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 City Research Scientist IV-A for a position in the Distribution Science and Planning Section, Distribution Water Quality Operations (DWQO) Division, Water Quality & Innovation Directorate located in Queens, New York.

Under administrative direction, of the DWQO Deputy Chief of Distribution Water Quality Laboratory Operations, the City Research Scientist IV-A is responsible for the scientific, administrative, and technical functions for the staff within the Distribution Microbiology, Sample Coordination, and Laboratory Support Sections. The Section Chief will oversee the daily operation of the Microbiology, Bottle Handling and Receiving and Laboratory Support Sections within the Distribution Laboratory, including ensuring compliance with The NELAC Institute (TNI), method development and complex microbiological investigations. Integrate all aspects of bottle preparation, distribution, receiving, shipping, sampling coolers and lead kits, with tracking and maintaining laboratory and office supplies, record storage, and cross-training of personnel to produce a cohesive unit which will streamline and optimize the efficiency of Distribution Water Quality Operations. The Section Chief will expand and improving the services of the laboratory by developing and implementing new techniques to better characterize existing and emerging microbiological contaminants. Specific duties include:

- Initiating, planning, organizing and directing the routine monitoring and research related to the Revised Total Coliform Rule, the Microbial Disinfection Byproduct Rule cluster updates, bacterial speciation for biofilm characterization, and Legionella testing.

- Coordinating and evaluating monitoring and research functions to ensure support for the Bureau’s priorities and goals.

- Managing the seven day a week operation of the two washrooms, sample receiving, and cooler and lead kit preparation units.

- Overseeing data analysis and reporting efforts to meet obligations of the Revised Total Coliform Rule, Special Investigations, After-Action Reports, and other reports.

- Developing and implementing advanced microbiological laboratory techniques for water samples, and trains staff.


(This is a brief description of what you might do in this position and does not include all the duties of this position.)



Preferred Skills:

- Knowledge of Microsoft Office products

- Direct experience in advanced microbial techniques

- Strong database management and programming background, project management, technical writing, and data review skills

- Excellent technical writing, data analysis and presentation skills

- Ability to collaborate on data analysis and research projects

- Ability to identify gaps and opportunities to implement new technologies and techniques

- Experience with a laboratory’s operations

- Basic knowledge of networking

- Excellent personnel management skills

- Strong data management skills

- Strong written and communication skills

- Interpersonal skills

- Time management skills



Hours/Shift:

35 Hours per week / Day shift; may be required, at times, to work nights, weekends and holidays



Work Location:

96-05 Horace Harding Expressway

Flushing, NY 11368

1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:
1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.

NOTE:
Probationary Period
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.