Assistant Research Scientist / Research Scientist 1 (Air Pollution)

Duties/Responsibilities Duties Description 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.

Qualifications 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, …