Assistant Research Scientist / Research Scientist 1 (Air Pollution)

Duties Description DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the general direction and supervision of the Chief of the EJSL Compliance Section (Research Scientist IV), and in coordination with other Research Scientists in BAQAR, the incumbent will work on the following multidisciplinary tasks:

Applied Research and Data Analysis

• Conduct literature reviews and evaluate other EJ policies and state methodologies for the development of DAR’s EJSL guidance aimed at reducing disproportionate impacts in DACs.
• Conduct research and data compilation on DAC indicators and environmental/public health stressors relevant to permitting guidance (DEP 24-1) and EJSL implementation.
• Research mitigation strategies to reduce air pollution burdens in DACs.
• Support development of a mechanism for tracking facilities contributing to high burdens in DACs, and to support review of compliance history.
• **Assist in reviewing existing burden reports for new, modified, and renewed permit applications.
• **Conduct geospatial analyses integrating facility information, health risks, and DAC air pollution burden and health vulnerability indicators.
• **Evaluate the utility of incorporating relevant federal and state data sets (e.g. air monitoring data, AirToxScreen, NYS DOH health outcome data, heat vulnerability data) into EJSL efforts to identify higher risk areas in DACs.

Program Coordination and Support

• Assist the EJSL Compliance Section by carrying out assigned research tasks and supporting project coordination under the direction of the Section Chief.
• Support the Office of Environmental Justice in maintaining DAC criteria and mapping layers relevant to air pollution burdens.
• Assist in the development, testing, and refinement of mapping and visualization tools used for EJSL guidance, DAC identification, and cumulative impact assessments.
• **Provide technical support in reviewing permit applications and applicability to EJSL, existing burden reports, and air pollution source impact assessments including evaluations of indirect emissions from mobile sources.
• **Answer questions on hazard identification and exposure assessment, and risk characterization of toxic air contaminants.

**Tasks for Research Scientist 1 level only

Essential Functions:

• Must be able to prepare detailed, technically accurate, well written reports.
• Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills to present results and analysis.
• Must have knowledge and experience in the use of higher-level computer programs.
• Must be able to travel to meetings and conferences.
  

Minimum Qualifications Assistant Research Scientist (SG-14): A Bachelor’s Degree and one year of professional research experience in atmospheric science, chemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental health, environmental sciences, or public health. Thirty (30) graduate hours leading to an advanced degree in an appropriate field may be substituted for the required experience. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.

Research Scientist I (SG-18): A Bachelor’s Degree and two years of professional research experience in atmospheric science, chemistry, environmental chemistry, environmental health, environmental sciences, or public health. A Master’s Degree in an appropriate field described above may substitute for one year of experience, and a Ph.D. in an appropriate field may substitute for an additional year of experience. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.

Area of Specialty is Air Pollution. Preference will be given to candidates who possess experience in the following fields: environmental health, community air quality studies, air pollution exposure and health risk assessment methods, environmental justice research and disproportionate burden analysis, data interpretation, and community outreach.

If appointed as an Assistant Research Scientist, the incumbent will assist other research staff with the duties; if appointed as a Research Scientist 1, the incumbent will be expected to perform these duties under general supervision. Specific tasks for the Research Scientist 1 are noted (**) in the job duties description.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with NYS DEC permitting processes and environmental regulatory programs.
• Prior work with health risk assessment, environmental justice analyses, and GIS tools.
• Experience with ArcGIS, R, Python, and SharePoint strongly preferred.
• Preference given to individuals with strong data management, organizational and communication skills, who are able to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
  

Additional Comments Travel may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule, will be discussed at interview.

We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:

• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...

For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.
If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please email: equity@dec.ny.gov.

Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).