Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleResearch Scientist 2 - Forest Health
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $69603 to $88124 Annually
Minimum Qualifications Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in the field of Environmental Science or Natural Sciences such as biology, chemistry, forestry or agriculture and three years of professional research experience related to plant health investigations, or a Master’s degree in the field of Environmental Science or Natural Sciences and two years of such experience, or a Doctorate in the field of Environmental Science or Natural Sciences. Experience directly related to forest or ecosystem health is not required but is preferred. A preference will also be shown to candidates who possess experience in the following fields:
• laboratory and field identification of arthropods and or plant pathogens;
• collection and interpretation of field data relative to pest population dynamics;
• experimental design and analysis of environmental science variables;
• laboratory skills including use and maintenance of microscopes and dissecting equipment;
• imaging skills with both macro and micro photographic equipment;
• familiarity with GIS software and mapping technologies;
• use and storage of hazardous chemicals.
Area of Specialty: Forest Health
Duties Description Lab Management 20%
• Collaborate with other scientists and supervise all research conducted at the forest health diagnostic laboratory.
• Hire and train seasonal and permanent staff and oversee inventory and materials purchasing at the lab.
Diagnostics 25%
• Provide entomological and plant disease diagnosis and pest control/land management recommendations for DEC Forest Health and DEC Regional Forestry staff, various agencies (including OPRHP, OCSWCD, regional CCE’s and PRISM’s, etc.) homeowners and land managers.
Forest Pest Monitoring 25%
• Develop new survey systems and interpretations for forest health impacts.
• Diagnose the incidence and intensity of climate changes and forest health affecting agents.
• Design, develop, execute, interpret and report on the effects of climate change on resident native and exotic FHDAs.
- Current projects include; population dynamics, early detection techniques, insect trapping efficacy, impact evaluations, eDNA techniques, biological controls, citizen science utility, remote sensing and spatial analysis.
Outreach 20%
• Present educational and information presentations, respond to general social media enquiries, publish professional reports and develop outreach materials.
General Research 10%
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks and participating in professional societies.
Additional Comments Must have valid driver's license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Use of personal protection equipment, including respirator, will be required. Travel may be required.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.