Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleEnvironmental Program Specialist 1/Trainee 1/2- NY HELPS
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $49363 to $82656 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
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 this time, agencies may recruit and hire employees by making temporary appointments. In May 2024, if a temporary NY HELPS employee is satisfactorily performing in the position, the appointment will be changed from temporary pending Civil Service Commission Action to permanent non-competitive and the official probationary period will begin.
At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), 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.
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 qualify 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.
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 2Environmental, Sanitary Construction Inspector 2, Senior Engineering Research Editor.
NOTE: a Juris Doctor, Master’s, or higher degree in a related field can substitute for one year of professional experience.
Duties Description The EPS 1 will be part of the Division of Lands and Forests and be part of a team responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing several parts of the state’s Open Space Conservation program. The incumbent will contribute to the team in the following ways:
• Assist in coordinating the periodic update of the state’s Open Space Conservation Plan (Plan) in accordance with Article 49 Title 2 of the Environmental Conservation Law in partnership with the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Work collaboratively with DEC regional staff to ensure Regional Advisory Committees (RACs) are assembled according to ECL requirements. Incorporate RACs recommendations into the Plan
Collaborate with other DEC Divisions and Programs, and Departments of State, Transportation, and Agriculture and Markets to update policy section of the Plan
Coordinate required public comment period and public hearings on the Draft Plan
Update Generic Environmental Impact Statement as needed
Assemble annually the Annual Land Acquisition report per ECL §49-0213, and update Open Data DEC land acquisition dataset annually
• Support management and oversite of contracts with the Land Trust Alliance for administration of grant programs for land trusts, including the Conservation Partnership Program and the Forest Conservation Easements for Land Trusts grants.
Contract management – ensure grants are awarded in a timely manner
Review vouchers for reimbursement of administration costs
Serve as a grant evaluator
Represent DEC at roundtable meetings, and other meetings and press events
Update Conservation Partnership Program Open Data dataset annually
• Assist Forest Legacy Program state coordinator in implementing Forest Legacy Program in New York.
Periodically update Forest Legacy Program Assessment of Need, which guides program implementation in NY
Develop new applications for Forest Legacy acquisition project grants
Oversee project grant implementation
Ensure annual monitoring of conservation easements acquired through Forest Legacy Program funding, and report to US Forest Service.
Participate in Northeast Midwest State Foresters Alliance Forest Legacy committee
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Travel may be required. Overnight travel may be required. 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.