Research Scientist 1 (Water Pollution

Research Scientist 1, Bureau of Water Assessment and Management

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 (NYS). Under several statewide programs, including both professional and citizen-based programs, MAS implements targeted-, probability-, and trend-based sampling designs for monitoring the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of NYS waters, and conducts applied research to advance understanding and protection of these resources.

Duties/Responsibilities

The Research Scientist 1, BWAM, will support MAS programs through applied research efforts to research HABs, develop water quality monitoring and assessment tools, and the collection, analysis, and interpretation of water quality data from lakes across NYS. The candidate will be responsible for assisting with the implementation of HAB Program, which coordinates statewide efforts to monitor, track, report, research, and respond to HABs.

The candidate will also support implementation of the Lake Classification and Inventory (LCI) Program, NYS's internal statewide lake water quality monitoring program. The candidate will also be responsible for providing general support to MAS and BWAM programs and priorities.

Under the technical and administrative supervision of the supervisor and section chief, the successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Applied Research and Data Analysis (50%)
• Conducting research, literature reviews, data collection and analysis, and interpretation of water quality data across New York State to support state level water quality management efforts.
• Researching and communicating emerging issues in water quality, such as harmful algal blooms (HABs) and emerging contaminants, to ensure DOW monitoring programs incorporate best science and understanding in responding to these issues.
• Coordinating internal and external applied research efforts to improve understanding of the causes of HABs and effective implementation of short- and long-term mitigation strategies consistent with the HAB Research Guide, HAB Roadmap, and the HAB Research Grant Program priorities.
• Assisting with study design and research to develop tools for physical, chemical, and biological assessment of surface waters.
• 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.
• Presenting findings at professional conferences and to peers, supervisors, higher level staff, and to the public.
• Programmatic Support (50%)
• Support the HAB program and New York Harmful Algal Bloom System (NYHABS) through evaluation of HAB reports, responding to public inquiries, administration of grant funding opportunities, and contributing to research.
• Assist with activities of the LCI Program including, conducting of limnological sampling of lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, including collection of water quality samples, biological monitoring, and recording of observational environmental data.
• Assist with clean-water planning and implementation efforts, including nutrient reduction strategies as a primary strategy for HAB reduction.
• Develop and maintain online reporting tools to communicate water quality data for a broad range of users.
• 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 and monitoring efforts of MAS.

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. Substitution options: A Master's Degree in an appropriate field described above may substitute for one year of experience, and Ph.D. in an appropriate field described above may substitute for an additional year of…