Scientist Water Ecologist

City of New York•Valhalla, NY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is seeking a Scientist (Water Ecology) III for a position within the Water Quality, Drinking Water Operations Directorate, located in Valhalla, New York. This role is crucial for monitoring the water quality of the City's water supply system. The position involves operating a network of monitoring stations in the watershed, ensuring the continuous and accurate operation of water quality instrumentation through a quality assurance program, and overseeing the group's biomonitoring program. Responsibilities also include purchasing and maintaining supplies and equipment, preparing field data and records, performing Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QAQC) tests, and contributing to various reports. The candidate will work under the Section Chief with significant latitude for independent initiative and judgment and may be required to train personnel. As per civil service Rule 3.2.11, candidates must live outside the five boroughs or be permanent in the civil service title to be considered.

Requirements

A masters 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 environmental or chemical engineering, limnology, environmental science, marine science, geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, or health science, 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 (not part of graduate/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 environmental or chemical engineering, limnology, environmental science, marine science, geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, or health science, 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 in water quality planning, management, research, environmental laboratory analyses, or environmental field sampling of water.
To be assigned to Assignment Levels II or III, all candidates must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university as described above and must have one additional year of the experience described above for a total of two years of experience.
A master's degree from an accredited college in environmental or chemical engineering, limnology, environmental science, marine science, geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, or health science may be substituted for up to two years of the required experience.

Nice To Haves

A Motor Vehicle Driver License valid in the State of New York. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment.
Ability to travel to meetings, work facilities, and field locations, utilizing a New York City vehicle.
MS Office software including Outlook, Explorer, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
Environmental testing methods for water quality, sampling equipment, and sensors.
Mathematics for instrument calibration, quality control statistics, and conversion calculations.
Principles underlying the theory and use of scientific instruments, chemistry and physics.
Experience using basic hand and power tools.
Methods, practices, and equipment used in maintaining, repairing, testing, and adjusting water quality instrumentation and appurtenances.
Principles of preventative maintenance and documentation.
Effective written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience of water quality instrumentation and sample analysis.
Knowledge of continuous monitoring, water quality instrumentation.
Familiar with field sampling and data collection techniques.
Establish mechanical aptitude and intuition.
Effective time management to prioritize and complete tasks.
Committed to honesty, integrity, and transparency in all work areas.
Ability to think logically, focus on objectives, and prioritize multiple goals.
Read and follow standard operating procedures.
Work with hand tools and test instruments.
Work while standing on a ladder.
Work outside under all weather conditions.
Distinguish colors used in electric wiring color-coding.
Anticipate material and equipment needs.
Establish and maintain effective cooperative relationships in the workplace.

Responsibilities

Service, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instrumentation, field instrumentation, biomonitoring systems, and telemetry.
Perform sample collection and field analyses in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
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, including alarms and special investigations, outside of normal working hours to collect water samples, troubleshoot instrumentation, and assist in field investigations.
Conduct water quality sampling and electronic data collections using a variety of techniques for flowing water, reservoirs, and reservoir entry/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, reporting, and other assigned projects, 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.