Field Specialist

As per civil service Rule 3.2.11 candidates must live outside the five (5) boroughs or be permanent in the civil service title listed in order to be considered for appointment

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enriches the environment and protects public health for all New Yorkers by providing 1.1 billion gallons of high quality drinking water, managing wastewater and stormwater, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution. DEP is the largest combined municipal water and wastewater utility in the country, with nearly 6,000 employees. DEP's water supply system is comprised of 19 reservoirs and 3 controlled lakes throughout the system’s 2,000 square mile watershed that extends 125 miles north and west of the City.

The Bureau of Water Supply seeks to hire a Scientist (Water Ecology) II for a position in the Drinking Water Operations Directorate, Water Quality Division at Hawthorne Laboratory, in Hawthorne, New York. Under general supervision, of the Field Supervisor, the selected candidate will participate in field sample and data collection and assist in coordinating field activities as described in Divisional Standard Operating Procedures.

As such, the Scientist Water Ecology (SWE) will use established sampling protocols for the proper collection, transportation and relinquishment of samples collected from streams, reservoirs, wastewater treatment plants and key-points. Some sample collection will require trailering and piloting small watercraft. They may also assist in the purchasing and maintenance of supplies and equipment, maintain and prepare field data and records and contribute to the production of operational, compliance and special investigation reports.

• Performing sample collection and field analyses, from a boat as required, within Watershed Water Quality Operations (WWQO) in accordance with approved Standard Operating Procedures
• Records field observations and reports back to supervisory staff with any unusual conditions discovered in the field
• Operating and maintaining field sampling equipment, which includes the ability to trailer and pilot small watercraft
• Performing applicable quality control procedures according to Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP) protocols and maintaining accurate records of Quality Control (QC) data.
• Complying with applicable environmental health & safety (EH&S) laws and regulations, and DEP’s policies and procedures.

At the time of appointment, candidates must possess a Motor Vehicle Driver License valid in the State of New York. Employees must maintain this license for the duration of employment.

(This is a brief description of what you might do in this position and does not include all the duties of this position.)

Some of the physical activities performed by Scientists (Water Ecology) and environmental conditions experienced are: lift and carry packages weighing approximately 20 pounds for a distance of 30 feet, perform duties in confined work areas, wear protective garments such as gloves, lab coats, goggles, and life vests, handle and manipulate laboratory equipment and instruments and tools such as glass test tubes, slides, beakers and other glassware, scalpels, scissors, etc.,

adjust settings on machines, which requires fine finger and hand coordination and control, and collect samples at sites in all weather conditions.

Scientists (Water Ecology) may be required to work shifts including nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Share Point
• Ability to train on database systems such as the Agency’s Laboratory Information Management System…