Research Scientist 3 (Water Pollution)

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Review Vacancy

Date Posted 07/22/25

Applications Due08/06/25

Vacancy ID192826

• Basics
• Schedule
• Location
• Job Specifics
• How to Apply

NY HELPNo

AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of

TitleResearch Scientist 3 (Water Pollution)

Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences

Salary Grade25

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

Salary RangeFrom $96336 to $121413 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 4:30 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? Yes

County Onondaga

Street Address 5786 Widewaters Parkway

City Syracuse

StateNY

Zip Code13214

Duties Description Program Overview

The Division of Water (DOW) Bureau of Water Resource Management (BWRM) works to protect, manage, and conserve New York State's groundwater and surface water supply sources, develop management strategies to enhance and protect these waters, and protect both the groundwater and surface water quality of New York's major watersheds. BWRM's watershed programs, permit programs, and nonpoint source program support development of clean water plans and permits to help improve water quality, identify potential funding, and conduct research to protect and restore water quality in relation to climate change, source sectors, and other emerging environmental issues.

Development of clean water plans, watershed program implementation, coordination with local, state and federal partners is fundamental to restoring and protecting New York's water resources. The Watershed Research, Implementation and Planning Section (WRIPS) provides research and policy development on emerging issues that impact NY's watershed programs, TMDL program, Nine Element Plans, and compliance with Clean Water Act 303d and 604b requirements, including, climate change, emerging contaminants, HABs, numeric nutrient criteria and environmental justice and disadvantaged community policies.

Duties/Responsibilities:

The Research Scientist 3, WRIPS, Bureau of Water Resource Management will work independently, with minimal supervision by senior research staff, to: identify and define research problems; develop plans to execute research, analyze, interpret and report findings that will support and enhance clean water plan development and implementation, understanding of NYS watershed water quality (primarily Allegany, Finger Lakes, Great Lakes watersheds); work with DEC monitoring programs and other DOW programs; and coordinate with state, federal and local partners, and develop studies that will contribute to the DOW research program.

This will require expertise in understanding and evaluating water quality data, experience with watershed and in-waterbody modeling, familiarity with the New York regulatory framework and strong 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 and the Bureau Director, the candidate will be responsible for the following activities:

The successful candidate is expected to exhibit professionalism through a consistent commitment to the development and maintenance of excellent work relationships with others, including other DEC Bureaus, Regional staff, other watershed programs, staff from other environmental agencies, and the public.

Successful candidates must be able to work well independently, in a team environment and with others; successfully manage multiple concurrent projects, have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills; possess excellent analytical and organizational skills; be detail orientated and produce an accurate and timely work product; be able to handle multiple competing priorities; analyze data and identify/resolve problems.

It is expected that the candidate will provide significant recommendations, based on their research, to supervising staff for incorporation into existing or expanded DOW programs.

60%: Applied Research and Data Analysis

• Lead and perform independent research to develop methods, analyze water quality data, review and interpret scientific literature and technical information to support implementation of the Division of Water's total maximum daily load (TMDL), clean water planning and watershed programs (including, but not limited to Allegany, Finger Lakes, and Great Lakes);
• Lead developing standardized protocols and new procedures as needed to implement the TMDL program, including work with the Bureau of Water Assessment and Management's monitoring and assessment programs;
• Develop and review in-waterbody and watershed QAPP modeling documentation for TMDL and advanced restoration plan (ARP) development;
• Develop, oversee, review, analyze and interpret modeling data inputs and outputs, ensuring modeling outputs meet expected quality assurance/controls;
• Conduct research, data analysis and interpretation of statewide environmental data to implement the TMDL program;
• Conduct research, data analysis and interpretation of environmental data to incorporate issues of emerging concern into watershed program implementation;
• Assist higher level researchers and staff in carrying out the research process.

40%: Program Coordination and Support Supervision:

• Provide supervisory direction of lower-level scientists, other staff or watershed programs, including program reviews and work planning, to assigned staff in WRIPS;
• Ensure DEC and DOW administrative policies and procedures are followed, and staff work is aligned with DEC and DOW goals and that work products are accurate and timely; complete program reviews and work planning, to assigned staff in WRIPS;
• Provide training and technical support to other professional staff;
• Contribute to the DOW research program, including oversight of the development of technical reports, summaries, informational and other materials by lower-level staff

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;
• Provide technical support to watershed programs (including, but not limited to Allegany, Finger Lakes and Great Lakes);
• 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 of NY waters;
• Collaborate closely with other DEC research scientists and engineers from multiple Bureaus on water quality issues and projects, including: TMDLs, quantitative watershed plans, 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;
• Keep abreast of policy developments and technical literature in the following areas to inform DOW's research planning: climate change, HABs, environmental justice, emerging contaminants.

Minimum Qualifications Candidates for this position must have a Bachelor's Degree in environmental sciences, environmental policy, environmental management, environmental biology, biology, environmental chemistry, or a related scientific or natural resources field and four years of professional research experience in an appropriate field. Substitution: Master's degree in an appropriate field may substitute for one year of experience, and Ph.D. in an appropriate field may substitute for an additional year of experience.

Preferred Additional Qualifications:

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills; strong writing and verbal communication skills and have experience and comfort in public speaking;
• Competence in statistical analysis of large data sets using diverse statistical approaches.;
• Strong familiarity with analytical methods, statistical analysis and data evaluation, GIS, relational databases, and computer modeling;
• Strong familiarity with waterbody and watershed modeling techniques, quantitative research and data evaluation;
• Proficiency in experimental design, statistical analysis and computer programming software, such as R, R-Studio, Python, SAS, GIS-software, and/or SQL
• Demonstrated expertise in the development and management of data and information management systems and dashboards.
• Ability to work well independently, in a team environment and with others;
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and produce an accurate and timely work product;
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills; possess excellent analytical and organizational skills.

Additional Comments:

Must have a valid driver license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Travel, primarily throughout New York State, but occasionally out of state and some overnight travel will be required.

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.

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.

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

Name Natalie Joseph

Telephone ...

Fax ...

Email Address ...

Address

Street 625 Broadway

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12233

Notes on ApplyingPlease email or mail your resume to the above address. Be sure to include Vacancy#25-192826 on your resume and application or it may not be accepted.