Environmental Scientist 5
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BUREAU
The Environmental Protection Bureau in the New York State Office of the Attorney General represents the State in environmental, human health, and energy in litigation in state and federal courts, and in advocacy before administrative agencies. The bureau enforces state and federal environmental laws that protect New Yorkers’ rights to clean air, clean water, and safe and healthy communities, and conducts investigations into violations of those laws. Some of the more recent matters handled by the bureau have targeted climate change pollution, contaminated site cleanup cost recovery and natural resource damages, protections for farmworkers and their families from pesticide poisoning, penalties for violations of vehicle fuel efficiency and emissions standards, and investigations into environmental justice and public health areas, such as increased truck traffic in residential neighborhoods, unsafe drinking water, toxic toys, and lead paint hazards in residential rental properties. The bureau also defends state agencies alleged to have violated environmental laws, advocates on legislative initiatives, and communicates with the public regarding environmental issues.
ALBANY CHIEF SCIENTIST POSITION
Under the direction of the Bureau Chief and Albany Deputy Bureau Chief, the Albany Chief Scientist is responsible for directing and managing a multi-disciplinary science staff engaged in all aspects of the work of the bureau. As a member of the bureau management team, superior scientific, management, planning and communication skills are essential, as the position involves scientific and technical support for bureau activities, including investigations, legal actions, negotiations, legislative initiatives, public outreach and formulations of policy where science, law and public policy needs intersect. Experience in advocacy in the field of science or environmental policy helpful.
Minimum Qualifications
A Master's degree or professional engineering licensure and ten years of professional experience in the natural sciences, engineering, environmental analysis or regulation, establishment of environmental policy, or in a closely related field. Three years of this experience must have included responsibility for the supervision or project management of scientific or technical professionals. In addition, three years of this experience must have been involved in environmental analysis in support of litigation. A Ph.D. in the natural sciences may be substituted for three years of the required non-supervisory, non-litigation experience.
DUTIES & ACTIVITIES:
• Plan, manage and direct activities of the scientific/technical section within the bureau’s Albany and Buffalo offices, including making work and team assignments, in coordination with the science section in the NYC office.
• Supervise and evaluate staff performance, and recommend appropriate staff management measures, including training.
• Coordinate scientific activities within the bureau to assure that scientific/technical support is provided to legal staff in the bureau, primarily in the Albany and Buffalo offices.
• Participate in management of the bureau, working with other bureau managers in Albany and New York City to establish program and case specific goals and strategies, and to report on bureau activities.
• Initiate, coordinate and provide scientific and policy research and investigations to develop affirmative litigation opportunities, investigative reports, and educational outreach activities.
• Provide scientific support for bureau activities, including investigations, legal actions, negotiation, legislative initiatives and policy development policy.
• Interact and assist in coordination of bureau activities with other scientific, technical and policy staff of state, federal and municipal governments, and in academia.
• Assist attorneys in preparing documents and records, selecting expert witnesses and evaluating opposing experts, and participate in the development of discovery relating to parties, facts and expert witnesses at depositions and at trial. Assist in preparation of witnesses for examination at depositions and at hearings and trials.
• Review legal and scientific documents prepared by the bureau scientists and attorneys for scientific and technical accuracy. Review scientific documents prepared by other parties for accuracy and reliability, and assist in developing appropriate responses.
• Work with other bureaus within the Office of the Attorney General to provide scientific support to the activity of those bureaus, including investigations, litigation, and the development of multi-disciplinary initiatives.
• Represent the Attorney General’s Office and the bureau on advisory panels and committees, at negotiations, hearings and public meetings.
• Work with attorneys to develop and present training on scientific methods and research, environmental forensics, and the admissibility of expert witness testimony.
• Perform other duties as assigned. Dependent on OAG policy and subject to management discretion, this position may have flextime allowed, compressed workweek, and telecommuting options.