Scientist (water Ecology)

Ecology Training UK Ltd.; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is hiring a Scientist (Water Ecology) to participate in year‑round sampling on Harbor Survey Cruises and field surveys for the Remote Monitoring Program. Duties include data analysis, report preparation, and assisting with sampling program development.

Provisional appointment is offered; permanent status requires passing the civil service exam. Travel across five boroughs and working on a moving vessel are inherent to the role.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in environmental/related field.
• Bachelor’s degree with 24 credits in relevant fields and 1 year experience.
• Associate degree with 24 credits and 3 years relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Process samples on board following SOPs.
• Assist with calibration and repair of instruments.
• Schedule and perform routine maintenance on instruments and monitoring stations.
• Assist field supervisor with placement of monitoring locations.
• Prepare graphics, maps, and text for annual reports.
• Perform data analysis as requested.
• Proofread and QA/QC for reports.
• Develop new sampling initiatives as required.
• Assist with memoranda and reports related to sampling.

Skills

Marine science

Data analysis

Report writing

Education

Master’s degree in environmental or related field

Bachelor’s degree + 24 credits in related fields (12 in one field) + 1 year experience

Associate degree + 24 credits + 3 years experience

Tools

ArcGIS

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Scientist (Water Ecology)

Agency: NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Department: Marine Sciences
Location: NYC—all boroughs; work location: 329 Greenpoint Ave., Brooklyn
Job type: Full-time
Salary range: $61,510–$90,081
Job ID: 792736
Posted: August 17, 2026
Application deadline: October 16, 2026

Job description

Important provisional appointment notice: Candidates selected through this posting will be hired on a provisional basis. To be considered for permanent employment, provisional employees must take and pass the next civil service examination for Scientist (Water Ecology) and obtain a list number issued by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services. Employees who do not take and pass the exam may not be able to continue in the provisional position.

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection enriches the environment and protects public health for New Yorkers by providing high-quality drinking water, managing wastewater and stormwater, and reducing air, noise, and hazardous materials pollution. DEP is the country’s largest combined municipal water and wastewater utility, with nearly 6,000 employees. Its water supply system includes 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes across a 2,000-square-mile watershed extending 125 miles north and west of the City.

The Bureau of Wastewater Treatment is responsible for operating and maintaining facilities related to sewage treatment within the five boroughs. These include 14 wastewater treatment plants, sludge dewatering facilities, collection facilities, wastewater laboratories, and harbor vessels.

Under supervision, with some latitude to exercise independent initiative and judgment, the selected candidate will participate in year-round sampling during Harbor Survey Cruises and field surveys for the Remote Monitoring Program. The candidate will assist with annual reports and the development and review of additional sampling programs.

Duties

• Process samples on board following strict standard operating procedures.
• Assist with calibration and repair of instruments.
• Schedule and perform routine maintenance on instruments and monitoring stations.
• Assist the field supervisor with placement of monitoring locations.
• Prepare graphics, maps, and/or text for annual reports.
• Perform data analysis as requested.
• Proofread and perform quality assurance/quality control for report production.
• Develop new sampling initiatives as required.
• Assist with memoranda, reports, and other documents related to additional sampling.
• Lift and carry coolers weighing up to 50 pounds.

Minimum qualifications

• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in environmental or chemical engineering, limnology, environmental science, marine science, geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, or health science; or
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with 24 semester credits in one or a combination of the listed fields, including at least 12 credits in one field, and at least one year of satisfactory full-time experience outside of coursework in water-quality planning, management, or research; environmental laboratory analysis; and/or environmental water field sampling; or
• An associate degree from an accredited college or university, including or supplemented by 24 semester credits in one or a combination of the listed fields, including at least 12 credits in one field, and at least three years of satisfactory full-time experience as described above.

Additional requirements: Assignment to Level II or III requires a qualifying bachelor’s degree and at least two years of the specified experience. A qualifying master’s degree may substitute for up to two years of required experience.

Preferred skills

• Extensive knowledge of marine science and experience managing large datasets.
• Laboratory experience handling hazardous chemicals.
• Daily or weekly data QA/QC experience and strong attention to detail.
• Experience with ArcGIS and data-recording software, including Microsoft Excel, online database applications, and Power BI.
• Ability to work year-round in all weather conditions on a moving vessel for more than 12 hours on a given day.
• Experience calibrating or repairing field equipment.
• Excellent written and oral communication, analytical, and research skills, including concise reporting.
• Experience generating annual reports presenting results on annual, monthly, or weekly schedules as needed.
• Ability to perform statistical analysis at regional and harbor-wide scales.

Additional information

This position is also open to qualified people with disabilities who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Applicants should indicate at the top of their resume and cover letter if they wish to be considered through the program.

As a prospective City of New York employee, you may be eligible for federal student loan forgiveness and state repayment assistance programs. New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. Certain City employees who have worked for the City for two continuous years may be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County; applicants should confirm whether the residency requirement applies with the agency representative.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce and a work environment free from discrimination and harassment based on legally protected status or characteristic.