Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleSpecial Assistant for the Office of Public Protection
Occupational CategoryAdministrative or General Management
Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $127507 to $160911 Annually
Duties Description Under the general direction of the Deputy Commissioner for Public Protection, the Special Assistant serves as a senior advisor and executive support official responsible in the development, coordination, and implementation of agency programs, policies, and strategic initiatives involving public safety, law enforcement, emergency management, wildland fire suppression, and search and rescue operations. The special assistant plays a critical leadership support role in the executive oversight of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Police, Forest Rangers, and Office of Emergency Management. This is a part-time position up to a maximum of 50%.
Specific Duties Include:
Serve as principal advisor to the Deputy Commissioner for Public Protection on matters involving public safety, law enforcement operations, and emergency management.
Assist in the oversight of the Divisions of Law Enforcement, Forest Protection, and the Office of Emergency Management.
Provide executive-level counsel and recommendations on strategic initiatives, organizational priorities, emerging risks and sensitive operational issues.
Coordinate special projects, policy priorities, and operational initiatives across multiple divisions under the Deputy Commissioner’s supervision.
Develop, evaluate, and recommend policies, procedures, and program improvements to enhance operational effectiveness, accountability, and mission readiness.
Represent the Deputy Commissioner in meetings, briefings, planning sessions and interagency engagements with local, state, and federal partners as assigned.
Maintain effective working relationships and productive communications with key stakeholders, including internal leadership, labor representatives, governmental partners, and public safety organizations.
Advance the Department’s commitment to equal employment opportunity, workplace inclusion, professionalism, and respectful engagement with employees, stakeholders, and the public.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and nine years of progressively responsible experience in public safety, law enforcement, or emergency management OR an Associate’s degree and twelve years of such experience.
Of the qualifying experience, at least five years must have included:
Significant senior leadership experience leading complex public safety, law enforcement, emergency management or large-scale incident response operations.
Experience leading a large organization with substantial staffing, multi-layered command structure, multiple operational units, and geographically dispersed personnel.
Demonstrated command-level experience directing field operations, investigations, and enforcement functions.
Experience directing command staff, supervisors, or managers responsible for operational readiness, performance and accountability.
Proven ability to oversee sensitive personnel matters, internal review processes, or professional standards functions.
Knowledge of public safety administration, operational leadership, Incident Command System (ICS), unified command principles, and multi-agency coordination.
Additional Comments This position will be filled on a temporary basis until the CS Commission has reviewed the duties and approved Exempt jurisdictional classification.
Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
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.
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.
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.