Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleResearch Scientist 2 (Chemistry)
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $82326 to $104230 Annually
Duties Description Duties Description:
This position will lead research that will further the implementation of the programs of the Pollution Prevention (P2) Unit in the Division of Materials Management (DMM). The P2 Unit is responsible for implementing a number of programs including several chemical disclosure and restriction programs. These programs include: 1,4-dioxane restrictions; Toxic Chemicals in Children’s Products (TCCP) Law; Hazardous Packaging Act and PFAS in Food Packaging amendments; PFAS in Apparel restrictions; Flame Retardants in Electronic Displays, Furniture and Mattresses Law; Household Cleaning Product Ingredient Disclosure (HCPID) Law; Mercury in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Law; and the Coal Tar Pavement Products Ban.
Specific duties (with expected percentage of overall workload being noted above each group of tasks) will include:
50%:
• Developing criteria for the selection of consumer products to be analyzed for restricted chemicals.
• Developing and implementing appropriate screening techniques and conducting sample preparation steps in accordance with lab guidance prior to shipment to a contract laboratory.
• Conducting research and consulting with other research scientist staff in Unit to evaluate appropriateness and effectiveness of consumer product sampling techniques and analytical methods used in assessing compliance of consumer products with toxic chemical restrictions.
• Conducting literature reviews and research to identify and evaluate sources of chemical hazard information and chemical usage data in the development of regulations for the Household Cleansing Product Information Disclosure (HCPID) program
• Independently conducting research to identify trends in consumer product testing data to determine characteristics that indicate toxicity in a manner that informs future product purchasing and testing efforts.
• Presenting findings of research to Unit, bureau management and general counsel staff to inform decision-making on compliance assessment approaches, rule makings, development of guidance, and laboratory contracting efforts.
• Coordinating with other research scientist staff in Unit and leading efforts to update internal sampling plans.
• Researching chemicals known the be in products used in agency operations to develop a prioritization process for replacing hazardous chemical products with safer alternatives.
• Independently researching safer alternatives for restricted toxic chemicals to include in guidance materials or other program documents associated with the above-noted programs.
30%:
• Reviewing and analyzing TCCP reporting data in a manner that assesses completeness, identifies anomalies, compliance issues, and trends, such as prevalence of high-priority chemicals or certain hazard endpoints in particular product categories.
• Conducting research to determine options for the disclosure of the effects of household cleaning products on human health and the environment as required under the HCPID law.
• Conducting research to support the required TCCP rulemaking updates associated with recommendations by the Children’s Product Safety Council.
• Conducting research to support the development of rulemaking documents for the TCCP and HCPID programs.
20%:
• Assisting with development of compliance-related communications and other outreach to entities subject to TCCP law, 1,4-dioxane law, coal tar pavement products law, and other restriction programs.
• Conducting ongoing research to ensure necessary updates are made to the TCCP chemicals lists and reporting database.
• Participating in multi-state associations and workgroups to exchange scientific information with the goal of facilitating and enhancing program implementation.
• Other research duties as assigned to support the Division or P2 Unit.
Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree and three years of professional research experience** in an appropriate field. Appropriate fields include Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Ecology, Environmental Science, Toxicology or other related natural science.
**A 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 Qualifications:
Familiarity with analytical laboratory techniques and instruments. Strong scientific writing skills. Ability to analyze data and make defensible decisions and recommendations. Ability to review the work of others in a constructive manner.
Essential Functions:
• Conducting research around programmatic topics to support the implementation of chemical policy programs.
• Independently assessing scientific and technical information, including journal articles, literature reviews, chemical data, and other scientific literature to support and advance rulemakings and program implementation.
• Developing written research findings for supervisors and program attorneys.
• Effectively preparing and communicating summaries of research findings orally and in writing.
• Interacting professionally with the general public, regulated community and other state agencies through email, telephone and written correspondence.
• Working closely and cooperatively with co-workers.
• Effectively reviewing, editing and manipulating electronic documents. Extensive computer skills including working with Adobe Acrobat files and use of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint are critical.
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.
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.
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.
Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.