Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitlePublic Participation Specialist 1
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $55494 to $70566 Annually
Minimum Qualifications + Minimum qualifications for candidates eligible for provisional appointments, 55-b/55-c appointment or 70.4 transfer:
Either
1. a bachelor's or higher-level degree in environmental planning; environmental science; environmental studies; natural, biological, or physical science; civil, environmental, or geological engineering; public administration; public relations; political science; urban planning or urban studies; communications; or journalism. AND two years of full-time professional experience in the areas of natural resources management, environmental planning, urban planning, environmental regulation development, environmental interpretation, public policy analysis, public information, or public relations and outreach where 50% or more of your duties included one of the following:
Developing and delivering professional presentations to technical and/or lay audiences or moderating, coordinating, facilitating, or leading public and/or stakeholder group meetings, or developing and presenting training or educational materials; OR developing and delivering professional presentations to public audiences. Planning and conducting public meetings; or
developing and presenting training and educational materials development and implementation of public involvement programs or activities which must have included all of the following:
A. identifying interested parties and affected individuals or groups;
B. actively seeking input from such parties relative to program policies/decisions;
C. developing communication and consultation strategies; and
D. establishing a feedback process for addressing alternatives and program concerns expressed by these various parties.
OR
2.an associate's degree in environmental planning; environmental science; environmental studies; natural, biological, or physical science; civil, environmental, or geological engineering; public administration; public relations; political science; urban planning or urban studies; communications; or journalism. AND four years of experience described above.
Substitution: A master's or higher-level degree in communications, journalism, or public relations can be substituted for one year of experience.
This position is also open to the following candidates:
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 16 or higher and either:
Eligible for transfer under Section 70.4: Must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications below; or
Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: Permanent competitive service as a Citizen Participation Specialist 1, Environmental Educator 2, Environmental Program Specialist 1.
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.
Duties Description A Public Participation Specialist 1 is engaged in the preparation of written material, editing and dissemination of informational material concerning the programs and activities of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) through various means with the objective of conveying this information to all DEC constituencies. The Public Participation Specialist 1 analyzes DEC programs and proposed actions; identifies key issues; communicates proposed programs and actions to the public through traditional media outlets, social media, and written and oral communications; and develops ways and means to solicit input from the public, through a variety of outreach strategies.
Requires excellent written and oral communication skills for interactions with executive and management, co-workers, representatives of media, elected officials, and the general public. Requires facility with Microsoft Office products used for DEC email and letters, and an ability to create clear narrative documents. Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of staff at all levels and the public through good listening and teamwork.
The Region 3 Public Participation Specialist 1 will assist DEC programs in public participation and outreach efforts. Duties will include but not be limited to:
Public Outreach and Services: Assist with public meetings/hearings, outreach efforts and special events in the region; assist in responding to inquiries from the press, elected officials, the public, and regional program staff; and provide general outreach and communications assistance to Regional Director and Regional Public Participation Specialist 2.
Manage Regional Website and Social Media: Work with DEC staff to develop and promote content for DEC website and social media and post information on DEC’s website and social media platforms.
Regional Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Coordinator: Coordinate the processing of Region 3 FOIL requests including processing FOIL requests, as needed; reviewing weekly FOIL requests; providing guidance to the Region 3 FOIL Secretary and DEC staff; communicating with the public; preparing written materials; and coordinating with DEC’s FOIL Officer.
Providing Public Participation services to the Division of Remediation (DER): Provide assistance to DER with all necessary public outreach activities, including review and editing of various program related documents; convening and moderating public meetings and availability sessions; and preparing and updating mailing lists.
Additional Comments Must have valid driver's license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain and work in remote areas and adverse weather conditions. Travel, overtime, and overnight travel may be required. Weekends and holidays may be required. Must be available to respond to after- hours emergencies. Percentage of travel may vary throughout the year based on needs.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.