NY HELP No Agency Environmental Conservation, Department of Title Research Scientist 1 - Forest Health Occupational Category I.T. Engineering, Sciences Salary Grade 18 Bargaining Unit PS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF) Salary Range From $65001 to $82656 Annually Employment Type Full-Time Appointment Type Permanent Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class Travel Percentage 30% Workweek Mon-Fri Hours Per Week 37.5 Workday From 8 AM To 4 PM Flextime allowed? No Mandatory overtime? No Compressed workweek allowed? No Telecommuting allowed? Yes County Albany Street Address 625 Broadway City Albany State NY Zip Code 12233 Duties Description Program OverviewThe Forest Health Research Lab (FHRL) is a component of the Forest Health Section of the Bureau of Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health in the Division of Lands and Forests. The FHRL is managed by the FHRL Manager (RS2) and divided into two units, the Entomology Unit and the Pathology Unit. Both Units contain an RS1 who supervises one lab technician. FHRL Staff conduct research to better understand forest pests and diseases, inform invasive species management decisions, build networks of cooperating scientists and practitioners, and help the citizens of New York maintain healthy trees and forests while providing diagnostic services to stakeholders. Duties/ResponsibilitiesThe FHRL Entomologist designs and implements research focused on forest insect biology and ecology. To that end, they supervise the FHRL Entomology Lab Technician and assist in managing seasonal staff and summer interns, curate the FHRL’s reference collection, maintain extensive documentation of collected specimens, manage research data, perform both laboratory and field work, photograph specimens, train partners, and prepare reports. The FHRL Entomologist also provides entomological diagnostic support to partners and the public by responding to email inquiries and processing samples from all statewide early detection and research trapping efforts. The FHRL Entomologist also functions as a liaison between the FHRL and our various clients and stakeholders. They network with regulatory agencies, expert laboratories, researchers, survey specialists, landscape managers, private foresters and timber companies, farmers, and the public. Applied Research, Data Analysis & Technical Duties (60%)1.Act as FHRL's primary entomologist and identifier and develop and maintain entomological resourcesa.Identify insects to genus and/or species, pin and label specimens for collection as needed; enter collection data into Excelb.Refer pests to national identifiers or regional specialists as neededc.Utilize data to provide updates to host distribution maps and notify partners of significant findingsd.Publish research findings in reports and/or peer reviewed journals and present at professional conferences and regional meetingse.Curate the Lab's insect collection, inventory specimens, check identifications, collect and maintain reference specimens, maintain diagnostic guides & other resourcesf.Be in charge of production of high-resolution images for outreach and publications using lab image hardware/software2.Assist with research related to the detection, monitoring or management of forest pestsa.Stay up-to-date on current invertebrate pests in NY and potential future concerns. Review and summarize relevant research publications on forest entomology and invasive insects. b.Stay up to date on established trapping protocols or work with FHRL Manager to develop novel protocolsc.Develop and design trapping surveys that assess the presence, range, phenology and behavior of emerging invasive insects in NY or assesses efficacy of DEC’s management effortsd.Manage early detection trapping surveys; coordinate site selection, trap deployment and sample collection for species of concern (i.e. brown spruce longhorn beetle, spruce budworm, red pine scale, etc.); coordinate regional surveys and enter data into federal databasese.Oversee the Southern Pine Beetle phenology & synchrony research project; deploy traps; coordinate trap checks; collect and identify samples; maintain data records, analyze data and write annual reports on project progress. Work with Manager to expand research objectives based on current knowledge and publish findings in scientific journals.f.Work with State and Federal partners to design and execute regional research and monitoring projects that aim to understand the extent, severity and impact of high-impact forest pests. Program Coordination and Support (40%)3.Assist with outreach activitiesa.Give presentations to partners and the publicb.Assist with production of fact sheets, webpage updates, and articles; contribute to internal publications like the Understory4.Provide diagnostic support to professional partners and the publica.Conduct site visits; respond to and track new infestations; identify damage-causing insects present; determine extent & severity of damageb.Respond to public and partner diagnostic inquiries through the Forest health email and maintain records of communication in Excel c.Provide technical assistance to public and partners as needed5.Supervise entomology lab tech and delegate entomological tasks as necessarya.Assign tasks to lab tech; preside over daily work to ensure tasks are completed; provide necessary resources Additional Comments:The position requires travel across New York State during the field season (March-November) and occasional overnights ( ? 5 nights/year). A valid driver’s license is required The ability to work in adverse weather conditions, hike long distances and the ability to carry over 20 lbs is required. Minimum Qualifications Candidates for this position must have a Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science, environmental biology, forest health, entomology, plant science, ecology, or a related natural resource field, and two years of professional research experience in a related natural resource field.Substitution options: master’s degree in an appropriate field may substitute for one year of experience, and Ph.D. in an appropriate field may substitute for an additional year of experience.Preference will be given to candidates who possess academic credentials and/or professional experience in the following fields: forest entomology, invasive species, and forest health.Preferred Additional Qualifications:•Ability to identify forest insects to genus and species level, including the use of dichotomous keys.•Experience with insect preservation techniques, insect preparation, pinning and mounting. •Experience with insect trapping surveys, including the use of various trap types. •Experience working in an entomology laboratory. •Research experience- design, implementation, analysis, reporting Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.Must be able to work in remote areas.Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions. Travel may be required.Overnight travel may be required.Must be able to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds.Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:• Holiday & Paid Time Off• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System• Shift & Geographic pay differentials• Affordable Health Care options• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost• NYS Deferred Compensation plan• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds• And many more...For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.DEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity. Name Heath Boomhower Telephone 518-402-9273 Fax 518-402-9038 Email Address PostingResponses@dec.ny.gov Address Street 625 Broadway City Albany State NY Zip Code 12233 Notes on Applying Please email/mail your resume to the above. Be sure to include Posting #25-179094 on your resume and also in the subject line of your email or it may not be accepted. If qualified based on college credit, include college transcript.