Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleDeputy Commissioner for Justice and Equity
Occupational CategoryAdministrative or General Management
Bargaining UnitM/C - Management / Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $137883 to $173431 Annually
Minimum Qualifications Bachelors or higher level degree and 9 years of experience in protection of the environment and/or environmental justice.
Duties Description Under the leadership of the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner for Justice and Equity will oversee the Office of Environmental Justice, Office of Indian Nation Affairs, and DEC’s diversity & inclusion program:
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND INDIAN NATION AFFAIRS
Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies. Fair treatment means that no group of people, including racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic group, should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, municipal, and commercial operations or the execution of federal, state, local, and tribal programs and policies.
Responsibilities will include:
• developing and maintaining effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders;
• oversee environmental justice program, the climate justice working group of the Climate Action Council, and the Indian Nation Affairs program;
• provide environmental justice strategy development for the agency and coordinate with division and regional directors to develop division and region specific environmental justice goals;
• implementing Commissioner Policy #29 and Commissioner Policy #42 on Environmental Justice and Indian Nation consultation;
• assist supervisors in the development, review, and implementation of Environmental Justice related initiatives;
• administration of the environmental justice grant programs in order to ensure adherence to requirements, proper and timely reporting and other as appropriate;
• address questions or correspondence raised by staff and external stakeholders;
• coordinate and promote environmental justice efforts across state agencies;
• advance special projects related to environmental justice, community outreach and communications.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Coordinate the implementation of diversity and inclusion, and equal opportunity activities at DEC; and evaluate the effectiveness of such programs and develop and institute transformative and permanent change.
• Develop and direct the Strategic Plan for Workforce Diversity and Inclusion.
• Direct and manage the implementation of the plan and new diversity and inclusion programs, procedures, policies, training activities, and strategies designed to attain a diverse, culturally competent workforce:
o Work collaboratively with the Department of Civil Service staff to meet and exceed statewide objectives;
o Monitor DEC’s implementation of the written diversity and inclusion plan on a continuing basis, including the need for revising or amending such plan and provide regular reports on progress to the Commissioner, incorporating recommendations for improving and strengthening such efforts;
o Work to promote policies, objectives, and implementation strategies in accordance with statewide objectives for the employment of minorities, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals, disabled persons, and veterans;
o Facilitate effective, coordinated strategies for diversity and inclusion in order to protect and promote diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity in DEC’s workforce in accordance with the requirements of the New York State Human Rights Law, Title VII of the Federal Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and all applicable requirements of New York state and federal law; and
o Disseminate Agency goals and objectives, as well as advise on diversity and inclusion and equal opportunity matters, to DEC leadership.
• Provide executive-level advice and guidance to the Commissioner and Executive team members regarding diversity and inclusion in the DEC workforce, prioritize diversity and inclusion in executive decision making.
• Provide executive-level advice and guidance to Human Resources staff in the development and implementation of best equal opportunity practices for recruitment, hiring, promotion, retention, and special assignments in order to attract and retain a diverse, culturally competent workforce.
• Prepare DEC’s annual Diversity & Inclusion Report to the Department of Civil Service.
• Develop and cultivate Statewide Multicultural Advisory Committees,
• Serve as DEC’s representative on New York State’s Workforce Diversity and Inclusion ADAPT Council.
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. Overtime may be required. Weekends and holidays may be required. Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.