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Careers in Environmental Conservation

Watch a clip about starting your career at DEC and check out other clips on DEC's YouTube Channel.

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation offers career opportunities in many fields related to environmental protection and natural resource management. The following are some of our occupational groupings with information on the hiring and job rate of pay. In addition, many of the occupational titles link to a brief duties description, statement of the minimum qualifications, and other pertinent information.

Engineering, Natural Resources, Physical Science and Related Professional Positions
Title Hiring Rate Job Rate
Research Scientist 1, SG18 $61,270 $77,912
Biologist 1, SG18 (Includes: Aquatic, Ecology, Marine & Wildlife) $61,270 $77,912
Biologist Trainee 1 $46,529
Biologist Trainee 2 $49,202
Engineering Geologist 1, SG20 $67,897 $86,140
Engineering Geologist 2, SG24 $83,550 $105,472
Environmental Analyst 1, SG18 $61,270 $77,912
Environmental Analyst Trainee 1 $46,529
Environmental Analyst Trainee 2 $49,202
Environmental Chemist 1, SG18 $61,270 $77,912
Engineer Trainee (Environmental), SG18 $61,270 $77,912
Assistant Engineer (Environmental), SG20 $67,897 $86,140
Professional Engineer 1 (Environmental), SG24 $83,550 $105,472
Environmental Program Specialist 1, SG18 $61,270 $77,912
Environmental Program Specialist Trainee 1 $46,529
Environmental Program Specialist Trainee 2 $49,202
Forester 1, SG18 $61,270 $77,912
Forester Trainee 1 $46,529
Forester Trainee 2 $49,202
Forestry Technician 2, SG13 $46,983 $57,231
Forestry Technician 3, SG15 $52,589 $63,705
Land Surveyor, SG20 $67,897 $86,140
Mined Land Reclamation Specialist 1, SG18 $61,270 $77,912
Mineral Resources Specialist 1, SG15 $51,986 $66,278
Mineral Resources Specialist 2, SG20 $67,897 $86,140
Mineral Resources Specialist 3, SG24 $83,550 $105,472
Mineral Resources Specialist 4, SG27 $97,826 $120,492

Enforcement, Legal and Related Positions
Title Hiring Rate Job Rate
Attorney (various levels) $61,270 $111,111
Environmental Conservation Police Officer Trainee 1 $53,483
Environmental Conservation Police Officer Trainee 1 (after 30 weeks) $56,360
Environmental Conservation Police Officer Trainee 2 $59,298
Forest Ranger 1, SG14 $59,298 $71,862

Administrative/Generalist Positions
Title Hiring Rate Job Rate
Senior Accountant, SG18 $61,270 $77,912
Senior Administrative Analyst, SG18 $61,270 $77,912
Administrative Specialist, SG18 $61,270 $77,912
Training Specialist 1, SG18 $61,270 $77,912
Senior Budgeting Analyst, SG18 $61,270 $77,912
Citizen Participation Specialist 1, SG18 $61,270 $77,912
Information Technology Specialist 2, SG18 $61,270 $77,912
Human Resources Specialist 1, SG18 $59,038 $73,259

Clerical/Secretarial Positions
Title Hiring Rate Job Rate
Office Assistant 1, SG6 $31,870 $39,423
Office Assistant 1 (Keyboarding), SG6 $31,870 $39,423

Technical/Paraprofessional Positions
Title Hiring Rate Job Rate
Environmental Engineering Technician 1, SG08 $35,298 $45,518
Environmental Engineering Technician 2, SG13 $46,529 $59,542
Fish & Wildlife Technician 2, SG13 $46,983 $57,231
Fish Culturist 1, SG11 $41,953 $51,410
Forestry Technician 2, SG13 $46,983 $57,231
Laboratory Technician, SG09 $37,507 $46,103
Mineral Resources Technician 1, SG14 $49,202 $62,806
Mineral Resources Technician Trainee $41,634
Mineral Resources Technician 2, SG19 $64,589 $82,036
Maintenance, Laborer and Related Positions
Title Hiring Rate Job Rate
Construction Equipment Operator, SG08 $35,528 $43,753
Conservation Operations Supervisor 1, SG11 $41,953 $51,410
Service & Repair Mechanic (Electronics), SG12 $44,354 $54,140
Trades Generalist, GS12 $44,354 $54,140
Janitor, SG07 $33,631 $41,555
Facility Operations Assistant 1, SG06 $31,870 $39,423
Maintenance Assistant, SG09 $37,507 $46,103
Service & Repair Mechanic (Motor Equipment), SG12 $44,354 $54,140

Seasonal (Summer/Winter) Positions
Title Rate
Conservation Education Camp Counselor $17.92 per hour
Cook $17.98 per hour
Environmental Engineering Technician 1 $16.87 per hour
Fish & Wildlife Technician 1 $17.00 per hour
Forestry Technician 1 $17.00 per hour
Facility Operations Assistant 1 $15.25 per hour
Lifeguard $20.00 per hour
Office Assistant 1 (Keyboarding) $13.17 per hour

Salaries effective July 2022


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