Research Scientist 4

The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description The Research Scientist IV with the Division of Air Resources will serve as Chief of the Monitoring Support Section and will be responsible for conducting and guiding research on new analysis and collection methods for trace levels of air toxics and particulates; overseeing the staff, resources, and coordinating with the air toxics laboratory; providing technical assistance on air quality monitoring initiatives as needed; overseeing required data reporting and documentation and preparing comprehensive data reports for air toxics and other pollutants in response to internal and external data requests. The incumbent will represent the department on scientific committees such as the Clean Air Science Advisory Committee (CASAC) and the National Association of Clean Air Agencies (NACAA). Additional responsibilities include: Research new analysis and collection methods for trace levels of ambient air toxics, particulates, and trace level air pollutants.Coordinating the air toxics laboratory and providing technical assistance on air quality monitoring initiatives.Conduct research, evaluation, statistical assessment, and trend analysis of air monitoring data. Evaluate air monitoring network to determine effectiveness to meet regulatory, public health, and research needs.Manage air quality monitoring database and coordinate with the Office of Information Technology Services.Develop and verify methodologies for detecting very low-level concentrations of air contaminants under both laboratory and field conditions. Research and recommend purchase of necessary instrumentation and equipment.Research, develop and modify state of the art portable instrumentation techniques for monitoring toxics, particulates, and criteria gasses. Compare portable sensors with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) monitoring tools to determine sensor effectiveness. Research and determine the usefulness of the development of a portable, low-cost air monitoring sensor program. Make recommendations to communities about best affordable sensor technology.Level 3 and level 4 data review, air quality data evaluation and research, statistical assessment, and trend analysis of air monitoring data. Assisting other researchers in the evaluation of air monitoring data.Design field projects to assess ambient air quality in geographically and economically diverse areas of the state.Review and evaluate the results from special air quality monitoring projects. Prepare and present interim and final reports to both internal and external stakeholders. Prepare and deliver scientific papers at conferences and publish research papers in peer reviewed journals.Provide consultation and technical support for instrumentation techniques for ambient air quality monitoring.Serve as a technical resource person for the Division on ambient air quality monitoring activities and emerging technologies.Direct and oversee the activities of the Monitoring Support Section. Carry out the required administrative duties associated with the supervision of staff and resources of the Monitoring Support Section, including the preparation and execution of workplans and performance evaluations. Carry out special air monitoring projects as directed by Division management. Represent the Department on national scientific committees.Prepare comprehensive data reports for air toxics and other pollutants. Evaluate data for accuracy and methods for compliance with standard operating procedures (SOP) and the Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPP). Periodically review SOP and QAPP to ensure that they are current and up to date as required by USEPA. Develop SOPs and QAPPs for new air monitoring sensor technologies. Evaluate air quality monitoring network and assess monitoring strategies to determine effectiveness to meet regulatory, planning, research, and public information needs.Assess current state of portable air sensors. Review the current literature for changes and improvements in the technology for criteria and non-criteria pollutants. Maintain awareness of federal actions on air monitoring instrumentation, including Federal Reference Methods, Federal Equivalent Methods and the latest technologies and development of air monitoring sensors.Essential Functions: Must be able to supervise the work of subordinate employees, interact professionally with co-workers and supervisors, and work collaboratively in team settings.Must possess strong communication skills to effectively communicate program findings and information to State and federal counterparts, the regulated community and the public in a clear and professional manner.Must be able to travel to meetings and conferences.Must be able to prepare detailed, technically accurate, well written reports.Must have knowledge and experience in the use of higher-level computer programs.

The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications A bachelor’s degree and five years of professional research experience in an appropriate field. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.Substitutions: master’s degree in an appropriate field may substitute for one year of experience, and Ph.D. in an appropriate field may substitute for an additional year of experience.Area of Specialty is Air Pollution. Preference will be given to candidates who possess experience in the following fields: air quality instrumentation and method development, statistical analysis and interpretation of data, operation and maintenance of air toxics laboratory equipment, and research and evaluation of emerging air quality monitoring techniques.

Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.Travel may be required.Overtime may be required. Overnight travel may be required.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.DEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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