent will need to effectively prepare and communicate written material. Interact professionally with the general public and the regulated community through email, telephone and written correspondence. Good communication and interpersonal skills are very important.
Duties:
65% Conduct ecotoxicology risk assessment on pesticide use in New York State. Review applications for registration of new pesticide products containing new active ingredients or representing major changes in use patterns. The incumbent under the direction of a higher-level Research Scientist will perform ecological risk assessments on pesticide products being used or intended to be used in New York State. The incumbent is also expected to participate in research related to improving risk assessment methodologies for pesticides. Specific responsibilities include:
• Serve as the main assessor for ecological risk for pesticide registration applications. Determine the potential ecological impacts from the use of pesticide products containing new active ingredients or representing major changes in use patterns and prepare scientifically sound technical reports with logical recommendations on registration of the products for the BPM.
• Review and assess data, studies, evaluations, reports, risk assessments, and interim and final pesticide registration decisions by U.S EPA as well as Biological Evaluations and Endangered Species studies by the U.S. Department of Fish & Wildlife in support of pesticide registration decisions.
• Participate in internal discussions with other programs and external meetings with registrants on issues related to pesticide registration and/or regulations.
• Update, improve, and expand toxicity screening models currently being used by BPM. Develop methods for risk assessment on specific groups of organisms such as pollinators and benthic invertebrates.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of New York State ecotoxicological pesticide assessments and reviews.
30% Design, plan, conduct and manage ecotoxicology research projects to gather scientific information on potential ecological impact of anthropogenic chemical contaminants. Provide scientific support for risk assessment and regulatory rulemaking decision making. The incumbent will assist the higher-level Research Scientist in organizing and conducting research projects on the toxicity of environmental contaminants and pesticides to wildlife species and evaluate long term impact on the ecosystem at contaminated areas. The incumbent is encouraged to actively collaborate with scientists in academic institutes and other government agencies and support the establishment of a quality research program in ecotoxicology. Specific responsibilities include:
• Process, analyze, and interpret experimental data; draw conclusions and prepare scientific reports.
• Collaboratively prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
5% Work closely with the regulated community, Regional and Department staff, and the general public via telephone and in writing. Prepare and present information regarding the ecotoxicology of pesticides to the regulated community and general public.
Additional Comments Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.
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