Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitlePublic Participation Specialist 1 - NY HELPS
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $65001 to $82656 Annually
Minimum Qualifications NY HELPS
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 maybe 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 this time, agencies may recruit and hire employees by making temporary appointments. In May 2024, if a temporary NY HELPS employee is satisfactorily performing in the position, the appointment will be changed from temporary pending Civil Service Commission Action to permanent non-competitive and the official probationary period will begin.
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 MINIMUM 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 TWO YEARS of professional experience developing technical presentations; planning and facilitating public meetings; presenting training or educational materials; or implementing public involvement programs;
Or 2. 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; AND ONE YEAR of professional experience developing technical presentations; planning and facilitating public meetings; presenting training or educational materials; or implementing public involvement programs.
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 16 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 a Public Participation Specialist 1, Environmental Educator 2 or Environmental Program Specialist 1.
55-b/55-c Candidates must meet the open competitive 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:
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 TWO YEARS of professional experience developing technical presentations; planning and facilitating public meetings; presenting training or educational materials; or implementing public involvement programs;
Or 2. 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; AND ONE YEAR of professional experience developing technical presentations; planning and facilitating public meetings; presenting training or educational materials; or implementing public involvement programs.
Duties Description At the direction of the Regional Public Participation Specialist (PPS2) and other leadership, participate in the development and implementation of a regional outreach and engagement plan designed to serve the full range of DEC stakeholders.
Establish and maintain clear and consistent communications channels with DEC stakeholders and communities by maintaining digital contact lists and representing DEC at in-person and virtual meetings, events, and presentations.
Prepare for and participate as needed at public meetings and other events by making site arrangements, preparing agendas, publicizing the event, and facilitating question and answer sessions with the public.
Demonstrate flexibility to accommodate public meetings and outreach that occur outside typical business hours, as necessary or requested. Provide general outreach and communications assistance to Regional Director, Assistant Director, and/or PPS2.
Maintain knowledge of the most current and important public issues and programs of DEC and New York State, especially within Region 7.
Support program staff in producing and distributing culturally competent and plain language communications materials in support of DEC’s work throughout the region.
Promote DEC initiatives and messages and coordinate agency participation at outreach events.
Provide content for DEC’s social media, website, and other platforms.
Assist PPS2 with media relations: building and maintaining relationships with local news media; preparing inquiry responses; briefing leadership on news stories; developing press releases; and organizing, facilitating, and attending press events.
Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills including in person, telephone, virtual meeting, presentation, and correspondence. Proficiency in Microsoft Office products is preferred.
Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of staff at all levels and the public through good listening and teamwork. Experience interacting with diverse community-based organizations is preferred.
The Region 7 Public Participation Specialist is a fast-paced position crossing many facets of DEC and supporting every program in the region.
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain. Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions. 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 30 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.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.