Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleResearch Scientist 5 (Water Pollution)
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $127507 to $160911 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Duties Description Illustrative Duties
35% - Direct the Bureau of Water Assessment and Management
1. Provide leadership and supervision to the Bureau of Water Resource Management.
Assure that programs and strategies are planned and implemented in consultation
with staff, other bureaus, the regions, legal and others to effectively deliver bureau
objectives. Continuously monitor the work of the Bureau to ensure that the goals and
time constraints of the Division work plan are being met. Address deficiencies with
Bureau staff and amend the work plan as necessary. Assure that Department and
Division policies and guidance are being effectively implemented to ensure optimum
utilization of Bureau resources.
2. Prepare Bureau staff performance programs, assure schedules for specific projects are met, evaluate and recommend appropriate ratings, assure that the Bureaus goals,
which are part of the Division work plan are met. Assure that personnel are empowered to resolve issues, work together to further the Department’s mission and
deliver timely and quality work outputs.
3. Manage fiscal resources allocated to the Bureau. Provides direction and support for
development of program spending plans. Assure that plans balance Central Office
program needs with Regional Office priorities and are developed in collaboration
with the Division’s management team. Works with federal counterparts (EPA/USGS,
etc.) to ensure Division commitments are reasonable, achievable, and meet
federal/state priorities.
4. Assure key measures are established and tracked and the DOW management team is advised if adjustments are needed. Program goals and federal grant commitments are met and unplanned priorities are effectively managed.
20% - Manage the Applied Research Activities of the Bureau of Water Resource
Management
1. Assure appropriate communication, coordination and outreach to accomplish Bureau and Division goals and objectives. A team approach is taken with other Research Scientists, Bureau Directors and this team approach is promoted within the Bureau. The management team and others as appropriate are made aware of emerging issues relative to programs and staff and the regions are informed and involved in issues, as well thought out recommendations are made, and issues are addressed expeditiously.
2.Determine the most appropriate areas of research in relation to agency program needs and the current state of science.
3.Direct the development of research plans to broaden the understanding of problems facing the Bureau, Division, Department and the State of New York. Formulate research plans, interpret results, and apply the knowledge toward the basis of policy and administrative action.
4.Specifically manage:
a.Nutrient Reduction Strategies. Excess nutrients impact about half of New York’s waters, a successful nutrient strategy will require management of nutrient reduction implementation strategies. Through a combination of collaborative research efforts and targeted funding initiatives, manage New York State’s efforts to not only investigate nutrient sources but also mitigate their release in priority watersheds. Support Division initiatives to implement numeric nutrient criteria.
b.Water Quality Models. Lead research efforts to improve water quality and land-side models to streamline TMDL development for ponded and flowing waterbodies. Evaluate modeling resources for a watershed approach to permitting,reasonable potential analysis, dissolved oxygen, nutrient and other pollutant models, and support integration with other permitting tools. Work to increase the precision, accuracy, calibration and confidence for all models. Executive-level cooperation and collaboration with other state agencies, research institutes,municipalities, dischargers and agricultural interests is necessary.
c.Best Management Practice. Evaluate BMP efficiency for the protection of water quality under new and evolving climate conditions. Formulate and conduct a systematic research plan to evaluate best management practice efficiencies and the impact of climate change on BMP development and implementation strategies. Lead a research team to evaluate the impacts of climate change on current BMP effectiveness and evaluate new tools to add to the toolbox. Analyze industry-specific treatment technologies including evaluation of sizing criteria and cost benefit analysis. Develop a research program to evaluate the occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern in green energy technologies and how they accumulate in the environment.
10% - Oversee Statewide Water Quantity Conditions, Trends and Research
Oversee statewide water withdrawal permitting program to assure compliance with statute and regulations through permitting and enforcement. Assure the Division of Water maintains and regularly updates an inventory of water quantity statewide, and reports to the public on the conditions of the state’s groundwaters. Assure appropriate water quantity assessment information is used by the Department, other agencies and the public to guide water quantity management decisions. Supervise the modeling efforts of the Drought Management Task Force, manage drought information and identify drought risks, opportunities for drought mitigation and education or outreach needs. Oversee and evaluate needs for reservoir releases for both thermal and habitat restoration and maintenance. Coordinate with interstate Commissions and Compacts
on permitting, water quality and water quantity matters. Oversee water well registration program, including geothermal wells less than 500 ft deep.
10% - Oversee Statewide Nonpoint Source and Source Water Programs
Direct and manage the scientific research, development and implementation of the nonpoint source, septic replacement and drinking water source protection programs to restore and protect waterbodies from nonpoint source pollution sources and drinking water source waters from contamination from any source. Oversee grant administration and contracts associated with these programs to meet reporting requirements.
5% - USGS Water Sciences Center Ground and Surface Water Collaboration
The Bureau Director will jointly oversee the collaborative partnership with the USGS Water Sciences Center Laboratory to collect, analyze and disseminate data and research information. This includes the management of technical components of the USGS/DEC contract and annual research work plan.
15% - Oversee Clean Water Planning and Watershed Programs
The Bureau Director will oversee the develop and implementation of 9-Element Watershed Plans and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) to protect and restore water quality of impaired waterbodies. Development will include data collection, water quality modeling, pollution load reduction calculations and public outreach and education for each plan. Responsible to compile data, conduct environmental impact assessments, and assist in the production of technical information related to nonpoint source pollutants. Determine landscape drivers of water quality degradation and improvement. Manage grant resources provided to Watershed Programs and direct applied research efforts through these programs. Communicate results of research and development of watershed plans through issued reports, published papers, conferences, public meetings, and website postings.
In coordination with the Assistant Division Director direct and manage research, development and implementation of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program, Mohawk River Basin Program, Lake Champlain Watershed Program, Finger Lakes Watershed Program, Allegany Watershed Program, New York City Watershed Program, Long Island Watershed Program and coordinate with Great Lakes and Hudson River Estuary Programs. Assure coordination and partner with Long Island Sound Study and Lake Champlain Basin Program.
5% - Oversee Public Involvement and Outreach
1.Reporting research results to peers and the public is a critical component of any scientific endeavor. The DOW works with numerous partner agencies and local stakeholders on water quality and quantity issues. Collaboration with federal, state, regional and local entities creates a shared vision and commitment to deliver stronger and more effective programs for water protection. This is accomplished many ways, including short-term and long-term advisory committees. The Bureau Director will manage such targeted outreach used to report on research and development efforts, increase awareness about water issues, increase compliance with water regulations and/or encourage action.
2.The Bureau Director will represent the Department and the Division of Water on regional and interstate associations.
Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications:
A master’s degree and six years of professional research experience in a field relevant to water pollution control including Environmental, Public Health, or Natural Sciences; A Ph.D. in a field relevant to water pollution control including Environmental, Public Health, or Natural Sciences may substitute for one year of experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Strong public speaking and presentation skills and demonstrated ability to address controversial topics in a public setting.
2. Experience directing and supervising small teams of professionals, with various technical and research backgrounds, working on water pollution control activities.
3. Experience with State and Federal water quality standards and the development and implementation of water quality standards and guidance values.
4. Experience in, and understanding of, analytical chemistry in water pollution and the measurement of water quality.
5. Experience in implementing quality assurance protocols, state and federal requirements for data collection, and their use in a regulatory context.
6. Experience with establishing and maintaining partnerships with Federal, State, and local agencies and nonprofit organizations.
7. Experience developing complex project and program budgets, and familiarity with State and Federal funding sources and the development of grant applications.
8. Experience with field data collection methods.
9. Experience working in, and/or with, analytical laboratories.
10. Experience with developing automated processes using various statistical and computing tools.
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.
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.