Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleResearch Scientist 3 (Water Pollution) (3 Positions)
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $96336 to $121413 Annually
Duties Description Three Research Scientist 3 positions are available within the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Division of Water (DOW) at Central Office in Albany, NY within the Bureaus of Water Assessment and Management and Water Resource Management.
Research Scientist 3 incumbents in DOW are program supervisors with substantial independence and responsibility for coordinating water quality monitoring and data management, citizen science, and watershed management efforts, and advancing applied research within the Division. The incumbents will: author guidance documents based on current state of water quality and resource management research; direct and manage research efforts and advance research related to water quality, emerging contaminants, and/or watershed implementation efforts; supervise lower-level research scientists or environmental program specialists; provide training and technical support to other professional staff; conduct research, data analysis and interpretation of statewide environmental data and contribute to the DOW applied research program.
Under the technical and administrative supervision of the section chief, the successful candidate will:
Applied Research and Data Analysis
1)Carry out the research process, including problem definition, planning, execution, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of findings.
2)Collect, analyze, interpret, report, and present data and analytical results.
3)Conduct literature reviews to ensure DOW programs are managed according to best science and policy.
4)Assist senior researchers and staff in carrying out the research process, including publication through guidance, reports, or professional documents.
Program Coordination and Support
1)Supervising multiple interns, seasonals, and/or lower-level staff
2)Program implementation may include such duties as oversight of data management, permitting, representation of NYSDEC in meetings and to other agencies, technical assistance to partner and volunteer organizations, training, education and outreach, oversight and execution of contracts, execution of automated scripting, and preparation of public factsheets.
The position may require travel, primarily throughout New York State for field surveys, with overnight travel during the sampling season, and occasionally out of state for training and conferences. The candidate must be able to work from boats, on uneven terrain, in all weather conditions, and to be able to lift objects up to 50 pounds.
Minimum Qualifications Non-Competitive: bachelor’s degree and four years of professional research
experience** in an appropriate field.
**Substitutions: master’s degree in an appropriate field may substitute for one year of experience, and Ph.D. in an appropriate field may substitute for an additional year of experience.
Preferred Additional Qualifications
Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills; comfortable with public speaking.
Experience in, and understanding of, analytical chemistry in water pollution and the measurement of water quality.
Experience with collecting, analyzing, and interpreting chemical, biochemical, ecological, biological, and geospatial data within the context of water quality.
Experience working in an analytical laboratory setting.
Experience with development of automated processes.
Experience with data management, analysis, reporting, prioritizing, quality control and quality assurance.
Proficiency working with GIS, statistical computing software (R), databases, and in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access.
Ability to evaluate and manage large datasets and expertise in statistical and geospatial analysis of environmental data sets.
Knowledge of New York State regulatory programs as they relate to water quality monitoring, impaired waters, watershed planning and management, water quality standards, impacts to waterbody uses and SPDES permit programs.
Experience with establishing and maintaining partnerships with Federal, State, and local agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Familiarity with State and Federal Water Quality Standards and protection programs.
Experience writing technical reports, work plans, Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Assurance Project Plans.
Experience operating and trailering watercraft.
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
Travel may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
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.
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.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.