New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description Program Overview

The Monitoring and Assessment Section (MAS) of the Bureau of Water Assessment and Management (BWAM) is responsible for monitoring, assessing, and researching streams, lakes, and groundwater of New York State (NYS). Under several statewide programs, including both professional and citizen-based programs, MAS implements targeted-, probability-, and trend-based sampling designs for monitoring the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of NYS waters, and conducts applied research to advance understanding and protection of these resources.

Duties/Responsibilities

The Research Scientist 1, BWAM, will support MAS programs and applied research efforts to develop water quality monitoring and assessment tools and support the collection, analysis, and interpretation of water quality data from streams and rivers across NYS. The candidate will be responsible for participating in and assisting with coordination of Rotating Integrated Basin Studies (RIBS) stream and river ambient monitoring program, conducting and coordinating rapid assessment surveys (RAS), and participating in Routine River Network sampling. The candidate will also be responsible for providing general support to MAS and BWAM programs and priorities.

Under the technical and administrative supervision of the supervisor and section chief, the successful candidate will be responsible for:

Applied Research and Data Analysis (50%)

• Conducting research, literature reviews, data collection and analysis, and interpretation of water quality data across New York State. Assisting with study design and research to develop tools for physical, chemical, and biological assessment in streams and rivers.
• Developing watershed automated reporting to aid in communication of water quality data to management and the public.
• With other scientists, developing peer-reviewed literature or other means of publication by summarizing findings and assigned projects from the MAS programs, special studies, and existing data sources. Presenting findings at professional conferences and to peers, supervisors, higher level staff, and to the public.
• Assisting with tracking and coordinating research projects across the Division of Water.

Program Coordination and Support (50%)

• Preparing and sampling as part of the RIBS ambient monitoring programs including collecting ambient water quality samples from streams and rivers, biological monitoring, and recording observational environmental data.
• Coordinating and scheduling of stream sampling season, including developing sampling calendars, assigning staff to sampling surveys, coordination of vehicle and boat availability, and ordering and tracking laboratory and field sampling equipment.
• Developing and updating quality assurance documents related to water quality monitoring, assessment, and data management.
• Participating in field preparation and sampling to support applied research efforts of MAS.

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills; comfortable with public speaking.
• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with study design, collecting, analyzing, and interpreting chemical, physical, and biological environmental data.
• Understanding of State and Federal regulations and water quality standards.
• Knowledge and understanding of stream ecology, aquatic ecology, aquatic macroinvertebrates, or water resource management.
• Experience developing instruction manuals, standard operating procedures, and quality assurance plans.
• Experience with data analysis (R – statistical computing environment), GIS, and database management.
• Experience with field sampling.
• Experience operating and trailering watercraft.

The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications Candidates for this position must have a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental sciences, environmental policy, environmental management, environmental biology, biology, environmental chemistry, limnology, or a related natural resources field, and two years of professional research experience in the appropriate field.

Substitution options: A Master’s Degree in an appropriate field described above may substitute for one year of experience, and Ph.D. in an appropriate field described above may substitute for an additional year of experience.

Additional Comments

Must have a valid driver license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Travel, primarily throughout New York State, but occasionally out of state and overnight travel will be required. Ability to carry 30 pounds of gear for short distances across uneven terrain.

Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.

Travel may be required.

Overtime may be required.

Overnight travel may be required.

Must be able to lift and move objects up to 30 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.