Scientist Water Ecologist

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Operate a network of monitoring stations in the watershed.
• Ensure water quality instrumentation operates continuously, with accuracy and precision, following a quality assurance program for preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, system updates, record keeping, and data management.
• Oversee operation of the group's biomonitoring program.
• Responsible for purchasing and maintenance of supplies and equipment.
• Maintain and prepare field data and records.
• Perform Quality assurance and Quality control (QAQC) tests and assist others in same.
• Contribute to the production of operational, compliance and special investigation reports.
• Train personnel to analyze water quality samples and to operate instrumentation.
• Service, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instrumentation, field instrumentation, biomonitoring systems, and telemetry.
• Perform sample collection and field analyses in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's).
• Install and upgrade monitoring equipment, instrumentation, and biomonitoring systems at water supply facilities.
• Diagnose and repair monitoring station equipment, instrumentation, and associated telemetry systems.
• Coordinate the group's procurement activities.
• Oversee quality control procedures, maintain accurate records, and report on QC data.
• Respond to Water Quality Emergencies.
• Respond to water quality alarms, special investigations, etc., outside of normal working hours to collect water samples, troubleshoot instrumentation, and assist in field investigations.
• Adhere to Agency & Bureau Policies and Procedures.
• Conduct water quality sampling and electronic data collections using a variety of techniques to sample flowing water, reservoirs, and reservoir entry and exit points throughout the watershed.
• Modify and upgrade water quality monitoring instrumentation and equipment to optimize ongoing needs and goals.
• Promptly perform data logger downloads on schedule and/or as needed.
• Routinely and systematically record and archive data records in paper and electronic format.
• Adhere to the Data Integrity Policy and Procedures Manual.
• Participate in meetings concerning analytical problems, quality assurance, methods development, efficiency goals, performance metrics and reporting, and other projects as assigned, assisting in data entry, quality control, and statistical analysis.
• Perform various administrative functions such as procurement, equipment inventory, and report preparation to support program initiatives.

Requirements

• Candidates must live outside the five (5) boroughs or be permanent in the civil service title listed in order to be considered for appointment (per Civil Service Rule 3.2.11).
• Ability to work with wide latitude for independent initiative and judgment under the Section Chief.
• Must be able to drive for long periods, at night and/or during inclement weather.
• Must be able to enter and safely work in field and laboratory settings, including confined spaces, underground chambers and vaults.
• Ability to work while standing on a ladder.
• Ability to stand on a platform elevated over twenty (20) feet above ground.
• Ability to work outside under all weather conditions.
• Ability to work in heavy traffic.
• Ability to ascend and descend steep stairs and ship ladders.
• Industrial facilities require specific personal protective equipment: steel-toe boots, safety vests, safety glasses, protective gloves, hard hat, and/or lab coat.
• Must be able to lift fifty (50) pounds of objects and transport them to vehicles or field locations.

Qualifications

• A master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the following areas: environmental or chemical engineering, limnology, environmental science, marine science, geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, physics