Scientist (Water Ecology)

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. Its water supply system includes 19 reservoirs and 3 controlled lakes across a 2,000-square-mile watershed extending 125 miles north and west of the City. The Bureau of Wastewater Treatment (BWT) operates and maintains all sewage treatment facilities within the five boroughs, including 14 wastewater treatment plants, sludge dewatering facilities, collections facilities, wastewater laboratories, and harbor vessels.

About the role

Under supervision, with some latitude for independent initiative and judgment, the selected candidate will participate in year-round sampling in all weather conditions during Harbor Survey Cruises and field surveys for the Remote Monitoring Program. Responsibilities include assisting in the production of annual reports and developing or reviewing additional sampling programs.

Responsibilities

• On-board processing of samples following strict SOPs
• Assist in the calibration and repair of instruments
• Schedule and perform routine maintenance on instruments and stations
• Assist the field supervisor with placement of monitoring locations
• Prepare graphics, maps, and/or text for Annual report
• Perform data analysis as requested
• Proofread and perform QA/QC for report production
• Develop new sampling initiatives as required
• Assist with memos, reports, and other documents related to additional sampling
• Lift and carry coolers weighing up to 50 pounds

Requirements

• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental or chemical engineering, limnology, environmental science, marine science, geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, or health science; or
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with 24 semester credits in one or a combination of the areas listed above, at least 12 of which must be in one of those areas, and at least one year of full-time experience in water quality planning, management, research, environmental laboratory analyses, or environmental field sampling of water; or
• An associate degree from an accredited college or university including or supplemented by 24 semester credits in one or a combination of the areas listed above, at least 12 of which must be in one of those areas, and at least three years of full-time experience as described above.

Additional Requirements

To be assigned to Assignment Levels II or III, candidates must hold a baccalaureate degree as described above and have one additional year of the required experience, totaling two years. A master’s degree in one of the specified fields may substitute for up to two years of the required experience.

Candidate(s) selected for this position will be hired on a provisional basis. To be considered for permanent employment, provisional employees must take and pass the next civil service examination for Scientist (Water Ecology) and obtain a list number issued by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services. Employees who do not take and pass the exam may not continue in the provisional position.