Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleResearch Scientist 2 (Aquatic Biology)
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $79928 to $101197 Annually
Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in biological science, fisheries, wildlife, or related field and three years of professional research experience in fisheries science.
**master’s degree in an appropriate field may substitute for one year of experience, and Ph.D. in an appropriate field may substitute for an additional year of experience.
Desired Qualifications
1. Experience conducting independent and collaborative research projects on Great Lakes fisheries for a natural resource management agency.
2. Extensive knowledge on salmonine biology and salmonine fisheries in the Laurentian Great Lakes.
3. Three years or more of conducting citizen science projects to support fisheries research.
4. Experience using a variety of fisheries field sampling techniques, including bottom trawls, gill nets, electrofishing, and hydroacoustic gear, with experience on large research vessels being especially desirable.
5. Capable of managing, assimilating, and manipulating large, complex, and often disparate datasets into meaningful information, including experience with data extractions and quality control.
6. Experience using R Studio to conduct statistical analyses including, logistic regression, multiple regression, analysis of variance, and discriminate analysis.
7. Ability to develop and apply a variety of quantitative models to estimate and predict salmonine population dynamics.
8. Experience presenting fisheries research results to academic and public audiences.
9. Ability to convert complex science data into meaningful information for constituent consumption.
10. Strong interpersonal skills for fostering and maintaining strong working relationships with both partner agencies, academic institutions, and stakeholder groups.
Requirements
This position requires:
1. Frequent in-state and out of state travel, often including overnight stays.
2. New York State driver’s license.
3. Must be willing and able to work and live onboard a 47’ research vessel for up to two weeks at time, often during prolonged periods of high seas and inclement weather.
Duties Description The Lake Ontario Unit (LOU) delivers a comprehensive, complex fisheries and ecosystem research and assessment program that is conducted in accordance with the governance structure of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission’s (GLFC) Strategic Plan for the Management of Great Lakes Fisheries. The successful execution of the Unit’s program is highly dependent upon research planning and execution, which includes quantitative survey design, data analysis and reporting. Work is conducted independently and collaboratively with Regional Fisheries Units, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), academia and other conservation partners. Research and assessment programs managed by the LOU are often lake-wide in nature, including Canadian waters. The Research Scientist 2 will report directly to the Lake Ontario Unit Leader and will supervise seasonal staff in the Fish and Wildlife Technician series.
The specific responsibilities of the Research Scientist 2 in the Lake Ontario Unit and the anticipated percent of time for are as follows. With considerable independence but under the technical and administrative supervision of the Lake Ontario Unit Leader:
1. 30% of time: Work independently to design and implement an applied research program for Lake Ontario fisheries and ecosystem science in cooperation with NYSDEC Regions 6-9, USGS, OMNRF, USFWS, and academic partners. Duties include:
a. literature reviews,
b. research plan development and implementation,
c. field and lab data collection,
d. quantitative survey design.
e. complex data analysis and interpretation,
f. report writing, and
g. publishing research studies in peer reviewed journals.
2. 40% of time: Work independently to conduct research projects to support management of the salmon and trout fishery in Lake Ontario. The Research Scientist 2 may be directed by the Lake Ontario Unit Leader on specific research topics, which may include but are not limited to studies and experiments assessing the:
a. sport fishing quality in the open lake and tributary fisheries;
b. natural reproduction as it contributes to the Chinook Salmon, Atlantic Salmon, Lake Trout, Steelhead, Brown Trout and Coho Salmon fishery;
c. survival of stocked fish and evaluation of stocking strategies;
d. movement of fish using traditional tagging and acoustic telemetry;
e. quality of spawning and rearing habitat and the evaluation of habitat enhancement projects that support Atlantic Salmon restoration.
f. Develop and evaluate a new cost-effective and statistically robust approach to collect fishery-dependent data for measuring to assess management actions and fishing quality.
g. Conduct long-term research projects assessing the impacts of Climate Change on Lake Ontario Fisheries.
h. Develop and maintain relationships with Lake Ontario anglers to support citizen science initiatives.
3. 10% of time: Independently develop presentations and present Lake Ontario fisheries research at professional conferences, Great Lakes Fishery Commission meetings, DEC public meetings, meetings with angling organizations, and to DEC’s Lake Ontario Fisheries Advisory Panel.
4. 15% of time: At the direction of the Lake Ontario Unit Leader:
a. Assist Lake Ontario Unit biologists and with ongoing studies on the long-term sustainability of Lake Ontario Smallmouth Bass and Walleye fisheries.
b. Provide expert scientific advice for decision making to the Lake Ontario Unit Leader, the Chief of Fisheries, DEC Lake Ontario Policy Committee, and the GLFC Lake Ontario Committee.
c. Participate in assigned Lake Ontario Unit activities, including evaluating fisheries management strategies, regulations, and assessment activities.
5. 5% of time: Work independently to represent NYSDEC as the co-Chair of the GLFC Lake Ontario Technical Committee.
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.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Weekends and holidays may be required.
Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 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.