Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleResearch Scientist 1(Climate Change)
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $65001 to $82656 Annually
Minimum Qualifications Candidates for this position must have a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, environmental policy, environmental management, environmental biology, hydrology, or a related natural resources field, and two years of professional research experience in the appropriate field; OR a master’s degree in environmental sciences, environmental policy, environmental management, environmental biology, hydrology, or a related natural resources field, and one year of experience; OR a PhD in environmental sciences, environmental policy, environmental management, environmental biology, hydrology, or a related natural resources field.
• Candidates must be proficient in Geographic Information System software, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other database management programs.
• Candidates must possess strong analytical, writing and communication skills, and must be able to communicate clearly and in a professional manner with the general public and regulated community.
• Candidates must be able to analyze various types and sources of scientific environmental data, including hydrology, hydraulics and other flood related information, undertake scientific literature reviews and research, compile technical information, maintain databases, and prepare and review scientific documents/reports.
• Candidates must have an in-depth understanding and knowledge of various State and federal flood mitigation and environmental restoration grant funding programs is also preferred.
Duties Description The primary role of the Research Scientist 1 is to assist in advancing applied research into eligible flood risk reduction projects, techniques and methods for funding through the EBA’s Resilient Watershed Implementation Grant Program. The Research Scientist 1 will need to become acutely familiar with overall Resilient NY Stream Study program, including research into the various scientific analyses and evaluations that are undertaken as part of the report process. This includes applied research into hydrologic, hydraulic, fluvial geomorphological, and climate change projection methodologies.
Research, Data Analysis and Reporting (60%)
The Research Scientist 1 candidate will need to undertake the following:
• Conduct applied research, literature reviews, and analysis of relevant hydrologic/hydraulic data contained in the flood study, along with related fluvial geomorphological assessment data, sediment/soils data, and other pertinent information necessary to determine overall project effectiveness. Ensure that practices for flood risk reduction, as indicated by primary literature and current best practices, are understood and implemented.
• Conduct applied research, literature reviews, data analysis, interpretation and evaluation on topics such as Social Vulnerability Index data, Potential Environmental Justice Areas, State designated Disadvantaged Communities and federal Justice 40 areas.
• Conduct analyses using GIS and/or other mapping software to further analyze and visually display information.
• Support and track effectiveness of Flood Risk and Reduction project implementation and coordinate with regional DEC staff, as well as with other State agency staff involved in Bond Act implementation.
• Present findings to supervisors, higher level staff, and to the public.
• Publish data and scientific reports, as necessary.
Program Coordination and Support 40%
• Provide technical review and oversight of preliminary, draft and final flood mitigation project designs;
• Review funding grant applications;
• Provide input on permit applications associated with flood mitigation projects
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Travel may be required. Overtime may be required. Overnight travel may be required. Telecommuting may be available, 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.
DEC is an equal opportunity employer.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.