Review Vacancy

Date Posted: 10/06/25
Applications Due: 10/22/25
Vacancy ID: 199644

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 Contingent Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Competitive Class

Travel Percentage 3%

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 Suffolk

Street Address 50 Circle Road

City Stony Brook

StateNY

Zip Code11790

Job Specifics

Duties Description The Public Participation Specialist 2 (PPS2) will be responsible for supporting NYS DEC Region 1’s public-presence and communications strategy. Responsibilities include assisting in the receipt of incoming media inquiries and working to prepare timely and accurate responses to them; promoting awareness of DEC priorities, initiatives, and responsibilities through the drafting of both traditional and digital public information materials; and assisting with outreach efforts, which may include attending and organizing events on behalf of DEC Region 1.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Proactively engage with, and respond to, internal and external stakeholders, including media representatives, other government agencies or offices, community organizations, and members of the public;

• Organize, publicize, and attend public meetings, conferences, and community events, with an ability to participate in such events scheduled on designated weekends and/or evenings as necessary;

• Develop both traditional and digital public information materials, including fact sheets, press releases, and digital content for both the agency’s web pages and social media platforms;

• Prepare and disseminate responses to media, constituent, and stakeholder inquiries in coordination with subject matter experts;

• Proofread and edit content submitted by others to ensure consistency and adherence to both AP and the agency’s style guides; and

• Perform additional duties in concert with, and direction from, the Regional Citizen
Participation Specialist 3 and the Assistant Public Information Officer

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 (within one year of permanent appointment), 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.

Non-Competitive Qualifications

Either 1. a bachelor's degree in environmental planning; environmental science; environmental studies; natural, biological, or physical science; civil, environmental, or geological engineering; public administration; public relations; political science; urban planning; urban studies; communications; or journalism; AND THREE YEARS of professional experience developing technical presentations; planning and facilitating public meetings; presenting training or educational materials; or implementing public involvement programs;

Or 2. an associate's degree in environmental planning; environmental science; environmental studies; natural, biological, or physical science; civil, environmental, or geological engineering; public administration; public relations; political science; urban planning; urban studies; communications; or journalism; AND FIVE YEARS of experience developing technical presentations; planning and facilitating public meetings; presenting training or educational materials; or implementing public involvement programs.

Substitution: A master's degree in environmental planning; environmental science; environmental studies; natural, biological, or physical science; civil, environmental, or geological engineering; public administration; public relations; political science; urban planning; urban studies; communications; or journalism can substitute for one year 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.
or

Transfer Eligible - One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 19 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: One year of permanent competitive service as a Public Participation Specialist 2

Open competitive minimum qualifications (70.4 transfer eligibles):

Either 1. a bachelor's degree in environmental planning; environmental science; environmental studies; natural, biological, or physical science; civil, environmental, or geological engineering; public administration; public relations; political science; urban planning; urban studies; communications; or journalism; AND THREE YEARS of professional experience developing technical presentations; planning and facilitating public meetings; presenting training or educational materials; or implementing public involvement programs;

Or 2. an associate's degree in environmental planning; environmental science; environmental studies; natural, biological, or physical science; civil, environmental, or geological engineering; public administration; public relations; political science; urban planning; urban studies; communications; or journalism; AND FIVE YEARS of experience developing technical presentations; planning and facilitating public meetings; presenting training or educational materials; or implementing public involvement programs.

Substitution: A master's degree in environmental planning; environmental science; environmental studies; natural, biological, or physical science; civil, environmental, or geological engineering; public administration; public relations; political science; urban planning; urban studies; communications; or journalism can substitute for one year of experience.

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 available to respond to after-hours emergencies.
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 #25-199644 on your resume and also in the subject line of your email or it may not be accepted.