Environmental Program Specialist 1/Trainee 1/2- NY HELPS

Minimum Qualifications

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).

For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.

At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

Qualifications for NYHELPS or 55b/c* appointment are :

TRAINEE 1: A bachelor's in accounting, agricultural engineering, agricultural science, agronomy, animal science, atmospheric science, aquatic science, bacteriology, biochemistry, bioengineering, biology, botany, business administration, chemical engineering, chemistry, civil engineering, civil engineering technology, climate change, coastal resources management, communications, computer engineering, computer science, construction engineering, conservation biology, cultural resources and historic preservation studies, data analysis, earth sciences, ecology, economics, ecosystem management, engineering technology, environmental biology, environmental education, environmental education and interpretation, environmental engineering, environmental health, environmental planning, environmental policy, environmental science, environmental studies, environmental toxicology, fisheries and wildlife sciences, forest engineering, forest resource management, forest science, forestry, genetics, geochemistry, geographic information systems, geography, geological engineering, geology, hydrology, industrial design, industrial engineering, landscape architecture, marine science, mathematics, manufacturing engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, mechanical engineering, meteorology, microbiology, molecular biology, natural resources, natural resources conservation, natural resources management, natural resources planning, natural science, packaging science, physical science, physics, product design, public administration, public policy studies, sustainability, toxicology, urban forestry, urban planning, urban studies, water resource engineering, water resources management, wildlife management, wildlife science, or zoology.

TRAINEE 2: A bachelors as noted above and one year of professional qualifying experience.

EPS 1: A bachelor's as noted above and two years of qualifying experience.

Qualifying Experience: a position where you have responsibility for the following: development and implementation of program policies and procedures; preparing and interpreting rules and regulations; development, preparation, and management of procurement (solicitation) documents, contracts, and/or grants; providing non-engineering technical assistance and information to consultants, public officials, and facility managers; collecting data, reviewing alternatives, performing qualitative or quantitative policy analyses; writing technical or programmatic reports; developing, implementing, analyzing, and evaluating programs; developing and implementing expenditure plans, procuring external funding sources, collecting and forecasting the impact of funding and/or organizational change efforts; assisting with the development of environmental public information campaigns.

NOTE: a Juris Doctor, Master’s, or higher degree in a related field can substitute for one year of professional experience.

• If applying under the 55b/c, candidates must include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55b/c program.
  
  

Candidates May Also Be Eligible Via The Following

Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC or Reinstatement Eligible - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis.

Or

Transfer Eligible - One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 11 or higher and either: Eligible for transfer under Section 70.4: Must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications below;

Or

Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: Permanent competitive service as an Environmental Program Specialist 1 (including trainees), Program Aide, Administrative Specialist 1, Biologist1(Aquatic), (Ecology), (Marine), (Wildlife), Public Participation Specialist 1, Environmental Analyst 1 and Trainee 1 &2, Environmental Engineering Technician 2 & 3, Fish and Wildlife Technician 3, Legal Assistant 2, Mineral Resources Technician2,Pesticide Control Specialist 1 & 2, Public Health Specialist 2 Environmental, Sanitary Construction Inspector 2, Senior Engineering Research Editor.

Duties Description

The successful candidate will be responsible for the development, administration. and furtherance of the Finger Lakes Action Agenda progress; management and administration of grant or other programs; data collection and research to DEC standards; waterbody and watershed analysis to support clean water plan development; support of climate and flooding resiliency initiatives; and represent DEC on key interagency working groups.

Successful candidates must be able to work well independently, in a team environment and with others; successfully manage multiple concurrent projects, have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills; possess excellent analytical and organizational skills; be detail orientated and produce an accurate and timely work product; be able to handle multiple competing priorities; analyze data and identify/resolve problems.

The successful candidate will have ability to learn and complete the following functions:

• Assist with the Finger Lakes Action Agenda implementation, including the administration of grant programs, contracts, workplans, and the development of annual progress reports against defined targets in various clean water and regional management plans;
• Provide administrative and analytical support to DEC for state and federal requirements for various tasks, including grant and progress reporting, review of project proposals, project management, and budgeting;
• Interact with and report on committees, workgroups, and coalitions (for example Soil and Water Conservation Districts) to ensure that DOW priorities are being considered in planning and implementation on best management practices;
• Support the development and implementation of various projects (for example riparian buffers) through analysis and collaboration with Finger Lake municipalities, regional stakeholders, Resilient NY program, and the Region 8 Flood Hub;
• Collaborate with groups to identify and facilitate project development with federal grants, including but not limited to the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and FLLOWPA;
• Track and publish Finger Lakes baseline conditions and Action Agenda progress. Communicate results to the public and local, state, and federal Stakeholders. Ensure tracking alignment in coordination with other DEC watershed programs;
• Perform data/information collection for the evaluation of water quality to support research and assessments through the Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology, support the development of clean water plans, and implementation of NY’s VISION program;
• Assist with research, data analysis and interpretation of environmental data to identify pollutant sources, including emerging contaminants to advance DOW, Finger Lakes, and Great Lakes goals, and advise DOW staff on new, alternate, improved best management practices to address nonpoint source pollution in relation to climate change, target pollutants, source sectors, and other emerging environmental issues;
• Assist with the preparation and presentation of the Unit’s work for publications, technical reports, summaries, informational and other materials and at scientific meetings.
  
  

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Competence in analysis of environmental data sets.?
• Competence developing and reviewing work plans and technical reports.?
• Must have excellent oral and interpersonal skills and be able to prepare effective written communications;
• Must be able to develop and maintain excellent work relationships with others, including but not limited to other DEC programs, staff from other environmental agencies, and the public;
• Experience negotiating with diverse groups to achieve common goals;
• Must have or be able to develop a solid working knowledge of computer systems, including word processing, spreadsheets, geographic information systems, and experience with evaluating and interpreting environmental data with computer programming languages (such as R) and GIS platforms;
• Proficient in developing technical summaries and informational materials to facilitate public involvement and translate technical resources to stakeholders;
• Experience ensuring adherence to established standards, resources, and program requirements, including knowledge and experience with aspects of water quality and watershed management, NYS water quality standards, regulations, and Division technical, operational and guidance documents;
• Familiarity with federal CWA water quality programs and requirements.
  
  

In addition to the aforementioned essential duties, the successful candidate must also:

• Have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position;
• Be willing to travel to all DEC state-wide regional offices and the offices of various external agency partners;
• Available to work over-time, on occasion, as needed to complete the work of the Division; and
• Experience transporting, trailering, and operating boats.
  
  

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.

Overtime may be required.

Overnight travel may be required.

Must be able to lift and move objects up to 30 pounds.

Must have certification to operate motorized boats or personal watercrafts at time of appointment.

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.