Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleResearch Scientist 2-Water Pollution (3 Positions)
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $79928 to $101197 Annually
Minimum Qualifications Candidates for this position must have a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental sciences, environmental management, environmental biology, biology, or a related field, and three years
of professional research experience in the appropriate field; OR Master’s Degree in environmental sciences, environmental management, environmental biology, biology, or a related field, and two years of experience; OR Doctorate in environmental sciences, environmental management, environmental biology, biology or a related field and 1 year of experience.
Duties Description Duties Description
Three Research Scientist 2 positions are available within the Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Division of Water (DOW) at Central Office in Albany, NY within the Bureaus of Water Assessment and Management and Water Resource Management.
Research Scientist 2 incumbents in DOW are program supervisors with responsibility for coordinating water quality monitoring, development of water quality standards, and watershed management efforts, and advancing applied research within the Division. The incumbents will: author guidance documents
based on current state of water quality and resource management research; manage research efforts
and advance research related to water quality, emerging contaminants, and/or watershed implementation efforts; supervise lower-level research scientists or environmental program specialists; provide training and technical support to other professional staff; conduct research, data analysis and
interpretation of statewide environmental data and contribute to the DOW research program.
Under the technical and administrative supervision of the section chief, the successful candidate will:
Applied Research and Data Analysis
1) Carry out the research process, including problem definition, planning, execution, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of findings.
2) Collect, analyze, interpret, report, and present data and analytical results.
3) Conduct literature reviews to ensure DOW programs are managed according to best science and policy.
4) Assist higher level researchers and staff in carrying out the research process, including publication through guidance, reports, or professional documents.
Program Coordination and Support
1) Supervising interns, seasonals, and lower-level staff
2) Program implementation may include such duties as data management, permitting, representation of NYSDEC in meetings and to other agencies, technical assistance to partner
organizations, training, education and outreach, oversight and execution of contracts, execution
of automated scripting, and preparation of public factsheets.
Preferred Additional Qualifications
o Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills; comfortable with public speaking.
o Experience in, and understanding of, analytical chemistry in water pollution and the measurement of water quality.
o Experience with collecting, analyzing, and interpreting chemical, biochemical, ecological, biological, and geospatial data within the context of water quality.
o Experience working in an analytical laboratory setting.
o Experience with development of automated processes.
o Experience with data management, analysis, reporting, prioritizing, quality control and quality assurance.
o Proficiency working with GIS, statistical computing software (R), databases, and in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access.
o Ability to evaluate and manage large datasets and expertise in statistical and geospatial analysis of environmental data sets.
o Knowledge of New York State regulatory programs as they relate to water quality monitoring, impaired waters, watershed planning and management, water quality standards, impacts to
waterbody uses and SPDES permit programs.
o Experience with establishing and maintaining partnerships with Federal, State, and local agencies and nonprofit organizations.
o Familiarity with State and Federal Water Quality Standards and protection programs.
o Experience writing technical reports, work plans, Standard Operating Procedures and Quality Assurance Project Plans.
o Experience operating and trailering watercraft.
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain. Must be able to work in remote areas. Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions. 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.
DEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.