Position Information

NY HELPYes

AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of

TitlePublic Participation Specialist 2 - NY HELPS

Occupational CategoryAdministrative or General Management

Salary Grade21

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

Salary RangeFrom $78126 to $99056 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Competitive Class

Travel Percentage 20%

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 The Region 9 PPS 2 will support the activities of the Region 9 Division of Communication, Education, and Engagement as well as outreach in coordination with the DEC’s Office of Equity and Justice. The applicant will rely on their knowledge of environmental policies, regulations and Department procedures to respond to requests from program staff and the public. Applicant must have excellent accessible verbal and written communication skills and be able to communicate effectively with the full range of DEC customers, including difficult and confrontational people, sometimes under tight deadlines. Applicant will schedule and facilitate public meetings, hearings and other outreach events. Applicant will support the regional staff with responses to inquiries from the press, elected officials (including state and federal representatives), and the public. Applicant provides guidance to program staff on a diverse set of public participation-related matters, DEI initiatives and liaison work with Indian nation communities.

Typical Duties:

1.Work with DEC Region 9 Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO) and fellow personnel in the design and implementation of public participation programming for department programs.

2.As directed by the Region 9 APIO and Regional Director, work with the public to assure understanding of Department programs and solicit public input. Maintain directories of agencies, individuals and organizations to be involved in DEC decision-making processes.

3.Work with regional staff to actively deploy the Department’s equity and justice initiatives including communications with DEC staff as well as external entities including Indian Nations.

4.Prepare summaries and periodic reports summarizing the nature and result of public involvement activities as requested and required.

5.Assist DEC programs, divisions and regions in production and development of information materials, press releases, rollout plans, and website content to support Department programs.

6.Coordinate and work with USEPA, county and local governments and other state agencies as needed to maximize the use of their public participation resources.

7.Consultation with the APIO and Regional Director as required.

8.As directed, supervise lower level staff.

9.Prepare for and lead public meetings and other events, both virtually and in-person, by making site arrangements, preparing agendas, publicizing the event, and facilitating question and answer sessions with the public.

10.Promote DEC initiatives and messages and coordinate agency participation at outreach events. Develop comprehensive work plans for outreach events and activities.

11.Provide content development for DEC’s social media, DEC’s website and other platforms.

12.Coordinate with the APIO and Albany’s press office as needed.

13. Maintain knowledge of the most current and important public issues and programs of the Department, NYS, 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 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.
Travel may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Weekends and holidays may be required.
Must be able to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds.
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.

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.

How to Apply

Name Karen Price

Telephone 518-402-9273

Fax 518-402-9038

Email Address PostingResponses@dec.ny.gov

Address

Street 625 Broadway

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12233

 

Notes on ApplyingPlease email/mail your resume to the above. Be sure to include Vacancy #25-204577 on your resume and also in the subject line of your email or it may not be accepted.