Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleEnvironmental Program Director
Occupational CategoryAdministrative or General Management
Bargaining UnitM/C - Management / Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $137883 to $173431 Annually
Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor’s degree and nine years of experience in a field related to environmental conservation, protection, or natural resources; at least four years of which must be managerial. Managerial experience must include responsibility for implementation of program goals and objectives within established budgets and supervision or coordination of staff to achieve specific objectives.
NOTE: A Master’s Degree may be substituted for one year of the non-managerial experience and a Ph.D. may be substituted for two years of the non-managerial experience.
Duties Description The Director of the Division of Water is responsible for overseeing the Division to advance the Department’s priorities to protect and improve water quality, including implementing regulatory requirements, policy goals, and technical programs associated with the Federal Clean Water Act, and analogue State statutes and regulations to safeguard water resources. Through management of five bureaus and more than 200 Division staff, the Director will provide strategic leadership to the Division’s work to restore water quality and effectively manage the state’s water resources, implementing nation leading programs on dam safety and drinking water source protection, and working with communities to promote flood resilience and sound water management strategies as the state adapts to the impacts of climate change.
The Director serves as the: (1) administrative leader of the Division, (2) strategic advisor to the Deputy Commissioner of Water Resources and Watersheds, the Commissioner and DEC’s executive team, and (3) leading representative and policy advisor for identifying and advancing innovative water quality protection measures in New York.
The Division Director’s primary responsibilities include the following:
• Develop goals, measurable objectives, and long-range plans for the Division and its organizational components, including the preparation of annual work plans and budget requests.
• Oversee the allocation of funds, competitive grant programs, and other resources and account for their effective use.
• Coordinate on water infrastructure financing and grant programs with the Environmental Facilities Corporation.
• Collaborate with watershed basin programs in-state and interstate, and represent the Department on regional, national and international water resource boards, commissions and professional associations.
• Direct the development and maintenance of reporting systems for auditing program accomplishments.
• Make human resources decisions and provide general supervision and direction to professional staff, technical, and support personnel
• Maintain communication with program staff, partners and stakeholders within and outside the Department with emphasis on the division's relationship with the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Oversee the execution of plans documenting water quality and the work of Central Office and Regional Water Staff, including inter-regional “HUBs,” in coordination with DEC’s nine Regional Directors and regional staff, additional Divisions, and the Office of General Counsel.
• Formulate and implement Department policies, orders, and rules and regulations concerning the State’s water quality, water-quantity/drought, dam safety, and flood/water-climate resilience and related programs administered by the Division of Water.
• Direct implementation of compliance inspection programs and regulatory compliance actions, in coordination with the Office of General Counsel, for all Division of Water areas of statutory/regulatory responsibility.
• Provide technical assistance to the regulated community on matters related to water quality, water-quantity/drought, dam safety, and flood/water-climate resilience, as well as associated state and federal financial assistance programs.
Candidates should be prepared to keep abreast of innovations and emerging scientific and technical discoveries in water quality, water-quantity/drought, dam safety, and flood/water-climate resilience and determines the possible impact and implementation of new ideas, technologies and innovations in New York State.
In addition, the Director is expected to foster teamwork, collaboration, innovation, cooperation and team spirit among staff, including fostering a culture of inclusiveness, equity, and respect, mentoring staff, and encouraging professional development.
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver's license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Travel, overnight and overtime travel may be required. Must be available for emergency response. Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies.
Actual work schedule, duties and travel requirements may vary and will be discussed at the interview.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.