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Assistant Engineer (Civil) / Engineer Trainee - NY HELPS

State of New York - Environmental Conservation, Department of
Albany, NY Full Time
POSTED ON 10/21/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/18/2027
Duties Description This position is located within the Bureau of Maintenance and Technical Services, Consultant Services Section of the DEC Division of Operations. This position provides engineering and technical support, serving as the Project Engineer for construction projects and managing projects from conception to completion.

Key Responsibilities include:

  • Engineering analysis, planning, and design. Projects may include site layouts, grading, parking lots, water distribution, sanitary sewers, drainage, stormwater management, boat launches, shoreline stabilization, trails, and roadways. Provide supervision and oversight of construction activities.

  • Prepare reports, Job Order Contract (JOC) construction orders, contract documents, cost estimates, Purchase Orders, and Service Agreements. Ensure all designs comply with applicable NYS codes, standards, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

  • Using AutoCAD to prepare design drawings and engineering software for calculations and evaluations. Provide technical assistance and coordination to regional personnel.

  • Conducting site visits and field investigations, including lifting and carrying field equipment as needed.

Minimum Qualifications AE (Civil)/Trainee

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.

To be eligible for appointment under NY HELPS, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications below:

Minimum Qualifications for appointment to Engineer Trainee, NS:

Either 1. A bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or engineering technology as listed below;

Or 2. proof of passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND one year of full-time engineering experience as listed below.

Minimum Qualifications for appointment to Assistant Engineer (Civil), SG-20:
Proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND a qualifying bachelor's degree or higher as listed below; OR proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND one year of full-time qualifying engineering experience as listed below.

Qualifying degrees: Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Construction Engineering, Construction Engineering Technology, Construction Engineering Management, Construction Engineering Management Technology, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Power Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Engineering Technology, Environmental Design Engineering, Environmental Resources Engineering, Environmental Systems Engineering, Forest Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydraulics Engineering, Materials Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Transportation Planning and Engineering, or Engineering Science with a recognized concentration in any of the above listed engineering degrees.

Qualifying experience: One year of full-time engineering experience in the design and construction of parks, roads, bridges, recreational facilities, water and/or wastewater treatment facilities.

Qualification for competitive appointment:

Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC

or

Reinstatement - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis.

or

Transfer - One year of permanent competitive service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer in accordance with Section 70.1 of Civil Service Law.

Individuals appointed as an Engineer Trainee are required to complete a minimum of one year of successful performance as an Engineer Trainee and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. If you pass the FE by the end of the first year, you may be advanced to the Grade 20 Assistant Engineer (Civil) title without further examination. If you do not pass the FE by the end of the second year of the traineeship, you will be terminated from your position.

Additional Comments If appointment is at the Assistant Engineer, SG-20 level, the starting salary for this position is $84,532. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $77,532 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000, specific to this title and location.

The job rate for this position is $105,354. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $98,354 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000, specific to this title and location.

Please note, this is not extended to any trainee titles. If appointed at trainee level, you will receive differential upon advancement to grade 20.

Transportation needs of this position require use of a state vehicle and adhering to the Department’s Vehicle Policy. You must have and maintain a valid driver’s license for this position.
Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.
Must be able to work in remote areas.
Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
Travel may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
Must be able to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds.
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.
If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please email: equity@dec.ny.gov.

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).

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Salary : $77,532 - $98,354

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