Water Quality Scientist

ABOUT US

Riverkeeper is New York’s premier water quality advocate. Our mission is to protect and restore the Hudson River from source to sea and safeguards drinking water supplies, through advocacy rooted in community partnerships, science and law. With an annual operating budget of $5 million, Riverkeeper is a mid-sized not-for-profit operating in the Hudson Valley.  This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, mission-oriented organization. For more information, visit www.riverkeeper.org. 

JOB TITLE:          Water Quality Scientist

DEPARTMENT:    Science

REPORTS TO:     Director, Science

LOCATION:         Kingston, NY (hybrid) and various field sites throughout the Hudson Valley and New York City, in addition to monthly staff meetings in Ossining, NY office

POSITION SUMMARY

The Water Quality Scientist oversees the Riverkeeper Water Quality Laboratory in Kingston, NY, and works with the Science Director to conduct a variety of chemical, microbiological, and physical water quality tests in the field and at bench-scale. This position ensures that Riverkeeper’s Water Quality Monitoring Program collects high-quality water data and utilizes these data to the maximum extent possible in advocacy, communications, watershed management planning, and other applications.  

Working collaboratively with the Community Science Manager and community partners, the Water Quality Scientist will develop new methodologies for water quality analysis, design and conduct exploratory monitoring projects, ensure proper laboratory operation, and provide technical support to community organizations undertaking water quality monitoring work.  

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ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

(This is not an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.)

• This position will maintain the integrity of Riverkeeper’s Water Quality Data Portal to ensure the publishing and accessibility of accurate water quality reporting and data. 
• Directs, assigns, evaluates and administers the scheduling of laboratory analysis and establishes analytical procedures and policies;
• Oversees the validation of analytical data to: 
  • conduct data-driven advocacy in accordance with Water Quality Program strategy;
  • work across Riverkeeper programs to provide data summaries in support of campaigns;
  • draft and submit data-based comments and recommendations to NYS DEC and other agencies concerning proposed permit renewals, development plan approvals, water quality assessments, and other regulatory actions;
• Prepares and submits water quality reports, correspondence, and statistical data to the NYDEC, NYDOH, other governmental agencies, and the public;
• Oversees and participates in the development, monitoring, tracking and administration of the Water Quality Laboratory’s budget; participates in the forecasting of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures;
• Evaluates the need for acquisition of new or replacement laboratory equipment; orders laboratory materials and supplies; arranges for the maintenance or repair of laboratory equipment;
• Maintain collaborative working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders and partners to plan, implement, analyze, document and communicate about projects. Stakeholders and partners include regulatory and non-regulatory state, county and local agency staff, watershed group members, elected officials, and environmental commissions, and other community groups;
• Develop and submit 305b reports bi-annually summarizing Community Science Program data;
• Conduct field work, including water sampling, stream walks, boat-based observations and other investigations of suspected pollution sources;
• Communicate with environmental law enforcement and other entities to report suspected pollution violations;
• Supervises the Community Science Manager and interns.

EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

Research shows that women and people from under-represented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Please know that no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.

This might be the right next role for you if you have at least five years of relevant experience, and would likely be described as someone who can deliver on complex habitat restoration projects with multiple stakeholders. Desired qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major course work in chemistry, microbiology, or other closely-related field;
• Managerial or supervisory experience over a laboratory facility or major laboratory functional unit engaged in chemical and microbiological testing and analysis;
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice;
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, including the ability to work with diverse communities, build strong relationships both internally and externally, and proven track record leading coalitions/teams;
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet project deadlines.
• Knowledge of principles of chemistry, microbiology, and related sciences;

• Principles and methods of chemical, biochemical and microbiological laboratory testing and analyses;
• Standard laboratory equipment and its uses including analytical instrumentation and troubleshooting;
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration;
• Chemicals used in collection and preparation of analytical samples, water chemical and sample analyses;
• Chemical and microbiological characteristics of water, macro-organisms (e.g. algae) and micro-organisms common to water;
• Standard Methods, EPA methods and other operational methods for the analysis of water.   

• Must have a valid NYS driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle; safe driving record.

HOURS/SHIFTS

This exempt position is full time (40 hours/week), Monday - Friday. It requires flexibility to work some evenings and weekends.

SALARY

Full-time base salary range: $70,000-85,000 annually.

BENEFITS

Riverkeeper offers healthcare, dental and vision, life and disability coverage, retirement savings plan match, annual professional development stipend, Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, personal days, floating holidays, most federal holidays, summer Fridays), and other benefits; office is closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays.

OTHER

All employees must be fully vaccinated for Covid-19.

The position will remain open until filled.

Salary : $70,000 - $85,000