Review Vacancy
AgencyAgriculture & Markets, Department of
TitleAssociate Environmental Analyst Agriculture (NY HELPS)
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $86681 to $109650 Annually
Duties Description The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking an Associate Environmental Analyst (Agriculture) to work in a location yet to be determined, as the official county station may be considered your home residence. This position will offer the selected candidate the opportunity to travel extensively throughout New York State for field-based work. As our chosen candidate, you will have the chance to make a meaningful difference in our agricultural communities, and New York State's overall environmental health. Apply now and become a vital part of our mission to help protect and enhance New York State's natural resources and working landscapes.
This position is designed to serve as a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning (CNMP) Specialist, supporting conservation planning efforts through New York’s Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Framework. The Associate Environmental Analyst (Agriculture) will work closely with Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), the NYS Soil & Water Conservation Committee (SWCC), and partner organizations to develop and deliver AEM and CNMP trainings, provide regular, direct technical assistance to SWCD staff, and support the AEM Certified Planner Program through plan reviews and quality assurance activities. Additional responsibilities include contributing to the development of technical tools and guidance documents, offering input on conservation standards and practices, and participating in SWCC advisory committees to help shape and enhance program goals. Other duties may be assigned as needed.
The Associate Environmental Analyst Agriculture is a full-time position working 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday.
Travel Requirements: These positions require extensive travel. Appointees must either possess at the time of appointment and continuously thereafter a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State and have access to a motor vehicle when necessary or otherwise demonstrate their capacity to meet the regular transportation requirements in carrying out their field work responsibilities. Additionally, appointees are required to travel out-of-state for overnight trips on occasion due to ongoing training commitments.
Minimum Qualifications Harvest your potential with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets! Join our team and become an integral part of a team dedicated to fostering a competitive food and agriculture industry that benefits both producers and consumers alike. Here, you can cultivate your career in a dynamic environment that values innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. With a wide range of opportunities spanning from environmental science to economic development, you can find your niche in public service and grow both professionally and personally. Embrace the chance to join our team, and you’ll not only reap a fulfilling career but also sow the seeds for a healthier, stronger New York.
NY HELPS Qualifications: Seven years of work experience in a position having a substantial relationship to agricultural land use analysis, soil and water conservation management, or the protection of farms and farmland resources; OR six years of work experience in any combination of the following roles: Soil and Water Conservation District Technician or Manager; National Resources Conservation Service District or Resources Conservation; New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee (State Committee) Consultant Service Provider; Professional Staff of Land Trust Organization; Cooperative Extension Agent (Agriculture); or, Regional Planning Commission and County Planning Office;
Minimum Qualification Substitution: An associate degree in a related field can substitute for two years of specialized experience; a bachelor’s degree in a related field can substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree in a related field can substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate in a related field can substitute for six years of experience.
Defined Roles:
1. Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Manager - Manages the day-to-day operations of the Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). Is responsible for the supervision of technical and administrative support staff. Carries out the SWCDs Annual Plan of Operation and reports to the SWCDs Board of Directors. Implements the Statewide programs at the local level including Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM), Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program, Climate Resilient Farming Program, and Municipal Assistance including stormwater and stream management programs.
2. Natural Resources Conservation Service District Conservationist or Resource Conservationist - Works with farmers and other landowners to develop conventional conservation plans addressing resource concerns. Implements various Farm Bill Programs. Conducts review of contracts to ensure compliance with established schedules and practice requirements. Promotes NRCS objectives and programs and supervises Soil Conservationists and other junior staff at the district level.
3. New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee (State Committee) Consultant Service Provider - State committee Consultant Service Providers and SWCD employees who provide fulltime program services to the State Committee. Responsibilities include marketing and outreach services, program data collection and support services, and management of special program initiatives. State Committee Consultant Service Providers conduct field review of Best Management Practice systems for conformance with State Committee programs and report directly to the Assistant or Executive Director of the State Committee.
4. Professional Staff of Land Trust Organization - Responsible for all phases of land transaction activities including land planning, title work, conservation easement development, budget development and execution, base line documentation and site planning. Responsible for developing short- and long-range organizational goals and demonstrate familiarity with state and local programs to protect land and water resources through the execution of conservation easements and/or other techniques to protect important resources. Should have at least two years direct experience and have project management responsibilities.
5. Cooperative Extension Agent (Agriculture) - Cornell Cooperative Extension Agricultural Agents offer research-based resources and education to the farming community and the general public. Agents help farms to remain viable and profitable businesses by providing comprehensive, research-based information in animal and natural resource husbandry, business planning and marketing, diversified farm products, and technical and financial support opportunities. Agricultural Extension Agents connect clients with Cornell University faculty, Extension experts, and with other community agencies that also can provide information and support.
6. Regional Planning Commission and County Planning Office - Responsible for land use planning, including zoning techniques, comprehensive plan development and/or assistance in the development of local and county regional studies including town and county agricultural and farmland protection plans. Participates in the identification and implementation of local or regional economic development initiatives including the implementation of agricultural economic development projects developed locally or regionally. Possesses experience and knowledge of state Agricultural districts program; familiar with the development and/or review of annual and eight years Agricultural District submissions to NYSDAM.
Preferred Qualifications:
Desired Knowledge / Skills / Abilities: Effective oral and written communication skills; ability to interpret content of comprehensive and detailed legal documents such as administrative rules, appraisals, conservation easements, contracts, local laws, legal surveys, and statutes; data gathering and analysis, including trends analysis and basic statistics; ability to analyze and interpret policy and procedural guidelines to resolve problems; attention to details; self-motivated with little need for direction to carry out ongoing and long-term tasks; ability to prioritize workload.
Alternate Minimum Qualifications:
Reassignment Qualifications: You must be a current Department of Agriculture and Markets employee and have one year of permanent, contingent-permanent, or 55 b/c service as an Associate Environmental Analyst Agriculture, G-23; if you have less than one year, you must be reachable on the current eligible list for this location if one exists.
70.1 Transfer Qualifications to Associate Environmental Analyst Agriculture, G-23: Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they have: one year of permanent, competitive service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law. Such titles include but are not limited to: Environmental Analyst 2, G-23.
70.4 Transfer Qualifications to Associate Environmental Analyst Agriculture, G-23: Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they have received a passing score on the most recent Associate Environmental Analyst Agriculture examination, meet the minimum qualifications, and has served permanently for one year in the title from which transfer is being made under Section 70.4 of the Civil Service Law. Please note that the title from which transfer is being made must be within two salary grades, or one M-grade of the Associate Environmental Analyst Agriculture, G-23.
Reinstatement Under Rule 5.4: Applicants may be appointed to this position permanently if they were previous permanent New York State employees who resigned their positions may be reinstated to their former positions, or to positions to which they were eligible for transfer or reassignment without further examination. Employees separated from their positions may be reinstated within one year of the date of their separation. Employees separated from their positions who have also been separated from state service for more than one year may be reinstated upon approval by the state Civil Service Commission.
Additional Comments NY HELPS Program:
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 (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 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.
Benefits:
This is a PEF-represented position that offers excellent benefits! Benefits include but are not limited to inexpensive Health Insurance options, free Dental and Vision coverage, NYS Pension Plan membership, and generous paid time off. Within the first year, you are eligible for 5 days of personal time, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 13 paid holidays!
As a New York State employee, you could potentially qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)! The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your direct student loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets or another eligible employer.
Salary:
The Associate Environmental Analyst Agriculture position is in the PEF Salary Grade (SG) 23. The starting salary of the PEF SG-23: $86,681/year.
The candidate appointed to the Associate Environmental Analyst Agriculture, SG-23, will be eligible to participate in the New York State Performance Evaluation Program. Through this program, employees receive yearly performance evaluations. Performance advances are payable to PEF employees whose base annual salary is below the job rate for their current position and who were rated "Satisfactory" or its equivalent on their yearly performance evaluation. Performance advance payments are added to an employee's annual salary. Over time, yearly performance advances may lead to the SG-23 job rate salary of $109,650/ year!
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address HarvestYourPotential@agriculture.ny.gov
Address
Notes on ApplyingCandidates that are eligible and interested in being considered for appointment to one of these opportunities must use this link to apply: https://recruitingbypaycor.com/career/JobIntroduction.action?clientId=8a7883d07a219b0d017a53a2e3bb0f9a&id=8a78839e96888cec0196a728b7701149&source=&lang=en
Please apply by: May 16, 2025. Within this online application please upload your resume, cover letter, and transcript if applicable.
If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Parisian in Human Resources at (518) 457-3216 or HarvestYourPotential@agriculture.ny.gov