Review Vacancy

Date Posted: 10/15/26
Applications Due: 11/04/26
Vacancy ID: 227058

Position Information

NY HELPSYes

55-b/c EligibleYes

AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of

TitleEnvironmental Program Specialist 1 / Trainee 1 / 2 - NY HELPS (2 Positions)

Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences

Salary GradeNS

Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)

Salary RangeFrom $56183 to $88970 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Permanent

InternshipNo

Jurisdictional Class Competitive Class

Travel Percentage 30%

Schedule

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 8:30 AM

To 5 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? Yes

Location

County Erie

Street Address 700 Delaware Ave

City Buffalo

StateNY

Zip Code14209

Job Specifics

Duties Description This is a split position within the Division of Environmental Remediation’s Bureau of Spill Response and Prevention, with job duties in both Spill Response and Bulk Storage program areas which will be discussed during the interviews.

Respond during workday and after-hours to petroleum and chemical spills, and emergency incidents, as required/directed. Complete detailed inspection report and update spills database in a timely manner. Ensure proper cleanup is completed, and provide general guidance regarding proper cleanup procedures, transport and disposal of spill debris. Retain State-hired contractors where appropriate for Petroleum/HazMat spill cleanup. Review and evaluate investigative reports, remedial action plans and spill closure reports for completeness and accuracy. Provide direct oversight of State-hired petroleum spill cleanup contractors. Review payment applications for State-hired cleanup contractors and submit in a prompt manner. Prepare Investigative Summary Reports (ISR), or other documentation for enforcement and/or cost recovery in a prompt, complete, and thorough manner. Assist Comptroller's and Attorney General's office and DEC attorneys with enforcement and cost recovery as needed.

Perform petroleum and chemical bulk storage inspections at regulated facilities to ensure compliance with the appropriate regulations. Complete detailed inspection reports for bulk storage inspections, send Notices of Violation, and update appropriate databases in a timely manner. Provide follow-up to ensure violations are corrected, and refer non-compliant facilities for legal enforcement as appropriate.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills required to communicate with the regulated community, other spill/emergency response personnel, and public. Must also possess good organizational skills and have competent computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office. Must successfully complete (or have completed) emergency response training (e.g., OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER, OSHA Haz-Mat technician training, Emergency Vehicle Operations Course, Incident Command 200 and 300 level courses, etc.). The Department will provide access to this training. Preference may be given to candidates that demonstrate education or experience directly related to emergency response, petroleum remediation, and/or bulk storage systems.

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.

TRAINEE 1:
Four years or experience in a position where you have responsibility for the following: development and implementation of program policies and procedures; preparing and interpreting rules and regulations; development, preparation, and management of procurement (solicitation) documents, contracts, or grants; providing non-engineering technical assistance and information to consultants, public officials, and facility managers; collecting data, reviewing alternatives, performing qualitative or quantitative policy analyses; writing technical or programmatic reports; developing, implementing, analyzing, and evaluating programs; developing and implementing expenditure plans, procuring external funding sources, collecting and forecasting the impact of funding or organizational change efforts; assisting with the development of environmental public information campaigns.

An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.

TRAINEE 2:
Five years or experience in a position where you have responsibility for the following: development and implementation of program policies and procedures; preparing and interpreting rules and regulations; development, preparation, and management of procurement (solicitation) documents, contracts, or grants; providing non-engineering technical assistance and information to consultants, public officials, and facility managers; collecting data, reviewing alternatives, performing qualitative or quantitative policy analyses; writing technical or programmatic reports; developing, implementing, analyzing, and evaluating programs; developing and implementing expenditure plans, procuring external funding sources, collecting and forecasting the impact of funding or organizational change efforts; assisting with the development of environmental public information campaigns.

An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.

EPS 1:
Six years or experience in a position where you have responsibility for the following: development and implementation of program policies and procedures; preparing and interpreting rules and regulations; development, preparation, and management of procurement (solicitation) documents, contracts, or grants; providing non-engineering technical assistance and information to consultants, public officials, and facility managers; collecting data, reviewing alternatives, performing qualitative or quantitative policy analyses; writing technical or programmatic reports; developing, implementing, analyzing, and evaluating programs; developing and implementing expenditure plans, procuring external funding sources, collecting and forecasting the impact of funding or organizational change efforts; assisting with the development of environmental public information campaigns.

An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.

Candidates may also be eligible via the following:

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 11 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 an Environmental Program Specialist 1 (including trainees), Program Aide, Administrative Specialist 1, Biologist1(Aquatic), (Ecology), (Marine), (Wildlife), Public Participation Specialist 1, Environmental Analyst 1 and Trainee 1 &2, Environmental Engineering Technician 2 & 3, Fish and Wildlife Technician 3, Legal Assistant 2, Mineral Resources Technician2,Pesticide Control Specialist 1 & 2, Public Health Specialist 2 Environmental, Sanitary Construction Inspector 2, Senior Engineering Research Editor.

55 b/c appointment: Must meet the minimum qualifications outlined above. Please note that if qualifying under the 55 b/c program, candidates must include with their resume or application a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55 b/c program

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.
Use of personal protection equipment, including a respirator, will be required.
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.
Weekends and holidays may be required.
Must be available for emergency response.
Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies.
Must provide 24-hour response on a rotational basis and work during normal business hours.
Must successfully complete (or have completed) the 40-hour OSHA 1910.120 training course and all other required training.
Must complete an annual Health and Safety Program including medical monitoring, fit testing, and 40 (or 8) hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification.
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.

How to Apply

Name Megan Miller

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 address. Be sure to include Vacancy
#26-227058 on your 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.