Environmental Program Specialist 1 (Natural Resources)/Trainee 1 and 2 (HELPS)-Taconic Region

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

NY HELPS Qualifications:
This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).*

To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 b/c, candidates must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are:

Environmental Program Specialist Trainee 1, SG-13:
A bachelor’s or higher degree in coastal resources management, conservation biology, cultural resources and historic preservation studies, ecology, ecosystem management, environmental biology, environmental engineering, environmental health, environmental planning, environmental science, environmental studies, environmental toxicology, forest science, forestry, natural resources management, natural resources planning, or urban forestry.

For Environmental Program Specialist Trainee 2, SG 14 you must also have:
Either 1. One year of qualifying professional experience*; OR
2. a master’s degree or higher in coastal resources management, cultural resources and historic preservation studies, ecology, ecosystem management, environmental biology, environmental engineering, environmental health, environmental planning, environmental science, environmental studies, environmental toxicology, forest science, forestry, natural resources management, natural resources planning, or urban forestry.

For the Environmental Program Specialist 1, SG 18 you must also have:
Either 1. Two years of qualifying professional experience*; OR
2. a master’s degree or higher in coastal resources management, cultural resources and historic preservation studies, ecology, ecosystem management, environmental biology, environmental engineering, environmental health, environmental planning, environmental science, environmental studies, environmental toxicology, forest science, forestry, natural resources management, natural resources planning, or urban forestry AND One year of qualifying professional experience.*

*Qualifying experience is defined as: Experience in local and/or regional planning involving natural resource analysis; developing and implementing natural resource program policies; writing technical or programmatic reports relating to natural resource program areas; and/or developing, implementing, and evaluating natural resource programs.

Advanced placement to the trainee 2 or SG-18 level may be possible depending on education and experience and subject to agency approval.

*For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title maybe 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.

COMPETITIVE QUALIFICATIONS:

Reassignment Qualifications:
You must be a current New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) employee with one year of permanent, competitive or 55-b/55-c service as Environmental Program Specialist 1 (Natural Resources), SG-18.

Eligible List Qualifications:
Candidates may also be qualified for permanent competitive appointment if reachable on the Professional Careers Oportunities eligible list or Public Administration Trineeship Trainsition Program eligible list.

Transfer Qualifications:
Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1 of Civil Service Law which requires one year of permanent, competitive status as an Environmental Program Specialist 2 (Natural Resources).

55-b/c Qualifications:
This position is eligible for 55b/c appointment, and candidates with 55b/c eligibility are encouraged to apply. To be eligible for a 55b/c appointment, candidate must be currently enrolled in the Civil Service 55b/c program and must meet the minimum qualifications listed above. To be considered, you must provide a copy of your letter of eligibility with your response and meet the minimum qualifications listed above.
It is essential that candidates clearly and concisely indicate exactly how they meet the above minimum qualifications in their resume. Failure to show how you meet the minimum qualifications above may result in disqualification and removal from consideration.

*If verifiable, we will accept and prorate appropriate part-time and volunteer experience.

DUTIES DESCRIPTION

The Environmental Program Specialist 1 (Natural Resources), SG-18, is assigned to the Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning. The Environmental Program Specialist 1 (Natural Resources) serves as the Environmental Project Manager and manages the regions’ stewardship projects, ensuring they are coordinated appropriately, with place based management at the appropriated level in the region. This position will report to the Biologist 2 (Ecology), SG-23.

The Environmental Program Specialist 1 (Natural Resources) duties include but are not limited to:

• Facilitates the planning, design, construction, and monitoring of small- to large-scale environmental stewardship projects.
• Develops expenditure plans for various grants and funding sources to provide financial resources necessary to implement individual work plan elements.
• Participates in meetings with consultants and agency staff to identify and provide recommendations on environmental issues.
• Monitors and oversees district environmental work performed by other agencies, consultants, and contractors to ensure it is consistent with agency plans and complies with codes.
• Assists in the development of permits for environmental projects.
• Coordinates with Operations and Capital staff on the greening of projects.
• Oversees project funding and reporting for stewardship projects, including the management of funds in relevant databases (Statewide Financial Services, Consolidated Trade Summary, etc.)
• Utilizes New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) data and other information to guide plans and projects.
• Utilizes science and data to recommend nature-based solutions where feasible.
• Gathers data, reviews alternatives, performs analyses, and provides recommended actions concerning environmental issues Aides in the preparation, bidding, award, and administration of environmental grants and contracts.
• Supervises and maintains close communication with other staff on matters pertaining to environmental protection and fostering communication throughout the Capital program.
• Organizes and provides technical trainings for environmental stewardship team and other staff, including Capital and Operations.
• Leads planning and field investigations for implementation on agency initiatives, ecological management plans, natural resource protection projects.
• Oversees the preparation of work plans with appropriate documentation, including GIS maps and written text, diagrams, and photographs.
• Verifies that field activities are conducted in accordance with applicable terms and conditions.
• Conducts data analyses including the establishment of analysis parameters and testing of those parameters; preparation and assembly of coverages necessary to conduct analyses; collection/solicitation of data needed for analyses; and preparation of graphics depicting the results. Analyzes data, including GIS data, to write reports, and develop presentations.
• Employs ecological restoration techniques for effective management of wildlife habitat.
• Participates in outreach projects and presentations involving partners, stakeholders, and local schools and universities.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Approved Salary Ranges:

• Environmental Program Specialist Trainee 1(Natural Resources), SG-13 – $49,363-$63,169
• Environmental Program Specialist Trainee 2 (Natural Resources), SG-14 – $52,198 – $66,634
• Environmental Program Specialist 1 (Natural Resources), SG-18 – $65,001- $82,656

BENEFITS
Generous benefits package, worth approximately 65% of salary, including:

Paid Time Off:
• PEF: 44 days – 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 5 personal leave days, 13 holidays
• Three (3) days of professional leave annually to participate in professional development

Health Care Benefits:
• Eligible employees and dependents can pick from a variety of affordable health insurance programs
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost

Additional Benefits:
• New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) Membership
• NYS Deferred Compensation
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Paid Parental Leave

To learn more about our benefits, visit:https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx