Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleEnvironmental Program Specialist 1/Trainee 1/2- (2 Positions)NY HELPS
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $49363 to $82656 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
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 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.
TRAINEE 1: A bachelor's in accounting, agricultural engineering, agricultural science, agronomy, animal science, atmospheric science, aquatic science, bacteriology, biochemistry, bioengineering, biology, botany, business administration, chemical engineering, chemistry, civil engineering, civil engineering technology, climate change, coastal resources management, communications, computer engineering, computer science, construction engineering, conservation biology, cultural resources and historic preservation studies, data analysis, earth sciences, ecology, economics, ecosystem management, engineering technology, environmental biology, environmental education, environmental education and interpretation, environmental engineering, environmental health, environmental planning, environmental policy, environmental science, environmental studies, environmental toxicology, fisheries and wildlife sciences, forest engineering, forest resource management, forest science, forestry, genetics, geochemistry, geographic information systems, geography, geological engineering, geology, hydrology, industrial design, industrial engineering, landscape architecture, marine science, mathematics, manufacturing engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, mechanical engineering, meteorology, microbiology, molecular biology, natural resources, natural resources conservation, natural resources management, natural resources planning, natural science, packaging science, physical science, physics, product design, public administration, public policy studies, sustainability, toxicology, urban forestry, urban planning, urban studies, water resource engineering, water resources management, wildlife management, wildlife science, or zoology.
TRAINEE 2: A bachelors as noted above and one year of professional qualifying experience.
EPS 1: A bachelor's as noted above and two years of qualifying experience.
Qualifying Experience: 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, and/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 and/or organizational change efforts; assisting with the development of environmental public information campaigns.
NOTE: a Juris Doctor, Master’s, or higher degree in a related field can substitute for one year of professional experience.
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.
Duties Description The Environmental Program Specialists (EPS) will assist with the implementation of Region 1 Water Withdrawal, Long Island Wells, Well Driller and State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System programs. Assist with Long Island Water Supply inspections, compliance, and water well driller programs, as well as special initiatives. Implement regional protocols and special initiatives to ensure the sustainability of the Long Island aquifer system.
Keep the Regional Water Manager, and other involved DEC managers informed of accomplishments, emerging issues, and high-profile matters.
The EPS will monitor and track permit compliance, initiate enforcement actions once permit threshold has been exceeded, and follow up on enforcement actions as appropriate. This may involve testifying in administrative hearings or in court: initiating field investigations & responding to complaints (must be able to communicate effectively and convey specific factual information verbally and in writing); organizing and analyzing data, identifying important findings and providing sound recommendations based on standard principles and practices, writing/editing reports; performing many varied computer tasks; performing many varied team tasks.
The EPS may review public water supply, Long Island well, and dewatering permit applications and modifications. They will use standard principles and practices in order to ensure that permits are issued in accordance with ECL Article 15 and 6 NYCRR Part 601 and 602, do not cause negative environmental impacts, and promote sustainability of Long Island’s sole source aquifer system.
The EPS may manage the Long Island well driller program, including processing preliminary, completion and decommissioning reports. In addition, they may be responsible for mapping new and historical water wells using GIS, updating the regional LI wells database with said data and keeping the Region’s DEC info locator layers updated in accordance with DEC requirements. The EPS will assist with the creation of new layers for DEC info locator as appropriate.
The EPS may assist with the development, review and implementation of water conservation plans for all types of water uses. The EPS may also assist with the implementation of regional aquifer management and sustainability planning and strategies, including those listed in ECL Article 15 and those which develop from the Long Island Groundwater Sustainability Study. The EPS may review, enter, track and evaluate pumpage and, chloride data/saltwater water intrusion, and other water quantity and quality concerns, and may perform trend and statistical analysis of such. The EPS will keep the Regional Water Manager and water supply staff apprised of any change in trends, exceedance of limits, etc.
The EPS may serve as the Region 1 Division of Water Foil Coordinator.
The EPS may review State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit applications for new permits and modification or renewal requests for existing permits. They will use standard principles and practices in order to ensure that permits are issued in accordance with ECL Article 17, 6 NYCRR Part 750, and Department guidance.
The EPS may assist with the tracking and reporting of permits and inspections of SPDES permitted facilities issued and conducted by Department staff and the Suffolk County Department of Health Services on behalf of the Department. They may be responsible for conducting compliance inspections for SPDES permitted facilities and drafting of inspection reports and initiating compliance and enforcement actions as appropriate.
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 work in adverse weather conditions. 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.
DEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.