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Environmental Program Specialist 1 / Trainee 1 / 2 - NY HELPS

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Buffalo, NY Full Time
POSTED ON 6/27/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/25/2026
Description

Duties Description

  • Complete initial evaluations of environmental impacts of proposed actions, perform map-based and field-based interdisciplinary environmental and regulatory project reviews, and utilize computer programs to manage, track and coordinate permit processing activities.
  • Assist with management of Permits general email box.
  • Assist and train seasonal employees and interns.
  • Utilize computer programs to prepare work products, maps and reports, manage, track, and document activities and schedule meetings.
  • Make determinations regarding permit jurisdictions; prepare Lead Agency responses in accordance with the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR); assist in the timely review of permit applications per the Uniform Procedures Act (UPA); prepare draft permits and assist with FOIL review and response; and prepare other correspondence.
  • Carry out inspections of project sites, evaluate regulatory/resource issues, environmental concerns and potential violations.

Essential Functions

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to explain environmental impact laws, regulations and permit jurisdictions to applicants, Department staff, other agencies and the public. Ability to drive a state vehicle to attend meetings and visit project sites.

Qualifications

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, 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.

Environmental Program Specialist Trainee 1, SG-NS

Four years of experience* in a position where you have responsibility for the following: development and implementation of program policies and procedures; preparing and interpreting rules and regulations; development, preparation, and management of procurement (solicitation) documents, contracts, 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 or organizational change efforts; assisting with the development of environmental public information campaigns.

  • An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.

Environmental Program Specialist Trainee 2, SG-NS

Five years of experience* in a position where you have responsibility for the following: development and implementation of program policies and procedures; preparing and interpreting rules and regulations; development, preparation, and management of procurement (solicitation) documents, contracts, 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 or organizational change efforts; assisting with the development of environmental public information campaigns.

  • An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.

Environmental Program Specialist 1, SG-18

Six years of experience* in a position where you have responsibility for the following: development and implementation of program policies and procedures; preparing and interpreting rules and regulations; development, preparation, and management of procurement (solicitation) documents, contracts, 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 or organizational change efforts; assisting with the development of environmental public information campaigns.

  • An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.

Candidates May Also Be Eligible Via The Following

Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC.

Reinstatement Eligible - Previously held the title or a title approved for transfer as noted below on a permanent competitive basis.

Transfer Eligible - One year of permanent competitive service in a title that has been approved for transfer in accordance with Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law. A comprehensive list of titles approved for transfer is available on the Department of Civil Service’s GOT-IT webpage (https://careermobilityoffice.cs.ny.gov/cmo/gotit/).

55-b/55-c Appointment – Must meet minimum qualifications listed above. Please note that if applying under the 55-b/55-c program, candidates must include with their resume or application a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55-b/55-c program.

Preferred Qualifications

Proficiency in Word, Excel, ArcPro GIS and virtual meeting platforms.

Additional Comments

Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.

Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.

Travel may be required.

Overtime may be required.

Overnight travel may be required.

Weekends and holidays may be required.

Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule, 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 : $53,764 - $85,138

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