Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleEnvironmental Program Specialist 4 (Natural Resources)
Occupational CategoryAdministrative or General Management
Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $127507 to $160911 Annually
Duties Description Under the general direction of the Director and Assistant Director of the Division of Lands and Forests, The EPS (NR) 4 will serve as the Bureau Chief of the Bureau of Forest Preserve and Conservation Easements, responsible for the direction and administration of the Bureau.
The Bureau of Forest Preserve and Conservation (FPC) is responsible for managing 3 million acres of forest lands in the Adirondack and Catskills, and 900,000 acres of conservation easements across New York state. The Bureau Chief oversees three (3) sections and leads the administrative and supervisory activities required to carry out Bureau operations. They plan and direct administrative and supervisory activities to complete priority projects, meet deadlines, and ensure efficient operations. They also prioritize and direct the development of Unit Management Plans (UMPs) and regional plans for the Adirondacks and Catskills. They prioritize and direct the development of Recreation Management Plans on conservation easements held by the Department. The Bureau Chief evaluates staff work products to determine if the products comply with existing State and federal regulations and meet required reporting protocols. They periodically review performance of unit supervisors and make recommendations on personnel issues including classification actions, duties descriptions, and position qualifications and examination planning.
The FPC Bureau Chief provides guidance to unit supervisors on pressing issues and complex tasks. As the Department’s liaison to other state and federal agencies on issues related to the Forest Preserve, including serving as the Department liaison to the Adirondack Park Agency. They coordinate with the Division Director and Assistant Division Director to set Bureau priorities for planning and project development. They make project recommendations on high-level initiatives and funding opportunities. They coordinate with the United States Forest Service on research projects in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks. The Bureau Chief also coordinates with central office and regional supervisors to prepare Bureau budgets and secure project funding. They represent the Bureau at high-level meetings with executive staff and Directors from other agencies. They prepare reports and briefing for Division and Department executive staff. They oversee the review and approval of Bureau expenditures for stewardship projects and other efforts to provide public access and protect and enhance natural resources and biodiversity.
Additionally, the Bureau Chief organizes and facilitates meetings of stakeholder groups and ad hoc committees. This includes organizing meetings of the Forest Preserve Advisory Committee, and the 30x30 advisory group.
Furthermore, they coordinate responses from unit supervisors to the Press Office and Legislative Affairs. They ensure quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of all documents prepared for executive review and approval. They lead the formulation and implementation of Department policies, rules, and regulations governing the management and use of Forest Preserve lands and Conservation Easement areas. They represent the Department on matters related to the Forest Preserve, open space planning, and easement planning at public meetings.
Lastly, the Bureau Chief must foster and maintain a culture of inclusiveness, equitability, and respect within the Bureau and among Division staff.
Minimum Qualifications Minimum qualifications for provisional appointment:
You must be a qualified employee of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and have had one year of permanent competitive service as an Environmental Program Specialist 3 (Natural Resources)
or
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 29 / M3 or higher and eligible for transfer under Section 52.6.
lf no more than three individuals meeting the provisional qualifications are interested, it will be possible to make a permanent appointment via non-competitive promotion. The minimum qualification for non-competitive promotion are: You must be a qualified employee of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and have had one year of permanent competitive service as an Environmental Program Specialist 3 (Natural Resources)
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.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.
Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.