Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleAssistant Engineer (Environmental) / Engineer Trainee - NY HELPS
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $69964 to $105354 Annually
Duties Description The primary responsibilities of the Assistant Engineer (Environmental) with the Division of Air Resources will be to test and certify air quality monitoring equipment following United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and requirements; conduct performance audits at NYSDEC air quality monitoring sites, ensuring air monitoring equipment meets the specified tolerances. Detailed reports of all audits documenting audit procedures, results, and the overall condition of each monitoring facility are required to be submitted to Program management. Detailed logbooks must be kept for all equipment certifications and are subject to review and audit by the EPA. The Assistant Engineer will be responsible for diagnosing malfunctioning equipment used at monitoring sites, and solving complex problems associated with equipment installation and operation at the laboratory and ambient air quality monitoring sites. Oversight and assistance with technical research will be required, including coordination and interaction with other engineers, laboratory equipment designers, chemists, and research scientists within the Department and with other state and federal personnel. The Assistant Engineer will support the Section Chief in the research, bidding, acquisition, and evaluation of air quality monitoring equipment utilized by the program and will be responsible for writing and maintaining software programs that will automate laboratory equipment and communicate with data acquisition systems in the laboratory setting.
Essential Functions:
•Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information and results including the ability to write detailed technical reports.
•Able to evaluate, operate, repair, and maintain highly technical air monitoring equipment.
•Capable of handling and utilizing standard mechanical tools.
•Able to interpret state and federal regulations as they pertain to the operation and quality assurance requirements of the ambient air monitoring program.
•Able to travel to meetings, sites and outside conferences as required.
•Able to travel within New York State to conduct performance audits at air monitoring sites, including overnight travel and overtime.
•Capable of dealing effectively with the public, other state and federal personnel, vendors, and outside consultants.
•Able to climb ladders and scaffold.
•Able to lift and carry heavy equipment up to 50 lbs.
•Able to operate a computer and understand and manipulate complex computer programs and program languages.
•Must have a valid driver’s license.
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.
To be eligible for appointment under NY HELPS, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications below:
ENGINEER TRAINEE (Environmental) Minimum Qualifications: SG-NS
Either 1. a bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or engineering technology as listed below;
Or 2. proof of passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND one year of full-time engineering experience as listed below.
ASST ENGINEER (Environmental) Minimum Qualifications: SG-20
Proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND a qualifying bachelor's degree or higher as listed below; OR proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND one year of full-time qualifying engineering experience as listed below.
Qualifying degrees: Aeronautical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering Technology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Engineering Technology, Environmental Design Engineering, Environmental Resources Engineering, Environmental Systems Engineering, Forest Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Paper Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, Soil and Water Resources Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or Engineering Science with a recognized concentration in any of the above listed engineering degrees.
Qualifying experience: One year of full-time experience in sanitary, public health or environmental engineering.
Candidates may also be appointed via the following, if applicable:
Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC
or
Reinstatement - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis.
or
Transfer – One year of permanent competitive service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer in accordance with Section 70.1 of Civil Service Law.
55 b/c Appointment - Must meet the minimum qualifications above. Please note that if applying under the 55b/, candidates must include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55b/c program.
Individuals appointed as an Engineer Trainee are required to complete a minimum of one year of successful performance as an Engineer Trainee and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. If you pass the FE by the end of the first year, you may be advanced to the Grade 20 Assistant Engineer (Environmental) title. If you do not pass the FE by the end of the second year of the traineeship, you will be terminated from your position.
Additional Comments If appointment is at the Assistant Engineer, SG-20 level, the starting salary for this position is $84,532. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $77,532 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000, specific to this title and location.
The job rate for this position is $105,354. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $98,354 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000, specific to this title and location.
Please note, this is not extended to any trainee titles.If appointed at trainee level, you will receive differential upon advancement to grade 20.
Actual work schedule, duties and travel requirements may vary and will be discussed at the interview.
If applying, please include a copy of your qualifying transcript(s) and a current
resume.
Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Transportation needs of this position require use of a state vehicle and adhering to the Department’s Vehicle Policy. You must have and maintain a valid driver’s license for this position.
Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.
Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
Travel may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
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 a copy of your resume and college transcript(s) to the above (unofficial college transcripts are acceptable). Be sure to include Vacancy #26-227863 on your resume and also in the subject line of the email or it may not be accepted.

