Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleMineral Resources Specialist 1 / 2 - NY HELPS
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $59363 to $98354 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Duties Description The Mineral Resources Specialist 1 will work in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC’s) Division of Mineral Resources. DEC’s Division of Mineral Resources regulates the operation of oil and gas wells throughout the state to ensure the protection of the environment, public health, and public safety.
The incumbent will be advanced, without further examination, to a Mineral Resources Specialist 2 after one year of satisfactory service as a Mineral Resources Specialist 1. As Mineral Resources Specialist 1, the incumbent will perform entry-level professional mineral resources work under the direct supervision of a Mineral Resources Specialist 3 or 4.
As a Mineral Resources Specialist 1/2, the main responsibilities of the incumbent may include, but are not limited to, the following:
•Evaluating the compliance of oil and gas well operators with state requirements. These include the requirements set forth in Article 23 of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) and Parts 550-559 of Title 6 of the New York Codes, Rules, and Regulations.
•Assisting with enforcement cases for oil and gas well operators when the operators are noncompliant with state requirements. This may include preparing summaries of violations and other enforcement documents.
•Performing technical and environmental evaluations of forms submitted by oil and gas well operators. These forms may include “Annual Well Reports”, “Requests for Shut-In or Temporary Abandonment”, and “Requests for Transfer of Well Responsibilities”. Resolving any technical questions or deficiencies in these submissions through communication with the oil and gas well operators.
•Researching and analyzing technical and regulatory data related to well production, inspections, plugging, and enforcement.
•Supporting DEC’s state and federally funded well plugging programs. These programs include, but are not limited to, the plugging of orphaned oil and gas wells using Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funds and the plugging of marginal conventional wells using Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funds. Tasks include tracking deadlines, developing detailed contract documents, and communicating with contractors and landowners.
•Performing field work including detailed inspections of oil and gas well sites. This may include travel throughout the state.
•Developing guidance documents, regulatory forms and instructions, maps using ArcGIS, and public website content.
•Inputting and updating data in electronic data systems. Organizing physical and electronic files.
•Performing outreach and coordinating with other DEC employees, other state and/or federal agencies, the public, landowners, and the regulated community.
Minimum Qualifications 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 of 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.
Non-Competitive/NYHELPS Minimum Qualifications:
Mineral Resources Specialist 1:
Four years of experience in drilling, development, or production for oil, gas, solution mining, or underground gas storage.
Associate degree may substitute for two years of specialized experience; bachelor's degree may substitute for four years of specialized experience; master's degree may substitute for five years of specialized experience.
Mineral Resources Specialist 2:
Six years of experience in drilling, development, or production for oil, gas, solution mining, or underground gas storage.
Associate degree may substitute for two years of specialized experience; bachelor's degree may substitute for four years of specialized experience; master's degree may substitute for five years of specialized experience; J.D. may substitute for six years of specialized experience.
For Competitive Appointment:
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
Or
Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: One year of permanent competitive services as a Mined Land Reclamation Specialist 1 or a Mineral Resources Technician 2.
55-b/55-c Candidates must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications below and include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55-b/55-c program.
Preferred Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, geochemistry, geology, geophysics, or geosciences
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.
Must be able to work in remote areas.
Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
Travel may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule, 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.
If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please email: equity@dec.ny.gov.
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.
Email Address PostingResponses@dec.ny.gov
Address
Notes on ApplyingPlease email/mail your resume to the above. Be sure to include Posting #26-226898 on your letter/resume and also in the subject line of the email or it may not be accepted. If you are qualified based on your education, you must also include a copy of your college transcript. An unofficial copy is acceptable.

