Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleEnvironmental Program Specialist 2
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $86681 to $109650 Annually
Duties Description Position Narrative:
This posting is for an Environmental Program Specialist 2, within the Division of Water’s (DOW), Bureau of Water Resource Management. The candidate will provide statewide oversight and regional perspective to the administration of the statewide Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) Program, provide input on agricultural related Nonpoint Source Program (NPS Program) initiatives and coordinate with the NPS Program coordinator to develop information or guidance for new or existing agricultural best management practices; and lead the Division’s Dairy Processing Wastewater Initiative.
These programs are administered centrally and implemented statewide through inspections and communications with regulated community. This regionally focused position will improve inspection procedures, guidance, foster relationships with planners, and train inspectors to build effective communication with farms and planners through increased frequency of regional inspection training and coordination across the state.
Additionally, the candidate will participate in DOW’s statewide efforts to ensure overall integrity within various compliance and enforcement programs through participation in training of regional staff and others, assisting in developing best practices, and updating guidance.
Unique Duties:
This position will require regular travel across the state and at least monthly trips to Albany. Must be available to work over-time, on occasion, as needed to complete the work of the Division. Additionally, long-term deployment (up to 2 weeks at a time) across the state may be required.
Essential Functions:
1. CAFO Program
Oversee significant aspects of the CAFO Program and incorporate the regional perspective to the administration of the NYS CAFO Program. Specifically:
•Chair the Regional CAFO Inspector workgroup (Farm Team), including develop agendas, schedule, and facilitate quarterly calls.
•Actively participate in regularly scheduled meetings with agricultural industry partners. These partners include staff from NYSDEC, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (NYSAGM), Cornell, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as well as Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Certified planners and farmers.
•Actively engage with NYSAGM on their Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan Quality Assurance Quality Control program to ensure continued integrity within the CAFO program.
•Develop and provide presentations at trainings and meetings where CAFO related topics are included as an agenda item. For example, Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) Training Workshops, Water Quality Symposiums, Certified Crop Advisor annual meetings, manure applicator trainings, etc.
•Develop CAFO trainings and provide CAFO inspector training. This task will require statewide travel.
•Assist regional staff in CAFO program inspections and follow-up. This task will require statewide travel.
•Develop and/or review CAFO program related guidance materials and forms and CAFO General Permit updates/revisions as necessary. Including, but not limited to mobile inspection form development and communication materials to regulated community.
•Participate in regularly scheduled Soil and Water Conservation Committee meetings.
• Assist with press inquiries, press materials, responses to correspondence and webpage development.
2.Nonpoint Source Program
•Support the Division’s NPS Program initiatives, evaluating and recommending best management practices, and funding as it relates to agriculture.
•Coordinate with NYSAGM to ensure and facilitate integration of NPS Program Management Plan goals and initiatives into NYSAGM programs to the extent possible.
•Collaborate with watershed programs, other DOW programs, and NYSAGM to develop information or guidance for new or existing agricultural best management practices.
3.Lead DOW Dairy Processing Wastewater Initiative
Spearhead rollout of the Dairy Processing Wastewater initiative. Specifically:
•Coordinate with NYSAGM representative to initiate and coordinate a Steering Committee tasked with development of a Dairy Processing Wastewater Guidance Plan.
•Coordinate input from DOW Regional Programs.
•Ensure Steering Committee consists of appropriate industry representatives.
•Facilitate and participate in Steering Committee and ensure steady progress on objectives/deliverables.
•Identify appropriate funding sources and manage contracts related to Steering Committee objectives/deliverables.
•Arrange industry site visits as necessary to meet Steering Committee objectives/deliverables.
•Provide regular briefing updates on progress to supervisor, DOW Management, and Executive staff.
•Incorporate applicable Steering Committee recommendations into DOW SPDES guidance and provide staff training as necessary.
4.Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships and communicate constructively with Federal, State, and local government agencies, engineering firms, various non-governmental groups, and the public on agricultural related issues.
5.Assist in development of regulations, policies, and guidance documents and present to DOW staff statewide.
Minimum Qualifications 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 21 or higher and:
Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: One year of permanent competitive service as a Climate Policy Analyst 2, Environmental Analyst 2, Environmental Radiation Specialist 2, Environmental Specialist 2, Forester 2, Public Participation Specialist 2, Public Participation Specialist 3, Sanitary Construction Inspector 3
Preferred Additional Qualifications:
•Excellent interpersonal communication skills; strong writing and verbal communication skills and have experience and comfort in public speaking.
•Excellent organization skills; strong ability to manage multiple projects on concurrent timelines and meet aggressive deadlines.
•Strong understanding of current CAFO State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting/inspection guidance and memorandums;
•Proficiency working with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
•Familiarity with State and Federal Water Quality Standards and protection programs.
•Familiarity with regulatory/legislative processes.
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.
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.