Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleEnvironmental Program Specialist 2
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $86681 to $109650 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Duties Description OVERVIEW:
In response to the growing volume of work related to NY’s green energy targets and initiatives, DOW has developed a new Green Energy Management Section (GEMS), to oversee and manage the Division’s portfolio of green energy projects statewide. This Environmental Program Specialist 2 (EPS2 - SG 23) position will, under the management of the Section Chief, complete work related to green energy projects and other clean energy or climate projects and take the lead role in implementation of the DOW Sediment Assessment and Management (SAM) program. The EPS2 will oversee the work of several SAM staff within the GEM section and administer various green energy program areas for DOW under direction of the Section Chief. The GEM Section is within DOW’s Bureau of Water Compliance and reports directly to DOW’s Central Office.
New York State’s renewable energy targets and initiatives are some of the most aggressive in the nation. As a result, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), specifically the Division of Water (DOW), has experienced a significant increase in workload related to the implementation of green energy projects to meet these targets. These new targets and initiatives include but are not limited to: (1) the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefits Act (ARG&CBA), including the establishment of the new expedited Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) Executive Law Section 94-c process (94-c) and an expedited Article VII process for transmission projects; (2) Tier 4 of the Clean Energy Standard, which includes the development of the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) transmission project; (3) increased offshore wind procurement goals, including $500 million in additional investment for port infrastructure and additional offshore wind generation and transmission; (4) an increase in the distributed solar target from the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s (CLCPA) 6 GW to 10 MW; and (5) other initiatives, including the doubling of NY’s energy storage target, the phasing out of fossil fuel facilities in certain areas, and other regulatory and project targets.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The EPS 2 in DOW’s GEM Section will be responsible for assisting in overseeing, coordinating, and completing project activities which support the Division’s response to the above referenced portfolio of projects facing the Agency. This includes, but may not be limited to:
• Supervision of GEM Section SAM staff specific to the EPS 2’s portfolio of project management. Staff being supervised may be co-located at Central Office or within Regional Offices.
• Assist in routine coordination with DEC’s Division of Environmental Permits (DEP) and other DEC programs on Green Energy activities with regard to NYS Article 7, 8, 10, as well as Article 15 and 94c regulations. Support the GEM Section Chief in coordinating between DEC programs and regional activities.
• As directed by the Section Chief and in cooperation with DEP, direct and collaborate in coordinating DOW program requirements through external partners (Department of Public Service (DPS), Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES), NYS Canal Corporation, etc.).
• Act as DOW’s primary contact and coordinator of the SAM program. This program manages Green Energy transmission line installation, remedial and navigational dredging, and other reviews.
• Coordinate the work of DOW staff in various other programs as it relates to dredging and sediment disturbance, including regional staff. Includes oversight of sediment quality and sediment disposal options to ensure monitoring and handling protocols are appropriate/reflective of current practices.
• Develop and maintain DOW Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the Sediment Assessment and Management Program.
• With minimal supervisory input, oversee priority dredging/sediment disturbance projects and settlement discussions for DOW to create statewide consistency in review of project materials, responses to technical questions, and participation in settlement negotiations. Represent DOW on routine settlement discussions and negotiations throughout the year.
• Develop and implement compliance and enforcement strategies for Green Energy projects. Includes assisting in the coordination and oversight with Regional and Central Office staff for inspections, compliance, and enforcement actions as well as independently completing such inspection, compliance, and enforcement actions.
• Develop and manage training and outreach for regional, internal and external partners on inspections and compliance programs for Sediment Assessment and Management, including guidance documents, checklists, and presentations.
• Develop and conduct training and outreach to NYSDEC staff and design professionals and developers on dredging and transmission line installation practices. May require development of out of state certification or guidance programs.
• Development and conduct, training and outreach to municipal entities (non-MS4/MS4) for guidance on local consideration for green energy programs related to water quality programs. This includes consultation with Environmental Justice and Disadvantaged Communities.
In addition to the aforementioned essential duties, the successful candidate must also:
• Have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
• Be willing to travel to all DEC state-wide regional offices and the offices of various Federal agency partners.
• Available to work over-time, on occasion, as needed to complete the work of the Division
• Have the ability to traverse project sites for inspection and enforcement purposes
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate should have following preferred qualifications:
• Knowledge of water quality regulations and guidance.
• Knowledge of sediment assessment and management regulations and guidance.
• Ability to find creative solutions to difficult and complex problems within a team atmosphere.
• Existing knowledge and skill set related to the environmental management and review of green/renewable energy, sediment assessment and management (including dredging), and energy transmission projects.
• Strong public speaking skills and demonstrated ability to address controversial topics in a public setting.
• Familiarity with Federal, State and Local Agencies and Non-Governmental organizations involved in green/renewable energy and energy transmission projects.
• Expertise in MS Office Suite, especially proper best practices in the use of MS Excel, Word, Teams, etc.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS, specifically LiDAR digital elevation models.
Minimum 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.
Or
Transfer Eligible: One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 21 or higher and:
Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: One year of permanent competitive service as a Climate Policy Analyst 2, Environmental Analyst 2, Environmental Radiation Specialist 2, Environmental Specialist 2, Forester 2, Public Participation Specialist 2, Public Participation Specialist 3, Sanitary Construction Inspector 3
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.
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.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.