Research Scientist 3

Duties Description
The Research Scientist 3 will be responsible for developing research plans, evaluating research projects, program planning, conducting research to support the incorporation of new regulations, initiatives, and policies, in the context of state and federal regulations, policy development, contract administration, and intergovernmental coordination to protect and enhance the quality of New York City's drinking water supply while balancing the economic vitality of watershed communities. It is expected that the candidate will coordinate their research and integrate their recommendations with other DOW and DEC program research areas.

The Research Scientist 3 will analyze environmental data, review, and interpret scientific literature and technical information to evaluate and make recommendations on watershed protection programs, permitting conditions, funding allocations, and identification of emerging water quality and climate resiliency challenges.

The Successful Candidate Will Fulfill The Following:
Applied Research and Data Analysis (40%)

• Identify emerging water quality and climate resiliency challenges and develop newstrategies to advance source water protection and community resilience.
• Identify and define issues and research opportunities for watershed protection programs, including septic system replacement, stormwater retrofits, stream management, agricultural and forestry best management practices, land acquisition, flood hazard mitigation, and community partnership programs.
• Conduct literature reviews to ensure DEC programs are managed according to best science and policy.
• Identify and define issues and research opportunities for nonpoint source programs to address emerging contaminants, climate change, numeric nutrient criteria and other Agency or Division needs, as it relates to the NYC Watershed Program.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, report and present data analytical results. This may require the development of monitoring plans, surveys or other methods to collect relevant data.
• Develop reports, publications, technical guidance documents.
• Coordinate and collaborate with DEC and DOW scientists and engineers on research projects to ensure projects are comprehensive and investigated through a transparent, scientifically defensible process.

Program Coordination and Support (60%)

• Provide strategic leadership and coordination with New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, watershed municipalities, non-governmental partners, and other state agencies.
• Represent the Department at professional meetings and coordinate with local, state, and federal partners to exchange information and expand the understanding of the NYC Watershed Programs.
• Oversee the full portfolio of watershed protection programs, including septic system replacement, stormwater retrofits, stream management, agricultural and forestry best management practices, land acquisition, flood hazard mitigation, and community partnership programs.
• Direct the review, negotiation, and implementation of program agreements, successor permits, and funding mechanisms to ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
• Manage budget development, allocation of state funding, and fiscal oversight of contracts and grants supporting watershed protection programs.
• Supervise program staff, providing direction on technical, legal, and policy issues related to watershed management.

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.

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 natural resources field, and four years of professional research experience in an appropriate field. Substitutions: 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, strong writing and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in managing inter-disciplinary application of environmental science and social science to adaptive watershed management programs for improved conservation outcomes, public administration and public policy.
• Substantial knowledge of the NYC watershed, NYC reservoir system, large reservoir management issues, concerns, and opportunities.
• Experience with analysis and interpretation of environmental data and evaluation of watershed protection programs.
• Proven leadership skills and experience managing large, complex environmental programs, including some or all of the following: supervision of staff; execution and management of contracts and grants; program evaluation; collaboration with partners to achieve or implement a plan.
• Proven experience building relationships and negotiating with multiple stakeholders, including federal, state, and local agencies, municipalities, and non-profit organizations, local elected officials, and academic institutions.
• Considerable knowledge of watershed science, drinking water protection, stormwater and wastewater management, and nonpoint source pollution control.
• Familiarity with NYS and federal regulations as they relate to water quality, water quantity, water quality standards, and permitting programs.
• Proficiency working with statistical computing software (R), databases, and in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access.

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.

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).