Field Scientist

Field Scientist

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) enriches the environment and protects public health for all New Yorkers by providing 1.1 billion gallons of high quality drinking water, managing wastewater and stormwater, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution. DEP is the largest combined municipal water and wastewater utility in the country, with nearly 6,000 employees. DEP's water supply system is comprised of 19 reservoirs and 3 controlled lakes throughout the system's 2,000 square mile watershed that extends 125 miles north and west of the City. The Bureau of Water Supply seeks to hire a Scientist (Water Ecology) II for a position in the Drinking Water Operations Directorate, Water Quality Division at Hawthorne Laboratory, in Hawthorne, New York. Under general supervision, of the Field Supervisor, the selected candidate will use established sampling protocols for the proper collection, transportation and relinquishment of samples collected from streams, reservoirs, wastewater treatment plants and key-points. Some sample collection will require trailering and piloting small watercraft. Specific duties include:

• Performing sample collection and field analyses, from a boat as required, within Watershed Water Quality Operations (WWQO) in accordance with approved Standard Operating Procedures
• Compiling, reviewing and reporting water quality and associated data in accordance with divisional procedures and by specified deadlines
• Operating and maintaining field sampling equipment, which includes the ability to trailer and pilot small watercraft
• Performing applicable quality control procedures according to Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP) protocols and maintaining accurate records of Quality Control (QC) data.
• Complying with applicable environmental health & safety (EH&S) laws and regulations, and DEP's policies and procedures.

License Requirement At the time of appointment, candidates must possess a Motor Vehicle Driver License valid in the State of New York. Employees must maintain this license for the duration of employment.

Some of the physical activities performed by Scientists (Water Ecology) and environmental conditions experienced are: lift and carry packages weighing approximately 20 pounds for a distance of 30 feet, perform duties in confined work areas, wear protective garments such as gloves, lab coats, goggles, and life vests, handle and manipulate laboratory equipment and instruments/tools such as glass test tubes, slides, beakers and other glassware, scalpels, scissors, etc., adjust settings on machines, which requires fine finger and hand coordination and control, and collect samples at sites in all weather conditions. Special Working Conditions: Scientists (Water Ecology) may be required to work shifts including nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint
• Ability to train on database systems such as the Agency's Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and Water Information Systems by Kisters (WISKI) data management systems
• A general knowledge of field sampling equipment and standard water quality sensors.
• Experience using basic hand tools.
• Boater safety course experience
• Familiarity with piloting, trailering, launching and retrieving small motorized watercraft
• Experience with remote/robotic monitoring systems
• Familiarity with field sampling and data collection techniques
• Ability to operate computers and several different software packages for data collection and management
• Ability to think logically, focus on objectives, and prioritize multiple goals
• Ability to be trained to use environmental monitoring equipment such as YSI sondes and dataloggers
• Ability to work weekends
• Ability to work in all weather conditions
• Ability to spend a substantial portion of field days outdoors in any weather or time of year
• Ability to lift heavy loads up to 50 pounds and jump in and out of boats
• Ability to wade through streams, hiking in the woods and climb over rocks to collect samples
• Ability to work at a computer for a substantial portion of an office day
• Commitment to honesty, data integrity, and support to others
• Strong communication skills (written and oral)
• Time management skills
• Driver's license valid in the State of New York

Hours and Shift: 35 hours per week. May be required to work shifts including nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Work Location: 15 Skyline Drive Hawthorne, NY 10532