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Agency: Environmental Conservation, Department of
Title: Research Scientist 3 (Water Pollution)
Occupational Category: I.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining Unit: PS&T – Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary Range: From $93530 to $117875 Annually
Jurisdictional Class: Non-competitive Class
Workweek: Mon-Fri
Minimum QualificationsMinimum Qualifications: Non-Competitive: Bachelor’s degree and four years of professional research experience in the field of water pollution. Substitutions: master’s degree in the field of water pollution may substitute for one year of experience, and Ph.D. in the field of water pollution may substitute for an additional year of experience.
Duties DescriptionOverview: The Research Scientist 3 (RS 3) will oversee the research agenda and perform independent original research for the Division. The RS 3 will be responsible for activities included in all phases of research, including regularly assessing research needs, problem exploration, definition, and formulation; planning research approaches and step sequences; conducting studies, including collection and processing of data; interpreting findings, involving classification, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of data; and reporting findings. Projects are expected to result in publishable work products in professional papers, journals, or reports, based on interpretation and evaluation of results. Research findings will be presented to Division staff as well as stakeholders outside of the Agency, where appropriate.
Preferred Experience: Demonstrated experience evaluating sediment data that may be applicable in developing remedial programs, experience applying scientifically defensible methods for determining data needs and for obtaining and evaluating such data, performing complex statistical analyses, writing grants or grant applications, managing funds to complete research, and conducting in-house training.
While working in DER, the RS 3 will spend approximately 80% of their time on research, 15% of their time on routine tasks, and 5% of their time on supervision.
The RS 3 will serve as a principal source of information for their own research pertaining to hazardous waste site clean-up and emerging contaminants in the soil, surface water, and groundwater.
The Research Scientist 3 (Water Pollution) will work within the Division of Environmental Remediation in Bureau D and perform the following:
• Regularly assess research needs of the Division pertaining to hazardous waste site clean-up including work on Hudson River polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) NPL Site, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) sites, and other emerging contaminants.
• Provide technical assistance to DER project managers as needed in the field of PCBs and investigation and remedial action of sediment sites through the “project review” process and informal interactions to provide recommendations to project managers. Conduct in-house training for DEC/DER staff covering topics related to PCBs and sediment sites issues.
• Plan all phases of a research project that aid the Division in gaining a better understanding of areas that are not well known. Examples could include PFAS plume tracking, PFAS fingerprinting, and sources for PFAS detections in soil and groundwater. Research projects will be implemented independently, and research outputs would be in the form of publishable work in professional papers, journals, or reports. Research findings will be presented to DER staff as well as interested parties outside of the Agency, where appropriate.
• The Research Scientist 3 will oversee the entire DER research agenda which includes managing contracts, establishing MOUs with public research institutions, and securing funds for such.
• The successful candidate will have experience in conducting research related to emerging contaminants with specific expertise in the presence and distribution of PFAS and 1,4-dioxane in soil, surface water, and groundwater.
• Provide technical assistance to Division project managers as needed.
• Supervise lower-level geology/engineering staff and may supervise lower-level research scientists.
Additional CommentsMust 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. Overnight travel may be required. Must successfully complete (or have completed) the 40-hour OSHA 1910.120 training course and all other required training. Must complete an annual Health and Safety Program including medical monitoring, fit testing, and 40 (or 8) hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification. Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.
Actual work schedule, duties and travel requirements may vary and will be discussed at the 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.
