Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleEnvironmental Program Specialist 4
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
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 Environmental Program Specialist 4 (EPS 4) serves as Chief of the Bureau of Division Direction and is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and administration of Bureau operations and initiatives.
The Bureau of Division Direction provides centralized leadership and administrative coordination for multiple functional areas that support the entire Division, including Outreach; Data Science; Federal Grants; Contracts, Grants, and Procurements; the Saratoga Tree Nursery; Policy and Regulatory Coordination; Human Resources; and Fiscal Management. The Bureau Chief leads the supervisory and administrative activities necessary to ensure efficient Bureau operations, establish priorities, and meet programmatic and reporting deadlines. The incumbent evaluates staff work products and program deliverables to support compliance with State and federal laws, regulations, and reporting requirements, and periodically reviews the performance of section supervisors and senior staff. The Bureau Chief makes recommendations regarding personnel matters including classification actions, duty descriptions, staffing levels, and examination planning.
The Bureau Chief provides guidance to section supervisors and program managers on complex operational, fiscal, and policy matters. They coordinate with Division leadership to establish Bureau priorities, recommend high-level initiatives, and identify funding opportunities. Responsibilities include oversight of Division and Bureau budgets, participation in fiscal planning and cost projections, and coordination with administrative and fiscal staff to secure and manage program funding. The Bureau Chief represents the Bureau and Division at executive-level meetings, prepares reports and briefings for Division and Department leadership, and oversees the review and processing of Bureau expenditures and Division contractual actions prior to final approval.
The position leads and coordinates Division-wide initiatives and inter-bureau efforts that have statewide impact. This includes programmatic leadership associated with major statewide initiatives such as the Governor’s 25-Million Trees Initiative, Modernization of the Saratoga Tree Nursery, and development of enterprise-level data and reporting systems supporting forest management, land conservation, and public-facing information. The Bureau Chief serves as the primary program liaison with partner agencies, technical vendors, and other governmental entities regarding planning, implementation, and oversight of these initiatives.
Additionally, the Bureau Chief organizes and facilitates stakeholder meetings, inter-agency working groups, and internal leadership forums. The incumbent coordinates responses to executive correspondence, legislative inquiries, and press-related requests in collaboration with appropriate offices. The position ensures quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) of documents, reports, and briefing materials prepared for executive review and approval, and assists in the formulation and implementation of Division policies, procedures, and regulatory guidance.
The Bureau Chief directly supervises multiple section supervisors and senior staff, maintains several direct reports, and provides overall leadership and direction to a multi-disciplinary workforce. The incumbent is responsible for fostering and maintaining a culture of professionalism, inclusiveness, equity, and respect within the Bureau and across the Division while ensuring accountability, effective communication, and continuous improvement of organizational processes and outcomes.
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 29 / M3 or higher and:
Eligible for transfer under Section 52.6.
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.