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NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS)

ZOHRAN KWAME MAMDANI
Mayor

      DEPARTMENT OF CITYWIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
BUREAU OF EXAMINATIONS

YUME KITASEI
Commissioner

NOTICE OF EXAMINATION

       Scientist (Water Ecology)
      Exam No. 7065

When To Apply:

From: 

September 2, 2026

To:

September 22, 2026

Application Fee: $68.00

Paying by credit, debit, or gift card incurs a nonrefundable 2.00% service fee.

The application fee may be waived for: New York City high school students, first-time test takers, veterans, unemployed individuals, and those receiving public assistance or supplementary security income.

  YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR READING THIS ENTIRE NOTICE
BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION.

 

WHAT THE JOB INVOLVES:

Scientists (Water Ecology) under supervision, with some latitude for the exercise of independent initiative and judgment, collect water samples and other environmental data in the field to support water ecology research; perform routine water ecology and water quality testing and analyses; may assist in performing moderately complex testing and analyses, employing standard controls, utilizing manual and automated techniques and conducting data and statistical analyses, using computer software and mathematical models; drive a motor vehicle from site to site in the performance of these duties. All Scientists (Water Ecology) perform related work.

Special Working Conditions:

Scientists (Water Ecology) may be required to work various shifts including nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
Some of the physical activities performed by Scientists (Water Ecology) and environmental conditions experienced are: lift and carry packages weighing approximately 20 pounds for a distance of 30 feet; perform duties in confined work areas; wear protective garments such as gloves, lab coats, goggles, and life vests; handle and manipulate laboratory equipment and instruments/tools such as glass test tubes, slides, beakers and other glassware, scalpels, scissors, etc.; adjust settings on machines, which requires fine finger and hand coordination and control; and collect samples at sites in all weather conditions.
(This is a brief description of what you might do in this position and does not include all the duties of this position.)

THE SALARY:

The current minimum salary is $52,804 per annum. This rate is subject to change. There are three assignment levels within this class of positions. Appointments will be made to Assignment level I. After appointment, employees who have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree and meet additional requirements may be assigned to the higher assignment levels at the discretion of the agency.

HOW TO QUALIFY:

It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the education and experience requirements for the examination before submitting your application. If you are deemed "Not Qualified," your application fee will not be refunded and you will not receive a score.

As per Section 54(2) of the Civil Service Law, the education requirement needed to qualify must be met by September 22, 2027. The experience requirement needed to qualify must be met by the last day of the Application Period (September 22, 2026).

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

  1. A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in one of the following areas of study: environmental or chemical engineering, limnology, environmental science, marine science, geology, biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, or health science; or

  2. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, including or supplemented by 24 semester credits in one or a combination of the areas of study described in "1" above, at least 12 of which must have been in one of these areas of study and at least one year of satisfactory full-time experience, which must not have been part of graduate or undergraduate course work, working in the field of water quality planning, management or research, or performing environmental laboratory analyses and/or environmental field sampling of water; or

  3. An associate degree from an accredited college or university including or supplemented by 24 semester credits in one or a combination of the areas of study described in “1" above, at least 12 of which must have been in one of these disciplines and at least three years of satisfactory full-time experience as described in "2" above.

The college or university must be accredited by regional, national, professional, or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher
Education Accreditation (CHEA).

If you were educated outside the United States, you must have your foreign education evaluated to determine its equivalence to education obtained in the United States. This is required only if you need credit for your foreign education in this examination. For more information see the Foreign Education Evaluation Guide in the Required Information section.

During the Education and Experience Exam (EEE), you will get instructions on converting part-time experience to the full-time equivalent.

You must final submit your Education and Experience Exam in OASys by midnight Eastern time on the last day of the Application Period, and once you Final Submit, no changes can be made.

Failure to click Final Submit by the deadline will result in an incomplete application, and you will not receive a score or a refund of the application fee.

Driver License Requirement:

You must have a motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York at the time of appointment. If you have moving violations, license suspension(s) or an accident record, you may be disqualified. This license must be maintained for the duration of your employment.

Residency Requirement Advisory:

Under New York City Administrative Code Section 12-120, you might need to be a resident of the City of New York within 90 days of the date you are appointed to this position. Since residency requirements vary by title, appointing agency, and length of service, consult the appointing agency’s personnel office at the time of the appointment interview to find out if City residency is required.

English Requirement:

You must be able to understand and be understood in English.

Proof of Identity:

Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, you must be able to prove your identity and your right to obtain employment in the United States prior to employment with an agency under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner, Department of Citywide Administrative Services.

HOW TO APPLY:

Apply through the Online Application System (OASys) at www.nyc.gov/examsforjobs. Follow the onscreen application instructions to submit your application and payment. A valid email address is required. Free email accounts are available from Google, Yahoo!, AOL, Outlook.com, or Mail.com.

New OASys accounts must be verified to confirm your email address is valid and that you have access to the email account. You will receive a confirmation email from OASys to confirm your account upon registering for your OASys account. If any issues arise, contact DCAS at nyc.gov/CivilServiceNowNYC and select the applicable subject. If you do not receive the confirmation email, check your spam or junk mail folder before contacting DCAS.

You can pay with major credit cards, bank cards, or prepaid debit cards with a credit card logo. Veterans and individuals receiving certain public assistance may qualify for a fee waiver. For more information on eligibility and required documentation, visit the Fee Waiver FAQs on OASys at https://a856-exams.nyc.gov/OASysWeb/faqs.

You may come to the DCAS Computer-based Testing & Application Centers to apply for this examination online.

The centers will be open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM:

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens
2 Lafayette Street 210 Joralemon Street 118-35 Queens Boulevard
17th Floor 4th Floor 5th Floor
New York, NY 10007 Brooklyn, NY 11201 Forest Hills, NY 11375
Staten Island Bronx
135 Canal Street 1932 Arthur Avenue
3rd Floor 2nd Floor
Staten Island, NY 10304 Bronx, NY 10457
 
 
The DCAS Computer-based Testing & Application Centers will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026.

Application Receipt:

After applying for the examination through the Online Application System (OASys), expect an immediate receipt via email. If you don't see it, be sure to check your Junk, Trash, or Spam folders. Alternatively, you can view a summary of your application status on your OASys Dashboard under "Notifications."

If you still can't find the email, contact DCAS at nyc.gov/CivilServiceNowNYC and select the applicable subject. Include your exam number and profile number for easier identification. Also, verify that your email address in your profile is accurate and up to date. Finally, add OASys@dcas.nyc.gov to your known senders to ensure you receive all important communications.

 

Special Circumstances Guide:

This Guide provides instructions for requesting alternate test dates for religious observances, how to apply for disability accommodations, Legacy credit, and address changes. Following the relevant instructions in the guide is crucial when filling out the "Application for Examination." Guide Link: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dcas/downloads/pdf/employment/nyc-dcas-special-circumstances-guide.pdf

 

Civil Service Guidance for Veterans:

There are a range of benefits available to eligible veterans in their civil service careers. Specifically, veterans and disabled veterans may be eligible for application fee waivers, preference credits, make-up exams, retroactive seniority, and age deduction where the exam has maximum age requirements. Review the Civil Service Guidance for Veterans at: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dcas/downloads/pdf/employment/faqs-for-veterans.pdf

PENALTY FOR MISREPRESENTATION:

Any intentional misrepresentation on the application or examination may result in disqualification, even after appointment, and may result in criminal prosecution.

REQUIRED INFORMATION:

1. Application for Examination: Follow the online instructions, including those relating to the payment of fee and, if applicable, those found in the Special Circumstances Guide.

2. Education and Experience Exam: Complete the exam by following the on-screen instructions. You must provide detailed information about your licenses, education, and experience and finalize your submission in the Online Application System (OASys) by midnight Eastern time on the last day of the application period. Once you click on Final Submit, no further changes can be made. Failure to submit by the deadline will result in your examination being deemed incomplete, and you will not receive a score or be invited to any subsequent exam portions. Additionally, your application fee will not be refunded.

3. If applicable, ensure your foreign education evaluation is submitted directly to DCAS by an approved evaluation service within eight weeks after the application deadline. Approved evaluation services are listed in the Foreign Education Evaluation Guide located on the DCAS website at https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dcas/downloads/pdf/employment/nyc-dcas-foreign-education-evaluation-guide.pdf. If you intend to qualify with a master’s degree under Item (1) of the Education and Experience Requirements above, ask the evaluation service for a "document-by-document" evaluation of your foreign education. If you intend to qualify under Item (2) with a baccalaureate degree or Item (3) with an associate degree, ask for a "course-by-course" evaluation (which includes a "document-by-document" evaluation).


THE TEST:

Your score will be determined by an Education and Experience Exam. You will receive a score of 70 points for meeting the education and experience requirements listed above. After these requirements are met, you will receive additional credit up to a maximum of 100 points on the following basis:

Experience used to gain additional credit must be obtained by the last day of the Application Period (September 22, 2026).

If you have satisfactory full-time experience in water quality planning, management, or research, or performing environmental laboratory analyses and/or environmental field sampling of water for:

You will receive
up to:

At least 6 months but less than 1 year

3.75 points

At least 1 year but less than 1 year and 6 months

7.5 points

At least 1 year and 6 months but less than 2 years

11.25 points

At least 2 years but less than 2 years and 6 months

15 points

At least 2 years and 6 months but less than 3 years

18.75 points

At least 3 years but less than 3 years and 6 months

22.5 points

At least 3 years and 6 months but less than 4 years

26.25 points

4 or more years

30 points

Experience used to meet the minimum requirements cannot be used to gain additional credit.

During the Education and Experience Exam (EEE), you will get instructions on converting part-time experience to the full-time equivalent.

You must Final Submit your Education and Experience Exam in OASys by midnight Eastern time on the last day of the Application Period, and once you Final Submit, no changes can be made.

Failure to click Final Submit by the deadline will result in an incomplete application, and you will not receive a score or a refund of the application fee.


CHANGE OF MAILING ADDRESS, EMAIL ADDRESS, AND/OR TELEPHONE NUMBER:

It is essential to promptly notify DCAS of any changes to your mailing address, email address, or phone number. Without your correct contact information, you may miss important updates regarding your exam(s), appointment considerations, or critical information that requires a timely response. To update your contact information, follow these steps:
  • City Employees: update your information in NYCAPS Employee Self-Service (ESS) at www.nyc.gov/ess
  • All Others: Log into your OASys account at www.nyc.gov/examsforjobs, navigate to your Dashboard, and update your Profile page.

CHANGE OF NAME AND/OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:

To change your name and/or social security number with DCAS, use the Data Correction Form and follow all instructions provided. You can access the DCAS Data Correction Form at the following link: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/dcas/downloads/pdf/employment/dp148a.pdf.

THE TEST RESULTS:

If you pass the Education and Experience Exam, your name will be placed on an eligible list in final score order. You will receive a list number and be notified of your test results via email. This eligible list determines the order of candidates considered for appointment, usually active for four years.

For more information about the civil service system, visit: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dcas/employment/more-about-civil-service.page.

If you believe your test was rated incorrectly, you can appeal your score to DCAS, Committee on Manifest Errors, using the Online Application System (OASys). Your appeal must clearly state the reasons for requesting a higher score and may result in a different rating.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Selective Certification For Special Experience and Certification: If you have the experience or certification listed in one or more of the areas listed below, you may be considered for appointment to positions requiring this experience or certification through a process called Selective Certification. If you qualify for Selective Certification, you may be given preferred consideration for positions requiring this experience or certification. Follow the onscreen instructions when completing your Education and Experience Exam to indicate your interest in such Selective Certification and Final Submit it in the Online Application System (OASys).

  1. Selective Certification for Positions Requiring Municipal Government Experience (MGE): At least one (1) year of satisfactory, full-time experience working within a municipal government in a similar position, which provides services for a city with over 1 million in population.
  2. Selective Certification for Federal Government Experience (FGE): At least one (1) year of satisfactory, full-time experience working within the federal government of the United States in a similar position.
  3. Selective Certification for AmeriCorps (AMC): Successful completion of at least ten (10) months of satisfactory, full-time experience as a NYC Service AmeriCorps member at a City agency or non-profit organization, which includes 100+ hours of workforce preparedness trainings.
  4. Selective Certification for Civil Service Pathways Fellowship (FEL): Successful completion of at least one (1) year of the Civil Service Pathways Fellowship program.
  5. Selective Certification for Incident Command Structure Certification (ICS): A valid Incident Command Structure (ICS) certification such as FEMA's Professional Development Series certificate or an IS-100.c,IS-200.c, IS-700.b, or IS-800.c certificate.
  6. Selective Certification for Environmental Hazards in Water Systems (EHW): At least six (6) months of satisfactory, full-time experience in environmental sampling, investigation, remediation, hazard assessment, or risk management for biological or chemical contaminants in plumbing or building water systems.

The above Selective Certification requirements may be met anytime during the duration of the list. If you meet the Selective Certification requirement at some future date, please submit a request via the following link: nyc.gov/CivilServiceNowNYC using the "Selective Certification" subject. Please include the examination title and number, your full name, OASys Profile ID number, and the specific Selective Certification you are requesting in your submission.

Translation Notice:

This document is provided in English. Solely for convenience, Google Translate is offered to provide machine-generated translations to other languages. The New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any machine-generated translation and shall not be liable for any errors or omissions arising from the use of such translations. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the translated version and the English version, the English version will control and prevail.
 

READ CAREFULLY AND SAVE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

The General Examination Regulations of the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) apply to this examination and are part of this Notice of Examination. They are posted at nyc.gov/dcas and copies are available at the DCAS Computer-based Testing & Application Centers.

The City of New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Title Code No. 21538; Miscellaneous Occupational Group.
For information about other exams, and your exam or list status, call 212-669-1357.
Internet: nyc.gov/dcas