Scientist (Water Ecology)

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 be able to continue in the provisional position.

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.

The Bureau of Wastewater Treatment (BWT) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of all facilities related to the treatment of sewage within the five boroughs of New York City, including 14 wastewater treatment plants, sludge dewatering facilities, collections facilities, wastewater laboratories, and harbor vessels.

Under supervision, 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, assist in the production of annual reports, and support the development and review of 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 reports
• 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 one of the following areas of study: 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 of study listed above, at least 12 of which must have been in one of these areas, and at least one year of satisfactory full-time experience (not part of graduate or undergraduate coursework) 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 of study listed above, at least 12 of which must have been in one of these areas, and at least three years of satisfactory full-time experience as described above.

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

Residency Requirement: New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. City employees in certain titles with two continuous years of service may also reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County.

Preferred Skills

• Extensive knowledge of marine science and experience managing large datasets
• Experience in a laboratory setting handling hazardous chemicals
• Experience with daily/weekly QA/QC of data, with high attention to detail
• Experience with ArcGIS
• Ability to work year-round in all weather conditions on a moving vessel for more than 12 hours per day
• Proficiency with data recording software (Microsoft Excel, online database applications, Power BI)
• Experience calibrating or repairing field equipment
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to produce concise reports
• Experience generating annual reports encompassing results on an annual, monthly, or weekly basis
• Ability to perform statistical analysis of data on a regional and harbor-wide scale

Benefits

• Eligibility for the 55-a Program for qualified persons with disabilities (indicate interest at the top of your resume and cover letter)
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness and state repayment assistance programs (more information)

Pay

$61,510.00 – $90,081.00