Environmental Program Specialist 1 / Trainee 1 / 2 - ...

NY HELP Yes Agency Environmental Conservation, Department of Title Environmental Program Specialist 1 / Trainee 1 / 2 - NY HELPS Occupational Category I.T. Engineering, Sciences Salary Grade NS Bargaining Unit PS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF) Salary Range From $53764 to $85138 Annually Employment Type Full-Time Appointment Type Contingent Permanent Jurisdictional Class Competitive Class Travel Percentage 10% 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 County Albany Street Address 625 Broadway City Albany State NY Zip Code 12233 Duties Description OVERVIEW AND GENERAL FUNCTIONS:The New York State Department of Environmental Conservationu2019s (DEC), Division of Water (DOW) is responsible for ensuring the protection and conservation of NY's waters by monitoring and assessing the health of the Stateu2019s waters; establishing water quality standards and regulations; awarding and managing grants to municipalities to improve water quality; developing and regulating permits and clean water plans to regulate pollutant discharges; and reducing impacts from flooding and coastal erosion.The Environmental Program Specialist 1 (EPS1), Water Resource Information and Public Relations Coordinator position, within DOWu2019s Directoru2019s Office helps to ensure the efficient operation of the Division by developing an coordinating a wide range of content reflecting the technical efforts of DOWu2019s various water resource programs, including web-based, social-media, electronic publication, and print. The EPS in DOW also independently performs as the Divisionu2019s primary liaison with the public and DECu2019s Office of Media Relations, Office of Legislative Affairs, and Office of Congressional Affairs by coordinating and tracking DOWu2019s materials concerning Division activities. In this role, the EPS engages as an integral member of the Divisionu2019s team by providing the central point for all communications focused products requested of, or developed by, DOW.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:In addition to the general functions described above, additional essential functions of the EPS 1 include, but are not limited to, the following:u2022Act as DOWu2019s primary point of contact for DECu2019s Office of Media Relations, Office ofLegislative Affairs, and Office of Congressional Affairs by coordinating DOWu2019sdevelopment (including writing, editing, and distributing) of informational materials suchas email responses, press releases, briefings, brochures, and various other water resourcefocused publications.u2022Provide primary coordination of responses to water resource specific inquiries from thepublic through DOWu2019s general information email in-box. Review subject matter inquiriesreceived to determine nature and amount of information needed and where it may beavailable. Write draft responses and coordinate directly with DOW technical programs toensure their completeness and accuracy.u2022In coordination with DOWu2019s technical program staff and Regulatory Coordinator, write,edit, and distribute press releases, holding statements, and roll-out plans for variousprograms and projects including regulatory updates and rule makings, issuance oftechnical guidance, notification of grant funding opportunities, and other similarnoteworthy functions being performed by the Division.u2022Schedule, organize, and perform monthly docketing meetings with DECu2019s Office ofMedia Relations, Office of Legislative Affairs, and Office of Congressional Affairs toensure DOW communication products requested by these offices are on schedule. During these docketing meetings the EPS 1 will also provide notice to these offices of upcoming DOW activities which may require outreach and communication. u2022Coordinate all of DOWu2019s responses to inquiries routed through DECu2019s Commissioner Correspondence Unit (CCU). Write, edit, distribute, and track, written CCU responses in collaboration with DOWu2019s technical programs. Maintain a data-system of past responses to draw from in developing initial responses to inquiries to maintain consistency of agency positions. Work with the Directoru2019s Office to obtain approval of finished products.u2022Coordinate public appearances for the DOWu2019s management staff in coordination with the agencyu2019s Division of Communication, Education, and Engagement and Office of Media Relations, to explain programs and initiatives and to gain stakeholder support for DOW activities as needed.u2022Assist DOW technical programs as needed and advise on community outreach and public participation and advise DOW staff on matters regarding public presentations and media relations.u2022In coordination with DOWu2019s management staff coordinate the technical content of agendas and provide facilitation of meetings, including but not limited to biannual Regional Water Team Meetings and triennial DOW All-Staff Meetings.u2022Manage the Divisionu2019s public and internal websites with the Divisionu2019s existing Administrative Support Team and through coordination with the Division of Communication, Education and Engagement and supported by DOWu2019s Bureau Web coordinators to coordinate webpage development and update as needed.u2022With support from the Divisionu2019s existing Administrative Support Team coordinate completion of Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests.u2022Support the Divisionu2019s technical programs to write and edit articles and communications from the management staff for publication in print or digital media, e.g., Clear Waters Magazine.u2022Support the Divisionu2019s technical programs in their generation and distribution of existing and new outreach addition to these essential duties, the successful candidate must also:u2022Have a valid driveru2019s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.u2022Be available to work over-time, on occasion, as needed to complete the work of the Division.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSThe successful candidate should have following preferred qualifications:u2022Ability to find creative solutions to difficult and complex problems within a team atmosphere.u2022Expertise in MS Office Suite, especially proper best practices in the use of MS Outlook,Excel, Word, Teams, etcu2026u2022Strong organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure.u2022Strong writing and editing skills (research, writing, and editing).A mastery of spelling, punctuation, and grammar is essential for creating error-free and professional content.The ability to verify information and conduct thorough research is crucial for accuracy.Proficiency with style guides, such as Associated Press, Chicago Manual of Style,or Strunk and Whiteu2019s Elements of Style ensures consistency.u2022Strong communications and interpersonal skills (thinking listening, and feedback) Ability to think strategically, capacity to understand an organizationu2019s goals and develop communication strategy to meet them.Capable of interviewing and active listening with strong skills in gathering information from subject matter experts and stakeholders.A collaborative attitude to work effectively with diverse teams including both technical programs and leadership.A positive and proactive attitude toward processing constructive criticism and the ability to give and received feedback.u2022Experience in public speaking skills and developing presentationsu2022Strong understanding of both traditional and social media, and multimedia 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.TRAINEE 1: Four years or experience in 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, 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. An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bacheloru2019s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a masteru2019s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.TRAINEE 2: Five years or experience in 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, 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. An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bacheloru2019s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a masteru2019s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience. EPS 1: Six years or experience in 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, 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. An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bacheloru2019s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a masteru2019s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of 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.OrTransfer 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;OrEligible 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.55 b/c appointment: Must meet the minimum qualifications outlined above. Please note that if qualifying under the 55 b/c program, candidates must include with their resume or application a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55 b/c program Additional Comments Please provide transcript(s) and a writing sample, or other examples of written content with resume when applying. Must have a valid driveru2019s 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:u2022 Holiday & Paid Time Offu2022 Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)u2022 Pension from New York State Employeesu2019 Retirement Systemu2022 Shift & Geographic pay differentialsu2022 Affordable Health Care optionsu2022 Family dental and vision benefits at no additional costu2022 NYS Deferred Compensation planu2022 Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bondsu2022 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.Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT). Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity. Name Natalie Joseph Telephone 518-402-9273 Fax 518-402-9038 Email Address 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. Be sure to include Vacancy #25-202132 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.

Created: 2025-11-10