Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitlePublic Information Specialist 1 (2 Positions) - NY HELPS
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $65001 to $82656 Annually
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 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Either 1. a bachelors degree in media, new media, English, communications, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, films, TV productions, or digital marketing AND two years of experience in public or governmental relations, and/or in writing or producing content for various media;
Or 2. a masters or higher degree in media, new media, English, communications, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, films, TV productions, or digital marketing AND one year of experience in public or governmental relations, and/or in writing or producing content for various media;
Or 3. six years of the experience described above.
Non-qualifying degrees: Examples of non-qualifying degrees include political science, theater, sports science, and education.
Non-qualifying experience: Experience limited to blogs, personal business, or personal webpage/website, will not be considered qualifying for the purposes of this examination.
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 Child Protective Services Specialist 2, Child Support Specialist 1, Children & Family Services Specialist 1, Children & Family Services Specialist 1 Minority G, Disability Analyst 2, Disability Analyst 2 Spanish Language, Fair Hearings Specialist 2, Fair Hearings Specialist 2 Spanish Language, Health Care Surveyor 2 Nursing, Health Systems Specialist 1, Homeless Services Rep 1, Housing Specialist 1, Management Specialist 1, Management Specialist 1 Children & Family Services, Management Specialist 1 Spanish Language, Medical Asstnce Specialist 1, Program Outreach Specialist 1, Public Information Specialist 1, Senr Engineering Research Editor, Temporary Assistant Specialist 1, Temporary Assistance Specialist 1 RIS, or Voc Rehab Counselor.
or
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 bachelors degree in media, new media, English, communications, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, films, TV productions, or digital marketing AND two years of experience in public or governmental relations, and/or in writing or producing content for various media;
Or 2. a masters or higher degree in media, new media, English, communications, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, films, TV productions, or digital marketing AND one year of experience in public or governmental relations, and/or in writing or producing content for various media;
Or 3. six years of the experience described above.
Non-qualifying degrees: Examples of non-qualifying degrees include political science, theater, sports science, and education.
Non-qualifying experience: Experience limited to blogs, personal business, or personal webpage/website, will not be considered qualifying for the purposes of this examination.
Duties Description Position 1: Editorial Section
• Track all Publications projects within the Excel Project Tracking Sheet.
• Attend preliminary meetings with program subject matter experts and communication coordinators, review copy and requested project type, and provide guidance to maximize product effectiveness (tone, content, audience, and distribution methods).
• Provide a variety of editorial services: line editing, copy editing, fact-checking, rewrites for clarity, and proofreading of products (brochures, kiosks, reports, technical papers, fact sheets, etc.).
• Ensure project conformity to NYSDEC Style Guide, Chicago Manual of Style, Merriam-Webster, and scientific citation styles.
• Analyze and alter materials as needed for audience appropriateness and reading level.
• Prepare drafts and coordinate with program to create final copy and submit to design for layout.
• Review design drafts to ensure final copy is accurate and reflects all requested edits.
• Ensure that publication products serve the agency’s mission and priorities.
• Meet all deadlines and actively communicate with PIS2 regarding ongoing projects.
• Review and contribute articles for the Conservationist magazine upon request.
Position 2: Conservationist Magazine Section
Develop Articles for The Conservationist Magazine-
• research news articles, press releases, announcements, etc., for possible features
• work with contributors to develop idea into draft article, including writing and editing content
• secure usable photographs to accompany article
• answer inquiries about potential submissions, review submissions
Write content for Feature Articles-
• draft feature article and secure accompanying photos
• review and edit drafts of articles
• review and edit proofs (Design Drafts) of articles
• collect captions and credits for photos, draft captions if necessary
Feature Photographs-
• collect and gather historic photos for potential Table of Contents pic
• collect and gather, or review, potential cover photos
• review potential back cover photos; draft, review, and edit caption and credit
Other Content-
• draft Dear Readers letter
• review masthead for accuracy
• draft table of contents
• draft/compile Briefly reports and secure accompanying photos
• draft/compile On Patrol reports and secure accompanying photos
• draft text (caption and credit) for Inside Back Cover
Final Review-
• review and edit final, compiled proof of entire issue
• review and edit final, compiled digital edition of entire issue
Conservationist For Kids
• review and edit draft text
• review and edit proof
Additional Comments 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.