Environmental Program Specialist 2

Duties Description

The Bureau of Pesticide Management (BPM) regulates the registration, application, use, distribution, and sale of pesticides, promotes Integrated Pest Management, provides compliance assistance and public outreach activities, and enforces portions of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL).

The Bureau of Pesticide Management is also responsible for overseeing the certification and recertification of all certified pesticide applicators and technicians, the registration of all pesticide businesses/agencies and commercial permit holders, the approval of regional pesticide training courses and the creation and processing of certification examinations.

The incumbent will be responsible for assisting, overseeing, coordinating and completing pesticide certification activities for both Regions 1 and 2, coordinating with other Regions and Central Office on certification matters. Additionally, this position will serve as an educational resource in Regions 1 and 2 to the regulated community, industry organizations, agencies, and the DEC itself. More specific duties will include:

•Developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and guidance documents for the certification processes in collaboration with Central Office.

•Acting as point of contact for pesticide certification inquiries in Regions 1 and 2. Responding to verbal and written pesticide certification questions from the public, section and regional staff, as well as other state agencies and organizations.

•Developing an in-depth knowledge and maintaining familiarity with the NYS Pesticide Administration Database (NYSPAD) and nForms to assist the public, section and regional staff.

•Coordinating and participating in the Pesticide Certification Committee.

•Taking on a lead role for public relations for the Region 1 & 2 Bureau of Pesticide Management and if appropriate statewide education outreach material.

•Collaborating with Office of Communication to create and maintaining social media postings when requested by Section Supervisor or Bureau Director.

•Developing draft guidance, policy and/or regulatory documents when requested by Section Supervisor or Bureau Director.

•Traveling as needed to complete the work of the Section. Note: Some travel may require (one or multiple) overnight stay(s).

•Attending and/or speaking at professional conferences and/or training courses, as requested by the Section Supervisor or Bureau Director.

•Completing special assignments, as requested.

•Supervising section staff as necessary. Staff being supervised may be telecommuting.

•Overseeing Region 1 & 2 Budget, expenses and receipts.

Minimum Qualifications

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 21 or higher and:

Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: One year of permanent competitive service as a Climate Policy Analyst 2, Environmental Analyst 2, Environmental Radiation Specialist 2, Environmental Specialist 2, Forester 2, Public Participation Specialist 2, Public Participation Specialist 3, Sanitary Construction Inspector 3.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of pesticide certification regulations and laws. Working knowledge of NYSPAD and nForms. Strong public speaking skills. Strong written communication skills. Expertise in MS Office Suite, e.g. MS Excel, Word, Teams, PowerPoint, etc. Spanish fluency. Ability to find creative solutions to difficult and complex problems within a team atmosphere.

Additional Comments

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:

• 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.

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).

Salary : $86,681 - $109,650