Research Foundation - Research Scientist (Harmful Algal Blooms) - SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry : Job Details

Job Description: Title: Research Scientist (Harmful Algal Blooms)Unit: NYSDEC Office - 625 Broadway, Albany, NY Salary: $60,000 annually, full time, excellent benefitsAppointment Duration: 2 years, from start date (with possible extension for up to 5 years)Location: Albany, NYProject Overview:Harmful algal blooms (HAB) in freshwater systems consist of cyanobacteria; while these organisms are naturally present in low numbers in waterbodies, they can produce toxins and other harmful compounds that can pose risks to human and animal health, recreation, and aquatic life. In addition, HABs can cause aesthetic and economic issues. Nutrients, biological and physical factors, and increasing temperature resulting from climate change are important drivers associated with HAB increases documented across the world and the United States in recent decades. Between 2012 and 2022, Gorney et al. (2023) documented confirmed reports of freshwater HABs in over 600 waterbodies across New York State (NYS). Each year, HABs are reported and confirmed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) in new waterbodies for the first time.The Division of Water (DOW) is developing a roadmap to serve as a five-year guide with six focus areas to help understand and address HABs and their impacts. Each focus area includes a goal statement along with associated actions in the form of projects and tasks that will guide NYSDEC in accomplishing its mission to protect and conserve the water resources of NYS. Focus areas include:

Monitoring and Assessment

Water Quality Standards and Guidance Values

Planning and Implementation

Mitigation and General Research

Permitting

Public Outreach and Reporting

For DOW to achieve the goals of the HAB Roadmap, the NYSDEC requires employment of a Research Scientist through the Research Foundation to support the implementation of the Roadmap and advance DOW HAB research. The Research Scientist will assist in carrying out many of the tasks highlighted in the HAB Roadmap, identifying and prioritizing research, and coordinating and implementing other DOW priority areas as defined in the job description. Funding is available for two years with potential for extension to support the five year timeline of the HAB RoadmapJob Description (categorized by major project area):

• Research: Guide DOW by identifying data and applied research gaps in understanding of HAB management including but not limited to HAB drivers, mitigation, occurrence, and prevention.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Conduct and evaluate monitoring and analytical strategies to improve understanding of HAB causes, formation potential, or efficient HAB detection. Publish applied research findings with the specific aim to inform DOW monitoring and management efforts. Evaluate and qualify existing HAB data sources collected by DOW and partners. Ensure clear, consistent, and accessible public messaging and reporting of HAB data.
• Existing state regulations to inform potential development of assessment endpoints and pathways to evaluate the impacts to best uses from HABs.
• Planning and Implementation: Work with DOW programs to streamline permitting and aid in development of clean water planning strategies to address HABs.

Requirements: Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in environmental sciences, environmental policy, environmental management, environmental biology, biology, environmental chemistry, limnology, or a related natural resources field, and two years of professional research experience in the appropriate field;
• OR a Master's Degree in environmental sciences, environmental policy, environmental management, environmental biology, biology, environmental chemistry, limnology, or a related natural resources field, and one year of experience;
• OR a PhD in environmental sciences, environmental policy, environmental management, environmental biology, biology, environmental chemistry, limnology, or a related natural resources field.
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive long distances across New York State. Exact hours will be discussed at interview.
• Ability to travel, primarily throughout New York State (with reimbursement), but occasionally out of state and overnight travel will be required. Ability to carry 30 pounds of gear for short distances across uneven terrain.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong background in HAB science including but limited to monitoring, research, and mitigation
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills; comfortable with public speaking.
• Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting limnological, biological, and other environmental data.
• Experience with data analysis (R - statistical computing environment), GIS, and database management.
• Familiarity working in ESRI products such as ArcGIS online, Survey123, and ArcGIS
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite of products
• Highly organized and motivated

Additional Information: In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act institutions of higher education are required to prepare an annual report containing information on campus security policies and campus statistics. This report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by SUNY-ESF; and on property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a printed copy of this report by contacting SUNY-ESF University Police at 315-###-#### or by accessing the following web site: SUNY ESF is a Smoke and Tobacco Free campus and is dedicated to providing a healthy and safe environment for the entire campus. For more information you can visit our Tobacco and Smoke Free Policy at As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law.The Research Foundation for The State University of New York offers exceptional benefits such as healthcare, dental, vision, pension plans, competitive pay, generous paid time off, life insurance and long-term disability insurance.SUNY-ESF and the Broader CommunityESF is a specialized college within the 64-campus SUNY system, and a Carnegie R2 High Research Activity Institution that consistently earns high rankings in US News and World Report, Forbes, Princeton Review, and other national college guidebooks. With a total enrollment of about 2,200 undergraduates and 400 graduate students, combined with the immediate proximity of Syracuse University and Upstate Medical University, ESF provides an intimate, small-college atmosphere within a vibrant, large-university setting. ESF's extended campuses include more than 25,000 acres of forest properties, both close to Syracuse and across the Adirondack Park, which provide numerous opportunities for experiential coursework, research, and public outreach. For more information, see Located on the eastern edge of the Finger Lakes region, Syracuse is a small city in a rural region offering a diversity of natural and cultural amenities, a low cost of living, and a high quality of life - ranking among the top 10 percent of Best Places to Live in The Places Rated Almanac. Syracuse is situated with easy access to New York City, the Adirondack Park, Lake Ontario, and many other points of interest in the eastern United States and Canada. For Syracuse visitor information, see: Application Instructions: Application Deadline: Although applications will be accepted until the position is filled, candidates should submit their application by January 5, 2024 for optimal consideration.Application Procedure: Application materials are required to be submitted on-line. Submit a cover letter, a resume, and contact information for three references online.