Department of Civil Service

Description:

Position Summary:
The Water Quality Program Assistant will assist the Water Quality Unit (WQU) with achieving unit goals and will collaborate closely with unit staff therefore they must be able to work as a member of a small team in the office and the field.
The applicant must have excellent communication skills and be meticulous in the collection and handling of data. This position may also serve to satisfy a student internship need.

Job Duties:
* Recording daily park beach water quality data, reporting and tracking HAB events, and making decisions based on reported conditions.
* Pick-up and drop-off park beach and HABs samples to labs.
* Assist with field work preparation including equipment loading, mapping, and coordination with regional staff and/or partners.
* Potential fieldwork could include collecting water and plant samples on foot or by boat, conducting tests for various water quality parameters, collaborating with partners on data collection, and assisting with aquatic invasive species management.
* Assist WQU staff with other program tasks as needed.

Required Skills/Abilities:
* Must possess Driver's license with a clean driving record and reliable transportation to and from work locations.
* Able to work outdoors in extreme conditions (long hours, inclement weather, heat, humidity, cold, biting insects).
* Perform on uneven surfaces (tripping hazards).
* Perform work in, on, and around water (rivers, lakes, oceans, etc.).
* Must be able to stand, bend, sit, lift, and drive.
* Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
* One to two years of college experience in biology, ecology, natural resources, or related field; driver's license; proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; excellent communication and writing skills.

The ideal candidate possesses the following qualifications:
* Experience performing water quality sampling.
* Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills with attention to detail.
* Microsoft Office experience is preferred.
* Able to work independently and as part of a team.
* Able to work early hours and interact with the public professionally.
* Excellent communication, data management, technical writing, and creative problem-solving skills.
* Completed or pursuing a degree in biology, environmental science, natural resources, or related field is preferred.
* Previous water quality-related coursework, fieldwork, or professional experience; experience with creating educational materials; proficiency with ArcGIS.

To apply:
Please send an email to Sarah Moss (sarah.moss@parks.ny.gov) with a resume, cover letter and contact information for 3 professional references by 3/29/2024.

Location: 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207

Duration and Salary: 16-week position from mid-May through early-mid September. Pay rate is $19.27/hour.

Skills:

Driver's License - No infractions

Working outdoors in extreme conditions

Working in, on and around water

Sitting/Working at desk for long hours

Internship Areas: Engineering, Environmental Conservation, Planning/Analysis/Research, Scientific Research