Research Scientist ; Water Pollution Albany, NY

Research Scientist 1 (Water Pollution)

Agency: New York State Department of Civil Service, Division of Water, Bureau of Water Resource Management

Location: Albany, NY (625 Broadway)

Employment: Full-Time, Permanent, Salary Grade 18. Salary Range: $66,951 to $85,138 annually. Telecommuting allowed. Travel 10%, primarily in NY State.

The Division of Water (DOW) protects, manages, and conserves New York State's groundwater and surface water. The Data Science Section supports research projects, data analysis, visualization, and data management.

Applied Research and Data Analysis (60%)

• Assist with all phases of research: problem definition, planning, execution, analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
• Compile and analyze water quality, environmental, facility, and other technical data.
• Ensure data meet quality‑assurance standards and develop efficient data‑standardization methods.
• Review and assess analytical and technology tools for visualization and evaluation of DOW data.
• Conduct statistical analysis and develop data models; advise senior staff on interpretation.
• Maintain working relationships with external experts, the public, and research‑related work groups.
• Conduct literature reviews and assist in developing research plans, outreach materials, and permitting guidance.
• Communicate results through reports, peer‑reviewed journals, conferences, public meetings, and website postings.

Program Coordination and Support (40%)

• Assist with implementation of DOW programs (permitting, compliance, watershed, fiscal management, resiliency, water quantity).
• Review and process data submitted through DOW applications, requests for information, and monitoring reports.
• Assure consistency with state and federal regulations.
• Develop, manage, and report on work plans and contracts supporting DOW projects.
• Participate in DOW/DEC committees and work groups.
• Provide technical assistance to professional staff.
• Represent the Department at professional meetings; coordinate with partners.
• Supervise lower‑level staff, including seasonal positions and interns (personnel development, timesheets, expense reports, training).

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, environmental policy, environmental management, environmental data science, environmental biology, biology, environmental chemistry, or a related natural‑resources field.
• Two years of professional research experience in an appropriate field.
• Master’s degree may substitute for one year of experience;
  Ph.D. may substitute for an additional year.

• Excellent interpersonal, writing, and verbal communication skills; comfortable with public speaking.
• Experience with data management, analysis, reporting, prioritization, quality control, and quality assurance.
• Ability to evaluate and manage large datasets, and competence in statistical and geospatial analysis of environmental data.
• Experience with chemical, biochemical, ecological, biological, and technical data in a water‑quality context.
• Proficiency with GIS, R or Python, databases, and Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access).
• Experience implementing statistical methods and interpreting results.

Must have a valid driver’s license. Travel, including occasional overnight stays, may be required. Overtime may be required. Telecommuting may be available and will be discussed during interview.

Benefits: 65% of salary value; includes Holiday & Paid Time Off, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Pension, Shift & Geographic pay differentials, Affordable Health Care options, Family dental and vision benefits, NYS Deferred Compensation plan, NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and welcomes applicants of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities.

Program Manager:
Natalie Joseph

Phone: 518‑402‑9273 | Fax: 518‑402‑9038 | Email:
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