Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitlePublic Participation Specialist 2 - NY HELPS (2 Positions)
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $81642 to $103513 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Duties Description The Public Participation Specialist 2 will support the public outreach activities of the Central Office Bureau of Public Outreach within the Division of Communication, Education, and Engagement. They will rely on their knowledge of environmental policies, regulations and Department procedures to respond to requests from program staff and the public. They must have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and be able to work under deadlines. They schedule and facilitate public meetings, hearings and other outreach events, and supervise subordinate staff who assist with these tasks. They support the regional staff with responses to inquiries from the press, elected officials (including state and federal representatives), and the public. They provide guidance to program staff on all public participation-related matters.
Duties:
1.Lead DEC staff in the design and implementation of public participation programming for Department programs.
2.Work with the public to ensure understanding of Department programs through responses to public phone calls and emails and at in-person or virtual events. Solicit, collect and summarize public input.
3.Work with DEC programs, divisions and regions in developing and producing informational materials, press releases and website content to support Department initiatives.
4.Work with program staff to develop and implement rollout plans for comprehensive outreach campaigns on agency initiatives.
5.Coordinate and work with federal, county and local governments and other state agencies as needed to maximize the use of their public participation resources.
6.Help manage and coordinate the work of the Bureau of Public Outreach, including consultation with the Bureau Chief and Division Director as required.
7.Supervise Public Participation Specialist 1(s) and other subordinate staff.
8.Prepare for and lead public meetings and other events by making site arrangements, preparing agendas, publicizing the event, and facilitating question and answer sessions with the public. Utilize video sharing platforms to host meetings, hearings, and other events.
9.Promote DEC initiatives and messages and coordinate agency participation at outreach events such as sportsman shows, outdoor expos and the State Fair. Develop rollout plans for outreach events and activities.
10.Coordinate with the press office as needed.
11.Maintain knowledge of the most current and important public issues and programs of the Department, New York State, and DEC Regional offices.
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, 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.
To be eligible for appointment under NY HELPS, candidates must meet the non-competitive minimum qualifications below:
Seven years of 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, which included developing and delivering professional presentations to technical or lay audiences or moderating, coordinating, facilitating, or leading public or stakeholder group meetings, or developing and presenting training or educational materials; developing and delivering professional presentations to public audiences, and planning and conducting public meetings; developing and presenting training and educational materials; or developing and implementing public involvement programs or activities.
Substitution:
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.
Competitive 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.
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.