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

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 Functions as initial point of contact for wildlife-related inquiries (phone calls, letters, e-mails, in-person) from the public and stakeholder groups on topics such as natural history, habitat management, nuisance/damage abatement, rehabilitation, and hunting/trapping regulations.
• Works with conservation partners, including federal, state, and local agencies and non-government organizations to promote wildlife conservation.
• Proactively engages with local municipalities/communities to provide information and technical guidance on best management practice for avoiding wildlife conflicts.
• Functions as lead for issuance of wildlife damage permits. Responds to requests for wildlife damage assistance by providing technical information, referring requester to Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCO), or scheduling site visits to assess deer/bear damage and provide potential damage-abatement options.
• Assists with development of wildlife-related educational materials (e.g., fact sheets, webpages).
• Coordinates response to wildlife incidents requiring on-site assistance from R7 Wildlife and/or Law Enforcement (animals that are injured or distressed or deemed to be a potential threat to human health or safety).
• Conducts educational programs (e.g., school groups) to provide information about wildlife, their habitats, management, and use/appreciation.
• Participates in outreach events (e.g., county/state fair, annual wildlife and/or hunting expos, professional conferences).
• Works with Division of Communication, Education, and Engagement to respond to media requests and provide content for social media posts.
• Represents R7 as a member of one or more Bureau of Wildlife statewide teams by participating in team meetings, assisting with establishment of Team priorities, communicating regional concerns, and relaying team decisions and other relevant information back to regional Wildlife staff.
• Functions as point of contact for all statewide public outreach initiatives (e.g., Love Our NY Lands Days, NYS Birding Trail.
• Represents R7 DFW at bimonthly Fish and Wildlife Management Board and Conservation League meetings.
• Coordinates wildlife-related exams held in Regional offices, schedules and proctors Falconer, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator exams in coordination with Special Licenses Unit.
• Compiles monthly highlights for inclusion in reports, newsletters, and social media posts.

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.
Weekends and holidays 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.

Name Karen Price

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 Applying Please email/mail your resume to the above address. If you are qualified based on your education, you must also include a copy of your college transcript. Be sure to include Vacancy#24-166226 on your resume and also in the subject line of the email or it may not be accepted