Please note: State agencies that contact job applicants do not usually request personal or financial information via text message or over the phone in connection with your response to a job posting. If you are contacted for such information by these methods, or any other method, please verify the identity of the individual before transmitting such information to that person.
Note: For questions about the job posting, please contact the agency that posted this position by using the contact information provided on the "Contact" tab for the position.

Review Vacancy

Date Posted 07/03/15

Applications Due07/17/15

Vacancy ID22159

AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of

TitleResearch Scientist 1 - Water Pollution

Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences

Salary Grade18

Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)

Salary RangeFrom $52293 to $66494 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class

Travel Percentage 0%

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 8:30 AM

To 5 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? No

County Albany

Street Address 625 Broadway

City Albany

StateNY

Zip Code12233

Minimum Qualifications A Bachelors degree in the field of Limnology, Biology, Environmental Science or Ecology and two years of professional research experience in water quality monitoring and analysis, OR a Masters degree in the field of Limnology, Biology, Environmental Science or Ecology and one year of professional research experience in water quality monitoring and analysis.

Preferred:
Excellent interpersonal skills, a strong familiarity with statistical analysis, GIS, and relational databases, and computer modeling, and knowledge of New York state regulations as they relate to lake management.

Duties Description The candidate will take on the responsibilities of a research limnologist for the Division of Water.

The candidate will work closely with DOW and other DEC staff in the continuing development of the DEC Harmful Algal Bloom program, involving analysis of physical, chemical and biological data collected as part of the Agency harmful algal bloom surveillance and monitoring programs. This work includes receiving and analyzing public and professional reports of potential algae bloom reports, interpreting routine laboratory reports, regularly reporting results to the public through the DOW HAB web page, creating web content, and web page development and maintenance, and regular interaction with the public and other technical staff from DEC and the state Department of Health (DOH). The candidate will be closely involved with DEC and DOH in developing Agency policy for protecting waterbodies from HAB-related impacts and criteria for assessing waterbodies related to HABs. This will require expertise in understanding and evaluating the relationship between traditional limnological data and cyanobacteria, familiarity with aquatic toxicology and evaluating epidemiological studies, and developing familiarity with the New York regulatory framework.

The candidate will conduct lake water quality monitoring and evaluate external data using standard physical, chemical and biological limnology tests and procedures to perform water quality assessments of sampled lakes and ponds in support of state and federal mandates. This work will be conducted through the state Lake Classification and Inventory Survey and the New York Citizens Statewide Lake Assessment Program, the two primary DEC ambient lake monitoring programs. These assessments will involve evaluation of the physical and biological characteristics of sampled lakes; statistical analysis and interpretation of water quality data, particularly large databases; identification of native and non-native aquatic plants, and assessing designated uses. The candidate will assist in the development of individual lake reports and assessments developed for both DEC staff and public use, requiring the ability to understand the implications of sampling results for DEC resource management programs and the ability to translate this information in ways (language, formats, methods) that can be understood by the public. This will also include geospatial analysis of environmental data and the generation of maps requiring expertise in GIS, and use and application of water quality models. The candidate will also work with DOW researchers to develop numeric nutrient criteria for lakes, particularly those criteria promulgated to protect aquatic life in lakes.

The candidate is expected to work independently and with minimal direct supervision, but is also expected to work closely with other DOW and DEC staff to implement these lake monitoring and outreach programs. The candidate is also expected to, with assistance from other DOW staff, prepare papers for publication in peer reviewed journals.

Additional Comments The candidate must have a valid drivers license or otherwise demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. The candidate must be willing to work long hours beyond the typical work day and participate in overnight travel during the field sampling season, have the ability to carry heavy equipment including hand carry boats and sampling gear for up to a half mile over rough terrain, and be comfortable working from a canoe or other small boat in a variety of environments, including remote ponds and polluted urban lakes. The candidate should also have strong writing and verbal communication skills, and have experience and comfort in public speaking.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Name Megan Miller

Telephone

Fax 518-402-9038

Email Address personnel@dec.ny.gov

Address

Street 625 Broadway

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12233

 

Notes on Applying*IMPORTANT: Please include posting number 15-00210 on your application/resume.

Printable Version