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 through applied research efforts to research HABs, develop water quality monitoring and assessment tools, and the collection, analysis, and interpretation of water quality data from lakes across NYS. The candidate will be responsible for assisting with the implementation of HAB Program, which coordinates statewide efforts to monitor, track, report, research, and respond to HABs. The candidate will also support implementation of the Lake Classification and Inventory (LCI) Program, NYS’s internal statewide lake water quality monitoring program. 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 to support state level water quality management efforts.
- Researching and communicating emerging issues in water quality, such as harmful algal blooms (HABs) and emerging contaminants, to ensure DOW monitoring programs incorporate best science and understanding in responding to these issues.
- Coordinating internal and external applied research efforts to improve understanding of the causes of HABs and effective implementation of short- and long-term mitigation strategies consistent with the HAB Research Guide, HAB Roadmap, and the HAB Research Grant Program priorities.
- Assisting with study design and research to develop tools for physical, chemical, and biological assessment of surface waters.
- With other scientists, developing peer-reviewed literature or other means of publication by summarizing findings 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.
Programmatic Support (50%)
- Support the HAB program and New York Harmful Algal Bloom System (NYHABS) through evaluation of HAB reports, responding to public inquiries, administration of grant funding opportunities, and contributing to research.
- Assist with activities of the LCI Program including, conducting of limnological sampling of lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, including collection of water quality samples, biological monitoring, and recording of observational environmental data.
- Assist with clean-water planning and implementation efforts, including nutrient reduction strategies as a primary strategy for HAB reduction.
- Develop and maintain online reporting tools to communicate water quality data for a broad range of users.
- Create, maintain, and update quality assurance documents related to water quality monitoring, assessment, and data management.
- Participate in field preparation and sampling to support applied research and monitoring efforts of MAS.
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.
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 of limnology, aquatic ecology, or water resource management.
- Knowledge of environmental contaminants, including but not limited to emerging contaminants and harmful algal blooms (HABs), and their behavior in the environment.
- Experience developing instruction manuals, standard operating procedures, and quality assurance plans.
- Experience with data analysis (R – statistical computing environment), GIS, SQL, Git, and database management.
- 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.
Travel may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Must be able to lift and move objects up to 30 pounds.
Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule, 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.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.
If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please email:
[email protected].
Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
