Position Information

NY HELPYes

AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of

TitleEnvironmental Program Specialist 1 / Trainee 1 / 2 - NY HELPS

Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences

Salary GradeNS

Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)

Salary RangeFrom $53764 to $85138 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Contingent Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Competitive Class

Travel Percentage 15%

Schedule

Workweek Mon-Fri

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 Albany

Street Address 625 Broadway

City Albany

StateNY

Zip Code12233

Job Specifics

Duties Description Position Narrative:

This posting is for an Environmental Program Specialist 1, within the Division of Water’s (DOW), Bureau of Water Permits. The candidate will support the build-out of the Asset Management Program, advance DOW’s cybersecurity priorities, and aid with the Operator Certification Program.

Unique Duties:

Must have valid driver’s license or demonstrate ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Must be able to work additional hours and travel as needed including overnight (~15%).

Essential Functions:

1. Cybersecurity
• Assist with internal preparation for and external rollout of new cybersecurity regulatory requirements for regulated wastewater facilities.
• Assist in the design, development, and maintenance of digital forms and workflows using nForm, DEC’s online form tool.
• Assist in researching, tracking, and summarizing current and emerging cybersecurity guidance and recommendations applicable to the wastewater sector.
• Monitor and maintain a digital reference library of key cybersecurity documents and communications from NY DHSES, EPA, CISA, and other relevant agencies.
• Assist with internal and external communications related to cybersecurity initiatives, including presentations, reports, and web content.
• Coordinate outreach to utilities to increase awareness of available cybersecurity tools, resources, and trainings.

2. Operation Certification Program Support
• Provide administrative and technical support for the Wastewater Operator Certification Program in accordance with 6 NYCC Part 650 and applicable guidance.
• Assist in scoring wastewater treatment facilities under 6 NYCRR Part 650.3 and maintaining the statewide facility scoring database.
• Review applications for initial and renewal training courses. Maintain accurate records and databases related to training courses and course approvals.
• Help develop and update internal standard operating procedures (SOPs) and external guidance documents, website content, and outreach materials to clearly communicate certification program requirements.
• Assist in the design, development, and maintenance of digital forms and workflows using nForm, DEC’s online form tool.

3. Asset Management
• Assist in updates to the DEC Asset Management Guide for Publicly Owned Treatment Works to include new components.
• Provide outreach and education to Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators on Asset Management.
• Assist in implementation of the State’s Phase 2 Pilot, including the development of Asset Management Continuing Education Training.
• Support build-out of DEC’s Asset Management Program.

4.Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships and communicate constructively with Federal, State,and local government agencies, engineering firms, various non-governmental groups, and the public on permittingissues.

5.Assist in development of regulations, policies, and guidance documents as needed.

Preferred Additional Qualifications

•Strong interest in environmental protection, water/wastewater infrastructure, and/or cybersecurity.
•Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including experience with technical writing.
•Ability to translate and communicate complex technical material to non-technical audiences.
•Experience with public speaking and training. Candidate must be able to function effectively in large groupsettings and venues.
•Proficiency working with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint, or the equivalent.
•Experience with environmental protection and/or water or wastewater treatment plant operations, maintenance, ormanagement.

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, 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.

Qualifications for NYHELPS or 55b/c* appointment are :

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.

* If applying under the 55b/c, candidates must include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55b/c program.


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.

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.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight 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.

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.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

How to Apply

Name Natalie Joseph

Telephone 518-402-9273

Fax 518-402-9038

Email Address PostingResponses@dec.ny.gov

Address

Street 625 Broadway

Personnel, 10th Floor

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12233

 

Notes on ApplyingPlease email/mail your resume to the above address. Be sure to include Vacancy#25-184494 on your resume and also in the subject line of the email or it may not be accepted. If you are qualified based on your education, you must also include a copy of your college transcript.