Public Participation Specialist 2 - NY HELPS

Duties Description

At the direction of the Assistant Public Information Officer and in coordination with Region 2 programs, the Public Participation Specialist 2 (PPS2) will manage targeted public outreach projects and support communications with the public. These tasks will include developing and delivering professional presentations to technical and/or lay audiences; facilitating and leading public and/or stakeholder group meetings; and development and implementation of public involvement programs or activities. In order to perform these tasks effectively the PPS2 is expected to engage with DEC region 2 programs to stay abreast of issues of public interest; establish and maintain a network of local individuals, groups, elected officials and other relevant stakeholders; and develop a communication and consultation strategy for engaging stakeholders.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Proactively engage with, and respond to, internal and external stakeholders, other government agencies or offices, community organizations, and members of the public;

• Organize, publicize, attend and help facilitate public meetings, hearings, conferences, and community events, with an ability to participate in such events scheduled on designated weekends and/or evenings as necessary, both virtually and in-person;

• Develop both traditional and digital public information materials, including fact sheets, presentations, and digital content for both the agency’s web pages and social media platforms;

• Proofread and edit content submitted by others to ensure consistency and adherence to the agency’s style guides;

• Promote DEC initiatives and messages and coordinate agency participation at large-scale outreach events such as trade-shows, career fairs and Earth week events;
• Work with DEC programs in production and development of information materials, rollout plans, and website content;

• Help manage and coordinate the work of the Bureau of Public Outreach, in consultation with the Bureau Chief, Assistant Public Information Officer and Division of Communication Education and Engagement staff as needed and

• Supervise lower level staff

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.

Non-Competitive Qualifications

Either 1. a bachelor's degree in environmental planning; environmental science; environmental studies; natural, biological, or physical science; civil, environmental, or geological engineering; public administration; public relations; political science; urban planning; urban studies; communications; or journalism; AND THREE YEARS of professional experience developing technical presentations; planning and facilitating public meetings; presenting training or educational materials; or implementing public involvement programs;

Or 2. an associate's degree in environmental planning; environmental science; environmental studies; natural, biological, or physical science; civil, environmental, or geological engineering; public administration; public relations; political science; urban planning; urban studies; communications; or journalism; AND FIVE YEARS of experience developing technical presentations; planning and facilitating public meetings; presenting training or educational materials; or implementing public involvement programs.

Substitution: A master's degree in environmental planning; environmental science; environmental studies; natural, biological, or physical science; civil, environmental, or geological engineering; public administration; public relations; political science; urban planning; urban studies; communications; or journalism can substitute for one year of experience.

Competitive 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.

Additional Comments

Must have a valid driver’s 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.
Weekends and holidays 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 : $78,126 - $99,056