Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $114976 to $140815 Annually
Minimum Qualifications • A bachelor’s degree in engineering, geology, hydrogeology, or other related environmental science;
• a minimum of seven years of experience in remedial construction and project management; and
• a minimum of five years of experience implementing NYS Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) projects.
Duties Description The incumbent shall report to the Director of Remedial Bureau B, which covers NYC, for the Division of Environmental Remediation and serve as the chief technical advisor and quality control officer (QCO) for the BCP and NYC mega sites (e.g., Gowanus Canal, Newtown Creek, Port Mobil, etc). The bulk of the workload (50%+)for this position is in NYC/Region 2. However, the incumbent will advise on similar issues statewide, as necessary, working closely/coordinating with and supporting DER bureaus, regions, the Division Director’s office, other DEC Divisions and partner agencies, including the Office of General Counsel, USEPA and DEC Executive. Currently, there are ~500 active BCP sites statewide, 50% of which are located in Region 2, as well as 300 long-term site management sites in Region 2 (1,450 sites statewide). In addition, there are ~150 off-site areas for BCP voluntary sites also being handled by the DER PMs statewide; one such area is the Gowanus Canal Areawide Soil Vapor Intrusion Study.
The incumbent will provide guidance, review and oversight of investigations, remediation's, site management and redevelopment of sites in any remedial program to ensure both area-wide and individual site cleanups are consistently, comprehensively and holistically implemented to ensure protection of public health and the environment. This may include supervising staff working on these large area-wide remediation and redevelopment areas.
This is a temporary 18-month position, with the likelihood of an 18-month extension pending approval if required for project completion. All NYC BCP affordable housing sites, also in the NYC 421-1 affordable housing program must receive their BCP Certificates of Completion by 12/31/2026. The potential for additional extensions will be informed by reauthorization or replacement of NYC’s 421-a affordable housing program, the continued incoming BCP and other remedial program workloads.
Other duties include, but are not limited to:
Represent the Department and support Department staff at various meetings (i.e., interagency, public, NYC community boards, community advisory groups (CAGs), other environmental and community activist groups, responsible parties and their consultants, etc). This will require frequent travel to NYC for field visits and participation in numerous meetings as noted above, including evenings, as well as participation in routine internal meetings with other bureau directors (e.g., BCP eligibility, reclass, etc).
Promptly address press, legislative, Executive and Director’s office inquiries, mindful of stated deadlines and in coordination with appropriate project/bureau staff to ensure the availability of current and accurate information. This may include participating in interviews and briefings with Executive, legislators, local elected, press, community groups, etc. This also includes anticipation, identification and troubleshooting issues of concern or significance; exercises discretion to provide timely information and necessary updates across multiple stakeholders.
Participate in project reviews, advise on incoming and outgoing work plans, design documents and staff comments on same, provide feedback on the appropriateness and adequacy of work and adherence to applicable regulatory standards, criteria, guidance, sound engineering and scientific principles, best practices, etc., consistent with governing legal documents (e.g., Brownfield Cleanup Agreements, Orders on Consent, etc.) to cultivate consistency and ensure the protection of public health and the environment
Develop procedures and recommendations to address new environmental and engineering challenges as they emerge and respond efficiently to potential concerns raised by the public or partner agencies.
Provide suggestions for development and/or revision of new/existing guidance documents, policies, and procedures as needed; foster staff development, including technical training, and mentorship, assist the with the continual evaluation and refinement of program goals, performance measures, priorities, and operational strategies; ensure that the appropriate bureau directors, regional supervisors and Division and Department leadership are kept informed of high-profile situations and issues needing input.
Develop technical scopes of work, budgets, negotiate and manage professional services contracts with technical consultants and contractors (investigation and remediation, response, and laboratory) related to State-funded work on specific sites and in the large study areas.
Develop fact sheets, community updates, project briefings for the public, Executive, legislators, press, etc.
Track DER remedial sites statewide that include affordable housing. Coordinate with Remedial Bureau E for renewable energy project tracking on former DER remedial sites statewide in order to report current counts to the Governor’s office and others upon request.
Supervise other staff when the Remedial Bureau B Director is unavailable or upon request by the DER management.
Independently complete special projects within designated timeframes, and other functions necessary to ensure operations of the BCP or other remedial programs, as assigned.
Additional Comments Must have a valid driver's license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Travel, and overnight travel may be required. Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.
Actual work schedule, duties and travel requirements may vary and will be discussed at the 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.
DEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.