Review Vacancy
Date Posted: 07/08/26
Applications Due: 07/29/26
Vacancy ID: 219424
Position Information
NY HELPYes
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleEnvironmental Educator 1 - NY HELPS
Occupational CategoryEducation, Teaching
Salary Grade14
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $53764 to $68630 Annually
Employment Type Full-Time
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Jurisdictional Class Competitive Class
Travel Percentage 30%
Schedule
Workweek Other (see below)
"Other" Explanation Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday
Hours Per Week 37.5
Workday
From 8:30 AM
To 4:30 PM
Flextime allowed? No
Mandatory overtime? No
Compressed workweek allowed? No
Telecommuting allowed? Yes
Location
County Erie
Street Address Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve & Environmental Education Center
City Depew
StateNY
Zip Code14043
Job Specifics
Duties Description The Reinstein Woods Environmental Educator 1 duties will focus on:
1)Planning and conducting environmental education programs
2)Supporting the development of environmental education and interpretive skills in others, through workshops for educators and mentoring of volunteers
3)Coordinating outreach events in collaboration with partner organizations
4)Coordinating the volunteer program at Reinstein Woods
Periodic weekend and evening work are required. Sample duties are listed below.
Administering Environmental Education Programs and Events
•Planning and conducting public programs, and education programs for groups such as schools, Scout troops, and community groups, during the week and on weekends
•Assisting with planning and coordinating major events at Reinstein Woods, including I Love My Park Day, Get Outdoors and Get Together Day, Fall Festival, and other events as may be developed
•Maintaining, monitoring, and evaluating interpretive materials
•Assisting with preparing exhibits and displays as needed
•Assisting in the general operations of Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, including maintaining inventory records for tagged DEC equipment.
Collaboration with Partners
•Partnering with DEC programs highlighting agency priorities such as climate resiliency, sustainable living, and pollinator and native species outreach
•Supporting the development and management of community/citizen science and Scout service projects
•Coordinating off-site outreach efforts, including registering for the event, preparing displays and materials, and scheduling volunteers or staff to work at the events
•Attending career days, fairs, festivals and other events to promote outdoor recreation, DEC Camps, teacher workshops and DEC messages as schedule allows
Educator Trainings and Support
•Training and supporting educators in environmental literacy and using the outdoors as a classroom
•Conducting presentations during seasonal teacher institutes and workshops at conferences and trainings
•Conducting educator workshops in Projects WILD, WET and Learning Tree and other similar NYSDEC-sponsored resources for educators
Volunteer Coordination
•Recruiting and processing new volunteers and maintaining volunteer database, including hours records
•Communicating volunteer opportunities at least quarterly to existing volunteers and conducting periodic orientation sessions for new volunteers
•Conducting training sessions for nature guides, greeters, community science and outreach event volunteers
•Coordinating service awards and annual volunteer recognition event
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.
To be eligible for appointment under NY HELPS, candidates must meet the non-competitive minimum qualifications below:
Non-competitive qualifications:
four years of experience in environmental conservation in a
professional or technical capacity or professional teaching of environmental education
and one year of experience teaching about or interpreting the natural world.
Substitution: An associate degree in biology, ecology, environmental education,
environmental interpretation, environmental science, natural history, natural sciences,
outdoor recreation or education or a closely related field can substitute for two years of
environmental conservation experience. A bachelor's degree in biology, ecology,
environmental education, environmental interpretation, environmental science, natural
history, natural sciences, outdoor recreation or education or a closely related field may
substitute for the four years of the environmental conservation 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
55-b/55-c Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications below and include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55-b/55-c program
Open Competitive: four years of experience in environmental conservation in a
professional or technical capacity or professional teaching of environmental education
and one year of experience teaching about or interpreting the natural world.
Substitution: An associate degree in biology, ecology, environmental education,
environmental interpretation, environmental science, natural history, natural sciences,
outdoor recreation or education or a closely related field can substitute for two years of
environmental conservation experience. A bachelor's degree in biology, ecology,
environmental education, environmental interpretation, environmental science, natural
history, natural sciences, outdoor recreation or education or a closely related field may
substitute for the four years of the environmental conservation 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.
Overnight travel may be required.
Weekends and holidays may be required.
Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule, 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 mail/email your resume to the above. Be sure to include Posting #26-219424 on your resume and in the subject line of your email or it may not be accepted.
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