Assistant Engineer (Environmental) / Engineer Trainee - NY HELPS

About the role

The Environmental Technician/Assistant Engineer (ET/AE) will conduct compliance inspections at construction sites covered under the department’s SPDES Construction General Permit (CGP) and SPDES Multi Sector General Permit (MSGP) programs. Responsibilities include reviewing and approving Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP), preparing inspection reports, and issuing Notices of Violations to noncompliant sites. The ET/AE will also review applications for 5-acre waivers and draft approval or denial letters.

Responsibilities

• Conduct compliance inspections at construction sites under SPDES CGP and MSGP programs.
• Review and approve Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP).
• Prepare inspection reports and issue Notices of Violations for noncompliance.
• Review applications for 5-acre waivers and draft approval or denial letters.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license or ability to meet transportation needs of the position.
• Ability to use personal protection equipment, including a respirator.
• Capability to negotiate difficult terrain and work in remote areas.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Willingness to travel, including overnight travel and overtime as required.
• Availability for emergency response.
• Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of the work schedule (discussed at interview).

Qualifications

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). Appointment may be non-competitive, but candidates must meet the minimum qualifications below.

Engineer Trainee, NS

• A bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or engineering technology (qualifying degrees listed below), or
• Proof of passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) and one year of full-time qualifying engineering experience.

Assistant Engineer (Environmental), SG-20

• Proof of passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) and a qualifying bachelor's degree or higher (listed below), or
• Proof of passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) and one year of full-time qualifying engineering experience.

Qualifying degrees: Aeronautical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering Technology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Engineering Technology, Environmental Design Engineering, Environmental Resources Engineering, Environmental Systems Engineering, Forest Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Paper Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, Soil and Water Resources Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or Engineering Science with a recognized concentration in any of the above.

Qualifying experience: One year of full-time experience in sanitary, public health, or environmental engineering.

Candidates may also qualify via:

• Reassignment: Currently in the title and an employee of DEC.
• Reinstatement: Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis.
• Transfer: One year of permanent competitive service in a title designated for transfer under Section 70.1 of Civil Service Law.
• 55 b/c Appointment: Must meet minimum qualifications and include a copy of the Civil Service approval letter.

Engineer Trainees must complete one year of successful performance and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Advancement to Assistant Engineer (Environmental), Grade 20, is contingent on passing the FE within the first year. Failure to pass the FE by the end of the second year results in termination.

Pay

Assistant Engineer (Environmental), SG-20:

• Starting salary: $101,381 (base salary $74,193 + increased hiring rate $9,688 + geographic pay differential $13,500 + downstate adjustment $4,000).
• Job rate: $111,621 (base salary $94,121 + geographic pay differential $13,500 + downstate adjustment $4,000).

Note: Geographic and downstate adjustments do not apply to trainee titles. Differentials are added upon advancement to Grade 20.

Benefits

• Work-life balance and a benefits package worth 65% of salary.
• Holiday and paid time off.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System.
• Shift and 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.