Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleSpecial Assistant, Chief Resiliency Officer
Occupational CategoryAdministrative or General Management
Bargaining UnitM/C - Management / Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $105500 to $133319 Annually
Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor’s degree and six years of experience in a field related to environmental conservation, protection, or climate change mitigation; at least four years of which must be managerial. Experience managing complex projects and multi-million-dollar budgets is preferred. 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 individual serving in this position will report to the Executive Deputy Commissioner and serve as Chief Resilience Officer, tracking and coordinating the efforts of multiple Divisions and State and Federal funding initiatives.
The individual selected for this position will manage and track State investments and grant opportunities to improve community, environmental, and ecosystem resilience across New York State. In addition, the Chief Resilience Officer will secure opportunities to maximize State and Federal funding opportunities to help mitigate the effects of climate change and advance climate adaptation efforts, and serve as a liaison with key state and federal agencies to coordinate and advance these efforts.
In particular, the Chief Resilience Officer will track projects associated with protecting water quality and updating aging water infrastructure; strengthening critical community infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and culverts to withstand severe storms and flooding; reducing air pollution and climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions; advancing protection and restoration of ecosystems and habitats, including wetlands and coastal habitats; and preserving outdoor spaces and land acquisition to bolster climate adaptation, among other projects. The Chief Resilience Officer will also help track and coordinate projects from other State agencies and authorities, maintain a database of identified projects, and provide regular reports on project status. The Chief Resilience Officer will also direct and manage projects to maximize investments by conducting research, developing implementation strategies, providing oversight, implementing policies and procedures, and offering recommendations to resolve issues and ensure project timelines are met.
The Chief Resilience Officer will work to ensure that projects and investments benefit disadvantaged communities historically overburdened by environmental pollution.
The Chief Resilience Officer will oversee creation of a new office focused on these efforts while integrating existing teams dedicated to these efforts. Specific duties include:
• Providing strategic direction for projects by developing short- and long-term project goals and developing timelines for implementation;
• Performing research and analysis and prepare reports for use by executive management;
• Performing special studies to support the development and implementation of programs to improve community resiliency;
• Developing and maintaining partnerships with internal and external entities; and
• Convening outside stakeholders to help identify potential projects and identify barriers to the success of projects and propose and implement solutions.
The Chief Resilience Officer should be prepared to keep abreast of innovations and emerging scientific and technical discoveries to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Additionally, the Chief Resilience Officer will be expected to foster teamwork, collaboration, innovation, and cooperation 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 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. Overtime may be required. Overnight travel may be required.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.