Research Scientist 1 (Water Pollution)

at  Environmental Conservation Department of

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; a Master’s Degree in environmental sciences, environmental policy, environmental management, environmental biology, biology, environmental chemistry, limnology, or a related natural resources field, and one year of experience; OR a Doctorate in environmental sciences, environmental policy, environmental management, environmental biology, biology, environmental chemistry, limnology, or a related natural resources field, and one year of experience.

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. MAS implements target, probability, and trend sampling design strategies for monitoring the chemical, physical, and biological integrity and conducts applied research to advance understanding and protection of New York State (NYS) waters.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Under the general guidance of supervisors, the Research Scientist 1, BWAM, will support MAS programs and applied research efforts to develop water quality monitoring and assessment tools and the collection, analysis, and interpretation of water quality data from streams, lakes, and groundwater-wells across NYS. The candidate will be responsible for providing general support to MAS and BWAM staff for the development and maintenance of data management and analytical workflows and tools.
The candidate will also be responsible for providing support to the groundwater program. The candidate is expected to conduct and assist with research and provide expert advice on monitoring design and recommendations for parameters to monitor.
Under the technical and administrative supervision of the supervisor, the successful candidate will be responsible for:

Applied Research and Data Analysis (50%)

• Under the guidance of supervisors, conducting research, literature review, data collection and analysis, and interpretation of water quality data across New York State to evaluate overall ecosystem condition. Assist with study design and research to develop tools for physical, chemical, and biological assessment in streams and rivers, assist in developing water quality standards and guidance values, understand emerging threats to water quality such as emerging contaminants and harmful algal blooms.
• With senior staff and USGS collaborators, evaluating temporal and spatial trends in the historic statewide groundwater dataset, identifying water quality standard excursions, and providing a technical review of the groundwater program design and providing recommendations for program redesign, implementation, and reporting.
• 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. Present findings at professional conferences and to peers, supervisors, higher level staff, and to the public.

Program Coordination and Support (50%)

• Under the guidance of supervisors, assisting in maintaining and updating data management workflows for environmental observation data, GIS data, regulatory assessment data, and program fiscal data.
• Under the guidance of supervisors, assisting in the development and maintenance of analytical tools and summary reports to aid in internal management decision making and communicating information to the public.
• 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 efforts of MAS.