Review Vacancy
Date Posted: 09/30/26
Applications Due: 10/21/26
Vacancy ID: 226034
Position Information
NY HELPYes
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitlePublic Information Specialist 2 - NY HELPS
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Salary Grade23
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $90582 to $114585 Annually
Employment Type Full-Time
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Jurisdictional Class Competitive Class
Travel Percentage 5%
Schedule
Workweek Mon-Fri
Hours Per Week 37.5
Workday
From 9 AM
To 5 PM
Flextime allowed? No
Mandatory overtime? No
Compressed workweek allowed? No
Telecommuting allowed? Yes
Location
County Albany
Street Address 625 Broadway
City Albany
StateNY
Zip Code12233
Job Specifics
Duties Description The Public Information Specialist 2 will work within the Bureau of Publications to serve as the assistant editor of the official magazine of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Conservationist. Duties will include:
•Developing content for each issue of the agency's Conservationist magazine through writing, editing, refining, and reviewing copy;
•Working with solicited and unsolicited contributors, photographers, and artists in securing articles and images;
•Working with graphic designers on layout and design;
•Performing quality control with proofreading, fact-checking, text corrections, and design modifications;
•Receiving and reviewing proofs from printer, working with designers on color corrections, and reviewing text for corrections;
•Assisting with quality control issues by working closely with the contracted printer and representing the magazine while monitoring the printing process in printed proofs;
•Working with the business manager to prepare honorarium packages for contributors, including letters and invoices, and returning any items to contributors if appropriate;
•Overseeing Conservationist web presence, including serving as the Publication Bureau’s Web Content Coordinator;
•Work closely with the staff on a coordinated approach to social media posts;
•Working with the business manager to prepare honorarium packages for contributors, including letters and invoices, and returning any items to contributors if appropriate;
•Working with Publications Bureau Director;
•Overseeing production of the digital edition of each issue of Conservationist magazine;
•Overseeing the production of Conservationist for Kids (C4K), an eight-page supplement to Conservationist magazine; and
•Supervising subordinate staff.
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:
NON-COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Seven years of experience in public or governmental relations, and/or in writing or
producing content for various media.
An associate's degree in media, new media, English, communications, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, films, TV productions, or digital marketing can substitute for two years of specialized experience; a bachelor's in these fields can substitute for four years; and a master's degree in these fields can substitute for an additional year of specialized experience.
COMPETITIVE 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: Permanent competitive service as an.Associate Engineering Research Editor
Eligible for transfer under Section 70.4: Must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications listed below
*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.
Open Competitive minimum qualifications (provided for 55-b/55-c):
Seven years of experience in public or governmental relations, and/or in writing or
producing content for various media.
An associate's degree in media, new media, English, communications, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, films, TV productions, or digital marketing can substitute for two years of specialized experience; a bachelor's in these fields can substitute for four years; and a master's degree in these fields can substitute for an additional year of specialized experience.
Additional Comments 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.
Travel may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Weekends and holidays 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.
How to Apply
Name Karen Price
Telephone 518-402-9273
Fax 518-402-9038
Email Address PostingResponses@dec.ny.gov
Address
Street 625 Broadway
Personnel, 10th Floor
City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12233
Notes on ApplyingPlease email/mail your resume to the above. Be sure to include Posting #26-226034 on your resume and also in the subject line of your email or it may not be accepted.
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