Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleEnvironmental Program Specialist (Natural Resources) 1/Trainee 1/2- NY HELPS
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $49363 to $82656 Annually
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 this time, agencies may recruit and hire employees by making temporary appointments. In May 2024, if a temporary NY HELPS employee is satisfactorily performing in the position, the appointment will be changed from temporary pending Civil Service Commission Action to permanent non-competitive and the official probationary period will begin.
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.
Minimum Qualifications:
A bachelor's or higher degree in coastal resources management, conservation biology, cultural resources and historic preservation studies, ecology, ecosystem management, environmental biology, environmental engineering, environmental health, environmental planning, environmental science, environmental studies, environmental toxicology, forest science, forestry, natural resources management, natural resources planning, or urban forestry.
For appointment directly to Trainee 2 level you must also have: Either 1. One year of professional experience *; OR 2. a Juris Doctor, master's or higher degree in one of the fields listed above.
For appointment directly to Full Performance Level you must also have: Either 1. Two years of professional experience*; OR 2. a Juris Doctor, master's or higher degree in in one of the fields listed above AND one year of professional experience*.
*Professional experience must be performing the duties of the full performance level position.
Candidates may also be appointed via the following:
Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC.
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.
Transfer Eligible - One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 11 or higher and eligible for transfer under Section 70.4. Must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications above.
55-b/55-c Candidates must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications above 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 Skills/Qualifications
1. Experience with the field of natural resource conservation, preservation, and management.
2. Knowledge of agency structure and divisions and/or government agency operations.
3. Excellent project management, administrative, analytical, research, organizational and written and spoken communication skills.
4. Proven record of goals-based accomplishments, attention to detail and follow-up.
5. Proficiency in computer software including but not limited to Microsoft Office and O365 (including SharePoint, Teams and Access), GIS, and Visio.
Duties Description This position is in the Division of Lands and Forests (DLF) Central Office within the Bureau Forest Preserve and Conservation Easement’s Planning Section. This position will be part of a team responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing several parts of the state’s land and open space conservation efforts. Duties may include the following:
• Help research, develop, plan, coordinate, manage, track, and implement NYS’s Forest Action Plan, including 5- and 10-year updates.
• Assist with the administration of DEC’s Conservation Easement program and other land conservation initiatives.
• Work with staff across divisions and regions of DEC as well as with other agencies, including NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
• Conduct public outreach to stakeholders.
• Develop meeting agendas and communications materials such as emails, briefings, reports, and presentations.
• Assist staff with updates to the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan.
• Manage the establishment of policies and procedures for planning process improvements and standardization across the groups and programs within the Division.
• Summarize public responses and comments to plans, proposals, workplans, and other proposals that go out to the public and other stakeholders including private groups, government, non-profit partners, and members of the public.
• Work with other DEC staff to support administration, management, and evaluation of grants to land trusts, municipalities, and other eligible entities for open space acquisition and conservation.
• Represent DEC at press events and meetings.
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Travel may be required. Telecommuting may be available, 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.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.