Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleResearch Scientist 3 - (Water Pollution)
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $75243 to $94834 Annually
Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications for Non-Competitive Appointments:
Candidates for this position must have a Bachelor's Degree in environmental sciences, environmental policy, or a related field, and four years of professional research experience in the appropriate field; OR
Master's Degree in environmental sciences, environmental policy, or a related field, and three years of such experience; OR a Doctorate in environmental sciences, environmental policy, or a related field, and one year of such experience.
Preferred qualifications: -Strong familiarity with water quality monitoring and assessment techniques, toxicology and toxicological research, statistical analysis and data evaluation.
-Knowledge of New York State and Clean Water Act regulations as they relate to WET testing
-Excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills.
Duties Description -Oversee and coordinate Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) testing activities for both permit-related and water quality assessment use of WET testing. Run WET tests for ambient waters as part of the statewide water quality monitoring program. Supervise staff assigned to assist with toxicity tests and, with other research scientists in the bureau, manage the use of toxicity testing information in the statewide monitoring and assessment program.
-Investigate routes to better employ toxicity testing as a means of effects-based monitoring for detecting toxic contaminants in effluents and ambient waters, including developing research designs for bioassays using Ceriodaphnia dubia or other appropriate test organisms. Summarize and interpret results and prepare technical reports or papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals, as appropriate.
-Serve as the EPA-State Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing Coordinator; produce an annual report of toxicity testing results as required by EPA; serve as the liaison between the EPA and the Division of Water in discussions about inclusion of toxicity testing in permits, requirements for permit limits rather than action levels, calculation of reasonable potential determinations, and development and oversight of studies to produce toxicity identification and reduction evaluations as a means to finding sources and eliminating toxicity in permitted discharges.
-Work with permit writers, compliance staff and monitoring and assessment staff to interpret findings of WET tests from facilities and surface waters, advise permit writers when WET testing is being added to new or modified permits, and train permit staff in uses of WET testing.
-Complete the design of, and conduct research currently funded by EPA to correlate the presence and concentrations of pollutants in sediments and macroinvertebrate tissues with the results of Microtox® bioassays, as a means of determining the specific groups of contaminants contributing to toxicity seen in these tests. Produce a report and/or peer-reviewed journal article of the research results and present them at meetings, if appropriate.
- Work with other research scientists in the Bureau of Water Assessment and Management in developing toxicity information to be used in the establishment of water quality standards for protection of aquatic life.
Additional Comments Must have valid driver's license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Travel, and overnight travel may be required. Weekends and holidays may be required. Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.