Agency Environmental Conservation, Department of

　　Title Research Scientist 3 (Water Pollution)

　　Occupational Category I.T. Engineering, Sciences

　　Salary Grade 25

　　Bargaining Unit PS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)

　　Salary Range From $90806 to $114444 Annually

　　Employment Type Full-Time

　　Appointment Type Contingent Permanent

　　Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class

　　Travel Percentage 10%

　　Workweek Mon-Fri

　　Hours Per Week 37.5

　　Workday

　　From 8:30 AM

　　To 5 PM

　　Flextime allowed? No

　　Mandatory overtime? No

　　Compressed workweek allowed? No

　　Telecommuting allowed? Yes

　　County Albany

　　Street Address 625 Broadway

　　City Albany

　　State NY

　　Zip Code 12233

　　Minimum Qualifications Qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree in environmental sciences, environmental policy, environmental management, environmental biology, biology, environmental chemistry or a related natural resources field and four years of professional experience in a field relevant to water pollution control including Environmental Science or other related Natural Sciences; OR a Master's Degree and three years of such experience in a field relevant to water pollution control including Environmental Science or other related Natural Sciences; or a Ph.D. and two years of such experience in a field relevant to water pollution control including Environmental Science or other related Natural Sciences.

　　Duties Description Program OverviewThe Bureau of Water Assessment and Management (BWAM) works to protect and conserve the water resources of New York State, implement water quality monitoring and analysis, research and develop water quality standards, and coordinate water quality improvement implementation and management funding opportunities in relation to climate change, and other emerging environmental issues. Through the Assessment and Listing program, the Bureau works with stakeholders and partners to solicit and evaluate water quality data, conduct assessments of all waterbody segments, and report the quality of those waters to the public and the Environmental Protection Agency.Duties/ResponsibilitiesThe Research Scientist 3, Water Assessment Implementation Section, BWAM will work independently, with minimal supervision by senior research staff, to oversee and lead updating standardized protocols and researching and developing new spatial, temporal, representativeness, accuracy, and precision criteria for the Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology; maintain the automated assessment and interpretative factsheet scripting packages; update the Waterbody Inventory/Priority Waterbodies List (WI/PWL) to produce New York State's biennial Clean Water Act Section 305(b) Water Quality Report, and Section 303(d) List of Impaired Waters; conduct research, data analysis and interpretation of statewide environmental data in conjunction with the Department’s water quality monitoring programs and biennial data solicitation; supervise lower-level scientists; provide training and technical support to other professional staff; and contribute to the DOW research program.This will require expertise in understanding, interpreting, and evaluating water quality data, strong familiarity with the New York regulatory framework, and excellent communication skills. It is expected that the candidate will be responsible for providing significant recommendations, based on their research, to be incorporated into existing or expanded DOW programs. Under the technical and administrative supervision of the Section Chief, the successful candidate will be responsible for:Research and Data Analysis • Conduct research, data analysis, and interpretation of water quality and environmental data to evaluate the condition of New York’s water resources for the Division’s programs. This includes research to evaluate monitoring data for data suitability and applicability within the Water Quality Assessment Program, analyze data for assessment of the Waterbody Inventory/Priority Waterbodies List (WI/PWL), and formulate conclusions based on chemical, biological and toxicity indicators within the context of sound environmental science and federal and state regulation.• Conduct research, data analysis, and interpretation of water quality and environmental data to evaluate the impact of the Water Protection Grant Programs funding on water quality in New York. This includes research to evaluate changes observed due to water quality protection and improvement planning and implementation efforts, to investigate impacts within environmental justice communities and disadvantaged communities with increased vulnerability to climate change stressors, as well as a retrospective review and prospective evaluation of directed funding efforts with shifting Division and Agency priorities.• Conduct data analysis, and interpretation of water quality and environmental data to develop and establish standardized methodologies for evaluating water quality standards and guidance values for the Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology (CALM). This includes research to establish and maintain measures of data completeness, spatial and temporal representativeness, accuracy, and precision for consistency within the Water Quality Assessment Program.• Conduct research and reviews to assist in the development of physical, chemical, and biological criteria for water quality standards, in relation to how such indicators impact designated waterbody uses. • Conduct research, data analysis, and interpretation of water quality and environmental data to advance environmental justice and disadvantaged communities in the context of water quality assessment, listing, and reporting.• Conduct the automation of assessment and reporting workflows. Assist in the execution of automated assessment scripting (R, RStudio), preparation of public assessment factsheets, and preparation of submission of Clean Water Act reporting requirements through automated tools (Section 303(d) and Section 305(b)). • Keep abreast of policy developments and technical literature in the following areas to inform DOW's research planning: nutrients, pathogens, climate change, HABs, environmental justice, emerging contaminants. • Prepare technical reports and manuscripts on research findings for peer-reviewed journals and actively participate in professional workshops and conferences. Program Management • Provide supervisory direction, including program reviews and work planning, to lower-level Research Scientists • Oversee staff activities to ensure they are aligned with division program goals and that work products are accurate and timely. • Coordinate and manage data generated and/or collected within the Water Quality Assessment Program, the Water Protection Grant Programs, and other NYSDEC Divisions that collect physical, chemical, and biological water quality data. Work with external data partners to solicit data for consideration during the biennial assessment and listing solicitation period.• Oversee the development of technical reports, summaries, informational and other materials by lower-level staff. • Conduct literature reviews, review new and established techniques and approaches, and advise senior research staff on the interpretation of the results and findings for the development of research plans. • Assist in the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures, Quality Assurance Management Plans and Quality Assurance Project Plans. Coordination • Represent the Department at professional meetings and coordinate with local, state, and federal partners to exchange information and expand the understanding of the Department's programs. • Represent the Agency and participate in public meetings and stakeholder activities to convey technical expertise on related projects. On behalf of NYSDEC, attend meetings of partner organizations and agencies to build relationships, distribute and coordinate a scientific and technical dialogue on the physical, chemical, and biological integrity New York State’s waterbodies. • Collaborate closely with other DEC research scientists and engineers on water quality issues and projects including but not limited to: Harmful Algal Blooms, emerging contaminants, climate change, grant funding programs, watershed planning, and permitting programs. • Prepare reports, presentations, and factsheets with an emphasis on clear communication of the technical aspects of environmental issues in communications with stakeholders. Preferred Additional Qualifications• Excellent interpersonal communication skills; strong writing and verbal communication skills and have experience and comfort in public speaking. • Experience in, and understanding of, water pollution, environmental issues, the measurement of water quality, and indicators of water use impairment.• Experience interpreting, and understanding of, water quality standards and waterbody classifications.• Experience with collecting and working with chemical, biochemical, ecological, biological, and geospatial data within the context of water quality.• Demonstrated proficiency with information and data management, analysis, reporting, prioritizing, quality control, and quality assurance.• Experience in the preparation of New York State technical rulemaking documents for water quality standards and waterbody (re)classifications.• Demonstrated proficiency of New York State regulations and Clean Water Act as they relate to environmental data collection, assessment of waters, clean water planning, nonpoint source pollution, rulemaking procedures, and permitting programs.• Strong familiarity with GIS, statistical computing software (R, RStudio), database management and design, Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access.• Proficiency developing, maintaining, and sharing publicly available datasets and information on the following platforms: NYS Open Data, NYSDEC Info Locator, NYSDEC Environmental Resource Mapper, EPA Assessment and Total Maximum Daily Load Tracking and Implementation System, and EPA How’s My Waterway. • Experience working effectively in large group settings and venues including public presentation.• Strong familiarity with State and Federal Water Quality Standards and protection programs.

　　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. Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.

　　Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

　　Name Natalie Joseph

　　Telephone 518-402-9273

　　Fax 518-402-9038

　　Email Address [email protected]

　　Address

　　Street 625 Broadway

　　Personnel, 10th Floor

　　City Albany

　　State NY

　　Zip Code 12233

　　Notes on Applying Please email or mail your resume to the above address. Be sure to include Posting #24-148880 on your resume and application or it may not be accepted.