Position Information

NY HELPNo

AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of

TitleResearch Scientist 3 (Biology)

Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences

Salary Grade25

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

Salary RangeFrom $93530 to $117875 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class

Travel Percentage 10%

Schedule

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 8 AM

To 4 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? Yes

Location

County Albany

Street Address Wildlife Resources Center

City Delmar

StateNY

Zip Code12054

Job Specifics

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and four years of professional experience in an appropriate scientific field (e.g., biology, zoology, veterinary science, and/or wildlife pathology or wildlife toxicology). Training and experience solely related to human or domestic animal pathology is not in itself qualifying but can be used to supplement wildlife pathology or wildlife toxicology training and experience.
**Substitutions: master’s degree in an appropriate field (e.g., biology, zoology, veterinary science, and/or wildlife pathology or wildlife toxicology) may substitute for one year of
experience, and Ph.D. in an appropriate field may substitute for an additional year of experience.

This is a supervisory position, and documented training and experience in basic management and supervision is expected. Additionally, regular travel between the WRC and regional offices and the AHDC is expected, and a driver’s license is required.

Preferred qualifications: The candidate should have a strong knowledge of wildlife diseases, wildlife anatomy and physiology, wildlife necropsy, and wildlife forensics, including understanding of toxicological impacts on wildlife species. In addition, the candidate should have knowledge of standard methods for the preparation and preservation of biological tissues for diagnostic testing, knowledge of laboratory quality assurance and quality control practices, knowledge of laboratory safety practices and procedures, and knowledge of field biology data collection.

Candidates are expected to have computer skills to include word processing and spreadsheets and should be a capable public speaker. Candidates should also have experience with scientific research design and data collection and the ability to function as a member of a research team including identifying new research needs and appropriate methods of investigation, directing and reviewing the work of others, and contributing to scientific publications. The candidate should also be able to use scientific data to make defensible recommendations and decisions to minimize disease risk and address disease presence.

Duties Description Program (WHP) and lead One Health initiatives with multi-sector partners from the wildlife, human, domestic, and environmental health fields. The mission of the WHP is to identify, monitor, and research infectious and non?infectious diseases in wildlife populations, put that information to use in making sound management decisions, and be prepared to intervene where necessary to ensure that New York has sustainable, robust, and diverse wildlife populations for the future in support of state and national efforts to better address the relationships between human, environmental and wildlife health and the wellbeing of the public. Coordination of the WHP and further development of the One Health initiative will provide an enhanced multi-pronged strategy to mitigate threats and integrate the interface of human, environmental and animal linkages using wildlife disease surveillance, research, policy support, staff training, and public outreach.

The WHP is a partnership between DEC and the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine’s Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory (AHDC) and the incumbent will function as a member of a research team performing different phases of the research process, including collaboration on publishable work products based on interpretation and evaluation of results. The incumbent will serve as a lead point of contact with academic researchers and other state or national agencies doing relevant work in the One Health arena and will coordinate DEC’s development of a One Health Environmental Research Laboratory and Training Center. New or updated research and training facilities will enable DEC and partners to fully integrate a One Health model, increase coordination of resources, and enhance surveillance and response capabilities critical for public health, wildlife health, and domestic animal health. The incumbent will represent DEC and NY, serving as the principal source of information working with state (e.g., AGM, DOH, SUNY, Cornell), regional (e.g., Northeast Wildlife Disease Cooperative, Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies), and national (e.g., USDA, USGS National Wildlife Health Center) partners on wildlife health policy, planning, and research.

The incumbent will oversee DEC’s Wildlife Resource Center (WRC), supervising research scientists and other technical staff responsible for forensic pathology, examining, diagnosing, and monitoring the causes of sickness and death in New York State's amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, and conducting wildlife health-related research.

- Wildlife Disease Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Response: Oversee, coordinate, and serve as a principle point of contact for all wildlife health related research. Incumbent will coordinate and lead a team of WHP staff and partners at the Cornell AHDC to identify objectives for wildlife health research, and to compile, analyze, and publish wildlife disease data for lay and professional audiences. This will include development of new, cutting edge One Health research initiatives in collaboration with partners such as AGM, DOH, WHO, AFWA, USGS, CDC and other Agencies, universities, and organizations for wildlife related components of larger scale studies led by these entities. This also includes supervision of research scientists and other technical staff in the WHP who are contributing this work. Publish findings via professional and lay publications, and present findings in public forums and at professional meetings.

Responsible to oversee surveillance, case management and reporting, develop and implement disease sampling protocols, and maintain broader collaboration with state, regional, and national efforts. Coordinate various wildlife health training including Chemical immobilization (5-year cycle), staff wildlife disease response (3-year cycle), and provide similar training to sister Divisions/agencies as needed. Work with partners at the Cornell AHDC to develop surveillance and response plans and information and outreach materials related to wildlife diseases and work with Agency communications staff to release timely information about wildlife diseases/pathogens of public concern. (45%)

- Development of a One Health laboratory, research and training center: Coordinate DEC’s planning effort for a One Health Environmental Research Laboratory and Training Center. Work across DEC’s fish and wildlife health related programs (i.e., wildlife health, fish disease, ecotoxicology) and with partner divisions (Air, Water, Lands and Forests, Environmental Remediation), agencies and organizations (AGM, DOH, AHDC) to identify shared needs and opportunities. Act as DEC lead point of contact for state agencies (e.g., OGS, DASNY) and a laboratory design consulting firm, and mediate the assessment of several potential development pathways including (1) construction of a new state-of-the-art multidisciplinary, multi-agency research and training facility; (2) construction of state-of-the-art facility to house DEC-related labs and provide infrastructure updates to other existing AGM and DOH lab facilities; or (3) renovation and infrastructure upgrade of existing laboratory facilities. Once a pathway is identified, work with DEC and state partners to implement and complete construction/renovation. (20%)

- Policy Support: Advise DEC and provide policy support on emerging wildlife diseases of interest (RHVD, CWD, HPAI, etc.) and provide input to the agency and state and non-government partners on matters relating to disease research, surveillance, wildlife handling protocols, wildlife rehabilitation standards, and related employee safety measures in place, needing revision, or development. Act as DEC lead and primary point of contact on wildlife health-related planning and policy guidance for regional and national initiatives. (15%)

- Administration of Wildlife Health Program (WHP): Supervise and oversee development of grants, contracts, agreements, budgets, and associated reporting necessary to ensure wildlife health research and monitoring activities occur. This includes maintaining the partnership with the Cornell AHDC and relationships with NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) and NYS Dept. of Health (DOH), and contract, grant, and budgeting work associated with the One Health Initiative and associated lab renovations or construction. (10%)

- Oversee the Wildlife Health Lab and the Wildlife Resources Center (WRC): Oversee the WRC facility and supervise research scientists and other technical staff in the WHP staff stationed at the WRC. This includes oversight of lab safety and productivity, and adequacy of lab supplies, equipment, and other resources. As the WRC also houses other DEC divisions, coordinate allocation of workspaces, storage spaces, and other resources among intra-agency partners. Supervise wildlife health staff by developing and updating performance programs, conducting annual evaluations, and providing opportunities for professional development and mentoring. Ensure staff comply with the administrative standards and procedures required of all agency personnel, including but not limited to agency time/activity policies, timely completion of timecards and expense accounts, and completion of required training. (10%)

Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Use of personal protection equipment, including a respirator, will be required. Travel may be required. Weekends and holidays may be required. Must be able to lift and move objects up to 40 pounds. 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.

DEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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

Contact Information

Name Karen Price

Telephone 518-402-9273

Fax 518-402-9038

Email Address PostingResponses@dec.ny.gov

Address

Street 625 Broadway

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12233

 

Notes on ApplyingPlease email or mail your resume to the above address. Be sure to include Vacancy#24-168890 on your resume and application or it may not be accepted.