Job Description:
An Environmental Program Specialist 1 performs a variety of responsible tasks including carrying out of projects or serving as a member of a project team in the resolution of problems related to solid and hazardous materials, site remediation, water resources, construction management, air resources or pollution prevention. Typical activities might include reporting on and making recommendations, based on your own investigations, and serving as a project leader or providing technical direction to other staff. You would provide non-engineering assistance and information to consultants and public officials and the regulated community in developing and implementing non-engineering aspects of regulatory, non-regulatory, and remedial programs related to solid and hazardous materials, site remediation, water resources, construction management, air resources, or pollution prevention.
An Environmental Program Specialist Trainee would, under supervision of higher level staff, receive on-the-job training while performing duties similar to those of the journey-level position.
Job Qualifications:
Environmental Program Specialist Trainee 1, must have a bachelor's or higher level degree in environmental planning, environmental science or environmental studies; geography; natural science; physical science; civil, environmental or geological engineering; planning; public policy studies or public administration; landscape architecture; urban planning or urban studies; economics or business administration.
Environmental Program Specialist Trainee 2, must meet the qualifications for Environmental Program Specialist Trainee 1 and have one year* of experience as described below.
Environmental Program Specialist 1, must meet the qualifications for Environmental Program Specialist Trainee 1 and have two years* of experience as described below.
* A master's degree may substitute for one year of experience.
Qualifying Experience: must have included responsibility for development and implementation of program policies and procedures; preparing and interpretation of 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.
Salary:
For current salary information go to: Careers in Environmental Conservation
Environmental Program Specialists at DEC are able to make a direct impact on the quality of life for the public and meet the commitment that they have to the environment. In addition, the benefits include: a 37 ½ hour work week; excellent health plans from which to choose; generous paid leave time including, vacation, personal, sick and 12 holidays each year; NYS Retirement System pension plan vested after five years; job security protection provided under Civil Service Law and by union representation. For more information on the benefits of working for DEC, see the offsite link to "Working for NYS" on the right side of this page.
Promotional Opportunities:
Candidates may enter the Environmental Program Specialist series as an Environmental Program Specialist Trainee 1, Environmental Program Specialist Trainee 2 or Environmental Program Specialist 1, depending upon their work experience. Trainee 1's that complete one year of satisfactory service automatically progress to Trainee 2 level. Trainee 2's that complete one year of satisfactory service automatically progress to the title of Environmental Program Specialist 1. Further promotional opportunities are available through competitive examination and satisfactory experience.
Work Location:
These positions exist at numerous locations throughout the State in the Department of Environmental Conservation with most positions located in Albany.
Application Procedures:
Positions of Environmental Program Specialist are filled through the use of eligible lists resulting from written examinations administered by the Department of Civil Service. The examinations are held about every third year, with the last examination having been held in February 2007. Additional information on Civil Service Exam Announcements, signing up to receive notification of exam availability, and Civil Service frequently asked questions.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Is An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer