NY HELP No Agency Environmental Conservation, Department of Title Research Scientist 2 (Water Pollution) Occupational Category I.T. Engineering, Sciences Salary Grade 22 Bargaining Unit PS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF) Salary Range From $82326 to $104230 Annually Employment Type Full-Time Appointment Type Permanent Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class Travel Percentage 10% Workweek Mon-Fri Hours Per Week 37.5 Workday From 8:30 AM To 4:30 PM Flextime allowed? No Mandatory overtime? No Compressed workweek allowed? No Telecommuting allowed? Yes County Albany Street Address 625 Broadway City Albany State NY Zip Code 12233 Duties Description Program OverviewThe Division of Water (DOW) Bureau of Water Resource Management (BWRM) works to protect, manage, and conserve New York State's groundwater and surface water supply sources, develop management strategies to enhance and protect these waters, and protect both the groundwater and surface water quality of New York’s major watersheds. BWRM’s watershed programs, permit programs and nonpoint source program support development of clean water plans and permits to help improve water quality, identify potential funding, and conduct research to protect and restore water quality in relation to climate change, pollution source sectors, and other emerging environmental issues.New and emerging pollutants, industries, regulations, and legislative initiatives impact the implementation and compliance of the permitting, clean water planning, nonpoint source and funding programs. The Emerging Research and Regional Support Section (ERRSS) provides research and policy development on these emerging issues to support these programs to ensure permit operating conditions, sampling, analysis, compliance, and reporting requirements for a range of facilities and activities, clean water planning and nonpoint source programs are aligned with NYS climate goals, adhere to environmental justice and disadvantaged communities policies, are incorporating best available science and technologies, and address new and emerging contaminants.Duties/ResponsibilitiesThe Research Scientist 2 will be responsible for conducting research projects, with considerable independence, to determine method of analysis and interpretation of results, in the context of state and federal regulations, to support development of a watershed approach strategy to inform State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit and total maximum daily load (TMDL) development to ensure compliance with water quality standards, support implementation and reporting on NY’s nutrient strategy, and provide technical resources and tools to nonpoint source, source water protection and watershed programs. This work will include analysis of effluent and environmental data, water quality modeling, compiling and analyzing permitting information as it relates to water quality, developing toxic inventories and pollutant load summaries, and analysis of pollutant waste loadings to support TMDL development.The candidate will interpret and incorporate scientific literature and technical information, research modeling tools, and work with other professional staff to develop a comprehensive watershed approach to modeling and evaluating pollutant loadings to meet water quality standards. This work will include identifying ambient water quality and facility data collection needs; identifying statistical approaches and models to analyze existing and future environmental conditions; analyzing and interpreting results; and producing technical guidance and resources. The candidate is expected to develop new methods, processes, and/or modeling protocols that will contribute to DOW permitting and TMDL programs.This will require expertise in understanding and evaluating water quality, experiences with modeling, familiarity with SPDES permitting and TMDL development, and familiarity with the New York regulatory framework. It is expected that the candidate will provide significant recommendations, based on their research, to supervising staff for incorporation into existing or expanded DOW programs.Under the technical and administrative supervision of the Section Chief, Research Scientist 4, the successful candidate will be responsible for:Research and Data Analysis (50%)• Perform quantitative analysis of impaired waterbodies, including modeling potential nutrient reductions through implementation of point source effluent limitations in watershed scenarios.• Develop Watershed Maximum Daily Loads (WMDL), promoting appropriate biological endpoints for impaired waterbodies. Development will include data collection, water quality modeling, pollution load reduction calculations and referrals to the Nonpoint Source (NPS) Program, watershed programs, Bureau of Water Permits as appropriate for permittee outreach and education when needed.• Develop standardized process for Watershed Maximum Daily Loads (WMDL) development, including toxics inventory and development of Dissolved Oxygen model selection guidance and drafting of other relevant standard operating procedures or guidance to streamline development of WMDLs.• Conduct research, data analysis and interpretation of environmental data for priority watersheds identified through NY’s nutrient strategy and other targeted watersheds in conjunction with the Department’s water quality monitoring and assessment programs.• Assist higher level researchers and staff in carrying out the research process.Coordination, Partnership, and Reporting (35%)• Represent the Bureau and participate in Division meetings and permittee meetings to convey technical expertise on related projects. Distribute results of WMDLs to permitting staff and communicate results of WMDLs and recommended remediation actions (i.e. permit limit adjustments, NPS Program targeting).• Communicate results of research and development of watershed plans through issued reports and meetings with Bureau of Water Permits staff. Provide training and technical support to other professional staff.• Assist in the development and implementation of Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPP) required for the development of WMDLs and associated models.• Represent the Department at professional meetings and coordinate with local, state, and federal partners to exchange information, expand the understanding of the Department’s programs, address emerging concerns, identify best management practices, and respond to water quality contamination issues.• Participate in the Division of Water’s related committees and workgroups.• Prepare reports, presentations, factsheets and publications.Watershed Plan Implementation (15%)• Manage and track the implementation of WMDLs. Implementation will include working with staff from all Bureaus in Division of Water to identify ambient water monitoring needs, update SPDES permit effluent limitations, and track progress towards meeting watershed goals. Minimum Qualifications Candidates for this position must have a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental sciences, environmental policy, environmental management, biology, or a related field, and three years of professional research experience in the appropriate field. Substitutions: Master’s Degree in an appropriate field may substitute for one year of experience, Ph.D. in an appropriate field may substitute for an additional year of experience.Preferred Additional Qualifications• Excellent interpersonal communication skills; strong writing and verbal communication skills• Familiarity with Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) or other clean water restoration efforts.• Strong familiarity working with statistical computing software (R), databases, GIS, and in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Access.• Strong familiarity with statistical analysis and computer modeling (watershed and in- waterbody) and proficiency in experimental design.• Knowledge of NYS and federal regulations as they relate to water quality, impaired waters, water quality standards, and permitting and TMDL programs.• Proficient in developing technical presentations, summaries and informational materials to facilitate peer involvement and translate technical resources.• Familiarity with federal CWA water quality programs and requirements.Additional CommentsMust 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. 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. Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity. Name Natalie Joseph Telephone 518-402-9273 Fax 518-402-9038 Email Address PostingResponses@dec.ny.gov Address Street 625 Broadway City Albany State NY Zip Code 12233 Notes on Applying Please email or mail your resume to the above address. Be sure to include Vacancy#25-193503 on your resume and application or it may not be accepted.