Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleResearch Scientist 1 - Water Pollution
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $60069 to $76387 Annually
Minimum Qualifications Qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree and two years of professional research in the field of Environmental Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Biology, Environmental Biology, or other similar field of Natural Sciences or a Master’s Degree and one year of professional research in the field of Environmental Chemistry, Biochemistry, Environmental Science or other similar field of Natural Sciences.
Preferred Qualifications
• Degree includes 15 college credits in chemistry including environmental chemistry or biochemistry
• Experience in, and understanding of, analytical chemistry in water pollution and the measurement of water quality.
• Experience understanding the biochemical dynamics between water chemistry and the formation of cyanobacteria cells and cyanotoxins in freshwaters.
• Experience understanding the environmental dynamics of emerging contaminants and their presence in surface waters.
• Experience with collecting and working with chemical, biochemical, ecological, biological, and geospatial data within the context of water quality.
• Experience working in an analytical laboratory setting
• 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.
• Clear communication and public speaking abilities.
• Ability to evaluate and manage large datasets and expertise in statistical and geospatial analysis of environmental data sets.
• 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, Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Assurance Project Plans.
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills.
Area of Specialty - Water Pollution
Duties Description • Assist higher level Research Scientists to conduct research, data analysis, and interpretation of environmental data, especially those related cyanotoxins and emerging contaminants, to be used in the development of water quality standards, guidance values and implementation guidance. Research methods to establish water quality standards and guidance values. Attend meetings of partner organizations to build relationships and distribute technical information.
• Assist higher level Research Scientists to perform research to be used in the development of sound mitigation technologies for the remediation of harmful algal blooms and associated cyanotoxins.
• Assist higher level Research Scientists in the development, maintenance and implementation of Division of Water’s statewide data quality program, including, Quality Assurance, Quality Management and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Assist in the development of research products and synthesis of technical information to include in department reports, white papers and spoken communications, participate in the presentation of research results at scientific meetings and publication of technical results in appropriate venues. Participate in the Division of Water’s research related workgroups
• Provide technical assistance, outreach and training to regional offices and partner organizations (e.g. soil and water conservation districts, local governments, regional planning entities) who may collect data to be considered for use by DEC programs.
• Work closely with the NY State Department of Health on the research and development of water quality standards for sources of drinking water for the protection of human health, especially against cyanotoxins and emerging contaminants.
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver's license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Travel and overtime may be required.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.