Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleDeputy Commissioner for Climate Change, Air Resources, and Energy
Occupational CategoryAdministrative or General Management
Bargaining UnitM/C - Management / Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $143454 to $180438 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 Deputy Commissioner for Climate Change, Air Resources, and Energy is responsible for the development and execution of the State’s programs related to the Division of Air Resources and Office of Climate Change, as well as overseeing DEC’s role and responsibilities to support implementation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The Deputy Commissioner will lead participation in all energy matters, including State and federal permitting of energy infrastructure, coordination with other State agencies and authorities, and representing the Commissioner and DEC on energy planning processes including the development of energy plans.
In addition, the Deputy Commissioner will serve as New York State’s representative on the Ozone Transport Commission, represent DEC in matters relating to the multi-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), serve on the Board of the Climate Registry and the Steering Committee of the International Carbon Action Partnership, and oversee the Division of Air Resource’s participation in the Northeast States for Coordinated Air and Utility Management (NESCAUM) and the National Association of Clean Air Agencies. The Deputy Commissioner will advise the Commissioner on federal regulatory and legislative actions regarding climate change and air quality and coordinate the development of comments on federal regulations and initiatives with other State agencies and authorities.
Responsibilities include:
• advancing the implementation of New York’s ambitious Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act;
• working with State agency and authority partners to ensure the equitable implementation of the Climate Act;
• building the State’s resilience to climate change, including the implementation of the Community Risk and Resiliency Act;
• coordinating actions to adapt to the changing climate with other state agencies;
• tracking and understanding the developing science of climate change, including advising the development of the State’s Climate Science Clearinghouse;
• coordinating programs to reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change;
• advising the Commissioner on all matters relating to maintaining and improving air quality, including development of State Implementation Plans;
• overseeing the promulgation and revision of regulations to implement those plans;
• formulating, reviewing, and recommending air quality policy;
• setting goals for air quality program development;
• assisting in the development of legislation related to these efforts; and
• coordinating air quality and climate change programs across divisions and other organizational units regionally and centrally.
The Deputy Commissioner will oversee DEC’s activities relating to the siting and permitting of energy infrastructure in New York, including pipelines, transmission lines, and power generating facilities, including implementing state permitting requirements, and participation in federal-permitting processes and environmental reviews under State and federal environmental review laws.
The Deputy Commissioner will review the organization, administrative systems, procedures, and management practices of the offices listed to ensure efficient program implementation. In addition, the Deputy Commissioner will request and allocate fiscal and personnel resources to reflect changing program needs, priorities, and mandates.
Candidates should be prepared to keep abreast of innovations and emerging scientific and technical discoveries in greenhouse gas and co-pollutant mitigation, carbon capture, alternative and ‘clean’ fuel development, renewable energy, as well as state, national, and international policy and programmatic advances to determine the potential impact and implementation of new ideas, technologies, and innovations in New York State.
In addition, the Deputy Commissioner 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.
Travel and overnight travel may be required. After-hours, weekends and holiday work may be required.
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. Overtime may be required. Overnight travel may be required. Weekends and holidays may be required. Must be available for emergency response. Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.