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

Responsibilities

• Assist with the implementation of the State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES), Long Island Well, Water Withdrawal, Water Well Driller, storm water management, coastal management, and floodplain management programs.
• Assist with data collection, analysis and reporting, inspections, compliance, enforcement, and coordination with other programs, as well as general program management.
• Under supervision of senior staff, track permit compliance, review and analyze data submittals, and initiate enforcement actions as needed.
• Provide technical assistance and information to consultants, municipalities, the regulated community, and other Department staff regarding Department regulations and policies.
• Field inquiries and complaints, taking appropriate corrective action.
• Conduct inspections of permitted facilities.
• Participate in meetings and respond to inquiries from the regulated community.
• Provide presentations on regulatory matters during outreach events and otherwise advance Department interests.
• Conduct field inspections as necessary to carry out the missions stated above.
• Represent the Department in a professional manner, keeping senior staff apprised of program accomplishments, emerging issues, and high‑profile matters.
• Communicate effectively and articulately convey information verbally and in writing.
• Organize and analyze data; identify important findings and provide sound recommendations.
• Write and edit reports; complete many varied computer tasks; and participate in many varied team tasks.

Requirements

• Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
• Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.
• Must be able to work in remote areas.
• Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Travel may be required.
• Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
• Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of the work schedule, to be discussed at interview.

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, the position may be filled via a non‑competitive appointment (no examination required) provided all candidates meet the minimum qualifications.
• After one year of permanent appointment, non‑competitive employment status is expected to convert to competitive status without having to compete in an examination, affording the same rights and privileges as 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.
• Minimum qualifications (experience‑based):
  • Trainee 1: Four years of experience in a position with responsibility for development and implementation of program policies and procedures; preparing and interpreting rules and regulations; development, preparation, and management of procurement (solicitation) documents, contracts, 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 or organizational change efforts; assisting with the development of environmental public information campaigns.
  • Trainee 2: Five years of experience in the same responsibility areas as Trainee 1.
  • EPS 1: Six years of experience in the same responsibility areas as Trainee 1.
• Education may substitute for experience: an associate degree substitutes for two years; a bachelor’s degree for four years; a master’s degree for five years; a doctorate for six years.
• Candidates may also be eligible via:
  • Reassignment – currently holding the title and employed by DEC.
  • Reinstatement – previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title listed under the transfer‑eligible section on a permanent competitive basis.
  • 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), or
    • Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1 (permanent competitive service as an Environmental Program Specialist 1 (including trainees), Program Aide, Administrative Specialist 1, Biologist (Aquatic/Ecology/Marine/Wildlife), Public Participation Specialist 1, Environmental Analyst 1, Trainee 1 & 2, Environmental Engineering Technician 2 & 3, Fish and Wildlife Technician 3, Legal Assistant 2, Mineral Resources Technician 2, Pesticide Control Specialist 1 & 2, Public Health Specialist 2 Environmental, Sanitary Construction Inspector 2, Senior Engineering Research Editor).
• 55 b/c appointment: must meet the minimum qualifications outlined above; if qualifying under the 55 b/c program, candidates must include with their resume or application a copy of the Civil Service approval letter.

Benefits