Scientist Water Ecologist, Bureau of the Public Health Laboratory

City of New York • New York, NY

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) is a public health leader serving over 8.4 million New York City residents. The NYC Public Health Laboratory (PHL) is one of the largest local public health laboratories in the United States, offering a dynamic and innovative work environment. The PHL seeks a qualified candidate to serve as a Scientist Water Ecologist III in the Environmental Sciences Section. This position will play an integral role in laboratory testing and responding to public health threats, including but not limited to COVID-19, vaccine preventable diseases, HIV, Legionella, as well as respiratory, foodborne, and waterborne disease outbreaks. The staff will primarily work within the Water Microbiology Unit at PHL, utilizing microbiological and molecular microbiological tools to detect and monitor pathogens in drinking and recreational water, and non-potable water systems such as cooling towers. This includes NYC’s beach monitoring and Legionella response programs.

Requirements

• A masters 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 described in "1" above, at least 12 of which must have been in one of these areas of study; and at least one year of satisfactory full time experience, which may not have been part of graduate or undergraduate course work, working in the field of water quality planning, management or research or performing environmental laboratory analyses, and/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 described in "1" above, at least 12 of which must have been in one of these areas of study; and at least three years of satisfactory full time experience as described in "2" above.
• To be assigned to Assignment Levels II or III, all candidates must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university as described in "2" above and must have one additional year of the experience described in "2" above for a total of two years of experience.
• A master's degree from an accredited college in one of the areas described in "1" above may be substituted for up to two years of the required experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with pathogenic organisms in a BSL2 environment.
• Basic microbiology and molecular biology techniques including PCR.
• Ability to interpret complex laboratory data and communicate that data to internal and external partners using independent judgement and initiative.
• Experience in an environmental or clinical diagnostic testing laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine water ecology and water quality laboratory testing and analyses on environmental and water samples, following established laboratory controls and QA/QC requirements.
• Conduct moderately complex analytical procedures using both manual and automated techniques, ensuring proper instrument setup, calibration, and maintenance.
• Utilize laboratory equipment including glassware, pipettes, slides, test tubes, microscopes, and molecular tools with the fine motor coordination needed for precise adjustments and measurements.
• Apply microbiological and molecular methods to support water quality research, environmental monitoring programs, and pathogen detection in water systems.
• Use laboratory software and mathematical models to perform data analysis and statistical interpretation of water quality and ecological data.
• Prepare, handle, and store environmental samples in accordance with standardized protocols, maintaining sample integrity and traceability.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records, technical logs, and documentation of testing activities and results.
• Follow safety protocols including wearing PPE (gloves, lab coats, goggles) and working safely in BSL-2 environments and confined laboratory spaces.
• Assist in method development and refinement of laboratory procedures, ensuring alignment with regulatory, accreditation, and programmatic requirements.
• Support cross-training initiatives within the lab and contribute to surge testing capacity during environmental or public health events.
• Participate in laboratory quality assurance programs, including QC reviews, corrective actions, and continuous improvement activities.

Benefits

• Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance.
• Premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
• A public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
• A tax-deferred savings program
• A robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
• Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
• Job Security

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior