Research Scientist 2 (Water Pollution)

Program Overview
Duties Description
The core mission of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Division of Water (DOW) is to protect and conserve the water resources of New York State. To realize protection and conservation objectives, DOW administers several Water Protection Grant Programs, including the Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program, Non- Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and MS4 Mapping Grant (NPG), and the 604(b) Water Quality Planning Grant. DOW is responsible for developing materials to solicit applications, evaluate, and select projects for award that align with Division priorities and support the goals of the national Clean Water Act. These programs are supported through annual State and Federal appropriations, including recent investments from the State’s Clean Water Infrastructure Act (CWIA), Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act (Bond Act).
Duties/Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Section Chief, assist in the oversight and implementation of the planning, development, and implementation of water quality improvement grant programs that will fund projects to reduce pollutant loading to protect and/or restore water quality, increase climate resiliency and mitigate flooding. As water resource scientists with knowledge of various programs within DOW including water quality monitoring, climate change, and watershed management and implementation, incumbents will conduct and manage research, author guidance documents, and provide technical advice and consultation on programs and issues to program staff, agency officials, special interest groups and the general public.
Research and Data Analysis (70%)

• Under the technical supervision of the Section Chief, conduct directly, and assist with,research in all phases of the process including problem definition, planning, execution,analysis, interpretation, and reporting of findings to inform grant funding priorities.
• Researching road salt reduction best management practices, coordinating the technical content for the “Don’t Be Salty” campaign, implementing findings into funding opportunities to improve water quality and limit road salt contamination of surface and groundwater, identifying trends in funding to inform equitable distribution of State funding through competitive grants, and researching and developing winter road maintenance planning strategies in coordination with the Department of Transportation.
• Contribute to the annual required reporting on the status of the Adirondack Road Salt

Reduction Task Force. The research of the incumbents is necessary to understand variability in statewide road salt impacts and to inform and direct water quality management strategies, including modifying funding opportunities and developing protective water quality standards.

• In coordination with other scientists, conduct research, data analysis, and interpretation of water quality and environmental data 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 conduct a retrospective review of directed funding efforts with shifting Division priorities.
• Conduct research, data analysis and interpretation of statewide datasets; assist higher-level scientists in the research process; provide training and technical support to other professional staff; coordinate with interagency collaborators; and contribute to the Division’s research program.

Grant Program Administration (30%)

• Assist with the coordination and administration of the: WQIP program to fund projects that directly improve water quality or aquatic habitat, promote flood risk reduction,restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source; NPG program to fund planning reports for nonpoint source water quality improvement projects and mapping of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems(MS4s); and 604(b) Water Quality Planning Grant to fund regional comprehensive water quality management planning activities.
• Work with senior program staff to develop requests for grant applications,conduct grant application reviews, evaluations, and selections, support award announcements and development of contracts, track project completion and document success stories, and conduct outreach and communication with applicants and awardees at various stages of grant procurement.
• With other grant program staff, maintain integrity of data collected throughout grant processes (e.g., application, review, and scoring), complete annual data upload to databases, and identify and execute improvements to data storage and reporting requests.
• Communicate with the members of the public, State and Federal organizations,and internal DEC Divisions about updates to the grants programs in various settings, such as meetings, conferences, presentations, and/or formal consultations.
• Supervise various staff including entry level positions and interns including the development of performance plans, and associated reviews; review and approval of time sheets and expense reports; development and completion of program specific training for new staff.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in environmental sciences, environmental management, environmental biology, biology, or a related field, and three years of professional research experience in the appropriate field; OR Master’s Degree in environmental sciences, environmental management, environmental biology, biology, or a related field may substitute for one year of experience; OR Doctorate in environmental sciences, environmental management, environmental biology, biology or a related field may substitute for an additional year of experience.
Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Experience in, and understanding of, water pollution and other environmental issues impacting water quality.
• Experience in competitive and noncompetitive grant programs.
• Familiarity with State and Federal water quality protection programs.
• Experience with data management, analysis, reporting, prioritizing, quality control,and quality assurance.
• Knowledge of New York State regulatory programs as they relate to water quality monitoring, impaired waters, water quality standards, impacts to waterbody uses and SPDES permit programs.
• Proficiency working with GIS, statistical computing software (R, RStudio),database management and design, and in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook,PowerPoint and Access.
• Experience working effectively in large group settings and venues including public presentation.
• Clear communication and public speaking skills, and demonstrated ability to

address controversial topics in a public setting.

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

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.
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.
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).