Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleEnvironmental Program Specialist 1 / Trainee 1 / 2 - NY HELPS
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $53764 to $85138 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Duties Description This position is in the Division of Fish & Wildlife (DFW), which is responsible for stewardship and conservation of fish and wildlife in New York State. Specifically, the position is in the Information and Data Management Unit (IDMU), which provides information technology support for DFW. This includes database development, data management and analysis, and business systems support.
This position supports the Division’s mission to protect, preserve, and sustain New York’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems by improving how information is collected, managed, and used across programs. The successful candidate will help coordinate the modernization of Division databases and workflows to make information easier to access, analyze, and share. Working closely with program staff and technical partners, the position will assist with organizing and maintaining data used in state and federal reporting, support the development of digital forms and tools, and respond to requests for information to support research, policy, and public engagement.
The position will help identify opportunities to improve efficiency and consistency in how data are collected and used, assist in developing or refining data systems, and support staff in learning and using new digital tools. The incumbent will participate in Division projects related to program planning, reporting, and process improvement, serving as a bridge between technical and program teams to ensure systems meet the needs of staff and support the Division’s conservation goals.
An ideal candidate will enjoy learning new skills and exploring innovative solutions to unexpected challenges. Curiosity, initiative, and the ability to collaborate under pressure in a friendly and team-oriented environment are essential. The position offers opportunities for professional growth through training in areas such as data management, workflow design, and digital tools including Power Apps and Dataverse. An interest or background in biology, ecology, or natural resources, along with an interest in data governance and long-term system improvement, is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
•Familiarity with the data, workflows, and reporting needs of fish and wildlife programs
•Passion for applied innovation in conservation science
•Curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning, especially around emerging technologies and process improvement
•Interest in analyzing and improving biological data workflows and systems to support effective conservation programs
•Desire to support the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s mission by modernizing tools and processes that protect, manage, and restore natural resources
•Ability to learn, test, and implement digital tools and automation (e.g., Power Automate, Python, R, GIS, dashboards, databases, mobile data collection apps)
•Strong problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills with openness to experimentation
•Comfort collaborating with scientists, field staff, and technical teams to translate program needs into practical solutions
•Familiarity with O365 suite, GIS, and relational databases a plus
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.
Qualifications for NYHELPS or 55b/c* appointment are:
EPS TRAINEE 1:
Four years or experience in a position where you have responsibility for the following: development and implementation of program policies and procedures; preparing and interpreting rules and regulations; development, preparation, and management of procurement (solicitation) documents, contracts, or grants; providing non-engineering technical assistance and information to consultants, public officials, and facility managers; collecting data, reviewing alternatives, performing qualitative or quantitative policy analyses; writing technical or programmatic reports; developing, implementing, analyzing, and evaluating programs; developing and implementing expenditure plans, procuring external funding sources, collecting and forecasting the impact of funding or organizational change efforts; assisting with the development of environmental public information campaigns.
*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.
EPS TRAINEE 2:
Five years or experience in a position where you have responsibility for the following: development and implementation of program policies and procedures; preparing and interpreting rules and regulations; development, preparation, and management of procurement (solicitation) documents, contracts, or grants; providing non-engineering technical assistance and information to consultants, public officials, and facility managers; collecting data, reviewing alternatives, performing qualitative or quantitative policy analyses; writing technical or programmatic reports; developing, implementing, analyzing, and evaluating programs; developing and implementing expenditure plans, procuring external funding sources, collecting and forecasting the impact of funding or organizational change efforts; assisting with the development of environmental public information campaigns.
*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.
EPS1:
Six years or experience in a position where you have responsibility for the following: development and implementation of program policies and procedures; preparing and interpreting rules and regulations; development, preparation, and management of procurement (solicitation) documents, contracts, or grants; providing non-engineering technical assistance and information to consultants, public officials, and facility managers; collecting data, reviewing alternatives, performing qualitative or quantitative policy analyses; writing technical or programmatic reports; developing, implementing, analyzing, and evaluating programs; developing and implementing expenditure plans, procuring external funding sources, collecting and forecasting the impact of funding or organizational change efforts; assisting with the development of environmental public information campaigns.
*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.
EPS 1: * If applying under the 55b/c, candidates must include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55b/c program.
Candidates may also be eligible via the following:
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 11 or higher and either: Eligible for transfer under Section 70.4: Must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications below;
Or
Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: Permanent competitive service as an Environmental Program Specialist 1 (including trainees), Program Aide, Administrative Specialist 1, Biologist1(Aquatic), (Ecology), (Marine), (Wildlife), Public Participation Specialist 1, Environmental Analyst 1 and Trainee 1 &2, Environmental Engineering Technician 2 & 3, Fish and Wildlife Technician 3, Legal Assistant 2, Mineral Resources Technician2,Pesticide Control Specialist 1 & 2, Public Health Specialist 2 Environmental, Sanitary Construction Inspector 2, Senior Engineering Research Editor.
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.
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.
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.
Email Address PostingResponses@dec.ny.gov
Address
Personnel, 10th Floor
Notes on ApplyingPlease email/mail your resume to the above address. Be sure to include Vacancy
#25-203601 on your resume and also in the subject line of the email or it may not be accepted. If you are qualified based on your education, you must also include a copy of your college transcript.