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. MAS manages and reviews incoming data generated by the section, along with a large historic dataset, to ensure data quality and integrity, inform water resource management, provide data publicly, and conduct applied research and advance understanding and protection of water resources.
Duties/Responsibilities
The Research Scientist 2, BWAM, will be supporting MAS programs and research efforts, functioning with considerable independence under supervision of the section chief and supervisors, to research statewide stream biological and water quality, develop monitoring and assessment tools, and to oversee the collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of water quality and biological data from the Routine River Network. The Research Scientist 2 will also act as the liaison between MAS and other water.
Under the technical and administrative supervision of the Section Chief and supervisor, the successful candidate will:
Applied Research and Data Analysis (50%)
•Conduct research, data analysis, and interpretation of water quality and environmental data withemphasis on flowing water and long-term trend analyses of the Routine River Network.
•Conduct research on statewide and ecoregional chloride and total dissolved solids trends,protection of best uses and management strategies, and development of chloride thresholdsprotective of sensitive areas of the state.
•Evaluate and contribute to the understanding links between chloride and Harmful Algal Blooms.
•Develop monitoring and modeling methods to support watershed planning.
•Develop special studies to answer specific water quality questions and address data needs.
•Develop and revise standard operating procedures and program quality assurance effortsincluding but not limited to development of quality assurance project plans and data usabilityassessment reports.
•Participate in field efforts to support monitoring and applied research in MAS.
•Develop automated processes for efficient, reproducible, and informative reporting of long-term,Routine River Network data.
•Assist higher level research scientists in conducting research.
•Present findings at professional conferences and to peers, supervisors, higher level staff, and tothe public.
Program Management and Coordination (50%)
•Contribute to annual chloride reporting efforts in BWAM.
•Coordinate with regional staff to implement the Routine Rivers Network.
•Conduct staff training and perform sample collection audits annually ensure data quality assurance.
•Coordinate with other Bureau and Division staff on monitoring needs, special studies, and use ofMAS data.
•Manage MAS vehicles to ensure they are properly maintained, well-equipped, and ready for fieldwork.
•Oversight and supervision of interns and technicians.
•As needed, represent the Department at professional meetings and in a public setting.
Minimum Qualifications
Qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree and three years of professional experience in environmental sciences, environmental policy, environmental management, environmental biology, biology, environmental chemistry, limnology, or a related natural resources 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’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, 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.
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.
