Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleEnvironmental Program Specialist 2 (2 Positions)
Occupational CategoryAdministrative or General Management
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $86681 to $109650 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Duties Description Two Environmental Program Specialist 2 (EPS2) positions are available within the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Air Resources (DAR) at the Central Office in Albany, New York. One position will reside in the Bureau of Quality Assurance (BQA), Technical Support Section (TSS) and one will reside in the BQA, Program Planning Section (PPS).
Under the general direction and supervision of Section Chiefs, the Environmental Program Specialist 2’s will use their knowledge of environmental science, environmental legislation, regulations, and policy to support the administrative and technical functions associated with the missions and goals of DAR. This includes mandates under the EPA Clean Air Act (CAA) and the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).
In addition to the general duties described above, specific duties will include, but not be limited to the following:
The EPS2 in the TSS will supervise other EPS staff, seasonal staff, and/or oversee a complex program. This includes assigning appropriate levels of work to meet DAR goals, ensuring performance programs are kept up to date, and performing all administrative tasks as required.
The EPS2 in the TSS is responsible for coordinating all training activities for DAR. This includes Biannual Visual Opacity training for Central Office and regional staff; various air pollution training provided by NESCAUM; PECE seminars, and new employee orientation. The EPS2 will mentor and train staff to ensure more than one employee can assist and/or lead training activities as needed. The EPS2 will be the DAR lead and provide IT support to DAR staff for virtual training and meetings (i.e. - WebEx, Teams, etc.).
The EPS2 in the TSS will be responsible for coordinating all outreach efforts for DAR and act as the DAR liaison for the DEC Sustainability Workgroup. TSS is responsible for development of the monthly online AirMail! publication that currently has over 50,000 on-line subscribers. The EPS2 will supervise staff to develop content and work with subject matter experts to ensure AirMail! articles are accurate, and the public is kept informed of air pollution and air quality related issues. In addition to AirMail!, the EPS2 must coordinate with the Division of Communications, Education & Engagement (DCEE) for development of air quality social media posts (Facebook, Instagram, X, BlueSky). The EPS2 is responsible for responding to public inquiries as needed per management request and to monitor the DAR.Web public facing email box. The EPS2 and their staff will also work closely with the DAR Impact Assessment & Meteorology Section responsible for air quality forecasting including the maintenance and daily updating of the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI helps keep the public informed of potential air quality concerns in various regions of NYS and the section assists with outreach efforts on this important topic including publication of air quality alerts. The EPS2 in the TSS will also be responsible for organizing the DAR staff presence at the NYS fair as well as coordinating and leading a presentation on behalf of DAR for the annual DEC Take Your Children to Work Day.
The EPS2 in the TSS will be responsible for the posting and maintenance of all DAR related web content (public and InSite). TSS coordinates with DAR staff who submit requests for publication of web materials and ensures all materials are accurate and in proper format. This requires coordination with the DEC web services team in the DCEE who maintain the public website to ensure all DAR pages are accurate and up to date. The EPS2 will supervise junior EPS staff assigned to maintenance of web content and review all web content for accuracy.
TSS is responsible for processing new user applications as well as creating and updating user accounts for the Air Certification & Emissions (ACE) electronic reporting system. ACE is a software platform that allows NYS Title V facilities to submit annual emissions statements as well as annual and semi-annual compliance reports electronically. The EPS2 in the TSS will ensure that ACE applications are processed in a timely manner and will mentor and train staff to ensure there is sufficient knowledgeable personnel capable of performing all ACE related tasks and technical support.
TSS is also responsible for health and safety (H&S) activities on behalf of DAR. The EPS2 will act as the H&S liaison with DEC’s H&S office and supervise staff to ensure all H&S needs for DAR are being met. This includes scheduling of fit testing for employees required to wear respirators as part of their job duties; updating SOPs for publication on the DAR InSite H&S page; and coordinating and scheduling H&S related training activities for DAR staff.
TSS is responsible for a staff person to act as a DAR Information Resources Coordinator (IRC) as well as the Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) designee. The EPS2 will act as a DAR IRC to ensure all IT needs for DAR are met and to keep staff informed of all DEC IT activity.
The EPS2 will be responsible for monitoring five shared email boxes in the TSS. These email boxes share work duties including training, web services, IT support, Health & Safety, and electronic reporting. All mailboxes must be closely monitored to ensure all questions from staff, the public, and the regulated community are addressed in a timely manner.
The EPS2 in the PPS will supervise another EPS, seasonal staff, and/or oversee a complex program. This includes assigning appropriate levels of work to meet DAR goals, ensuring performance programs are kept up to date, and performing all administrative tasks as required.
The EPS2 in the PPS will be the DAR Regulatory Coordinator. DAR is currently responsible for the development, maintenance, and enforcement of nearly fifty New York state regulations, and nearly twenty DAR policies. The regulations and policies are designed and written for the prevention and control of air contamination and air pollution. The EPS2 will oversee the entire rulemaking process for regulations and policies which includes but is not limited to the following details: 1) assisting the rule writer with the creation of the entire rulemaking package and supporting documentation which includes; Rulemaking Initiation Memorandum (RIM), Job Impact Statement (JIS), Rural Area Flexibility Analysis (RAFA), Regulatory Flexibility Analysis for Small Businesses and Local Governments (RFASBLG), and the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS). 2) Develop and track the rule routing package for staff, management, legal and executive review and signoff, and communicate throughout to ensure the package moves smoothly and within mandatory timeframes. 3) Coordinate with DAR and legal staff to edit and update all regulatory documents throughout the review and sign-off process. 4) Submit the proposed and adopted rulemaking packages to the Department of State (DOS) Regulatory Review Unit (RRU) for approval. 5) Submit the adopted regulation to the Governor’s office. 6) In conjunction with the DCEE, schedule, coordinate, and attend public hearings and stakeholder meetings. 7) Throughout the proposal and public commenting period, work with DAR staff to receive, sort, categorize, and respond to comments. 8) Facilitate, review and submit Incorporation by Reference (ICR) documents for the rulemaking packages which includes working with DAR staff, the Office of General Counsel (OGC), and DOS. As required by the State Administrative Procedure Act (SAPA), paper copies of the ICR documents must be physically delivered to the DOS in Albany. In addition, all ICR documentation must be made available electronically on CD and mailed to the law libraries of New York State.
The EPS2 in the PPS will be responsible for creating and updating multiple annual reports on behalf of DAR. These include the Operating Permit Program (OPP) reports which tracks permitting related expenses from DEC, the Department of Health (DOH), and Empire State Development (ESD). This requires coordination with DAR staff, management, and executive before the final report is submitted to the Office of the Governor. In addition, the EPS2 will compile the DAR portion of DEC’s annual regulatory agenda for the DEC Agency Regulatory Coordinator (ARC) including the 3-year and 5-year reviews. This requires coordination with DAR staff and management to for finalization of the report before it is routed to the ARC.
The EPS2 in the PPS will be responsible for the scheduling and facilitation of hearing planning meetings with DAR staff, DCEE, OGC, the New Tork State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and DEC regional staff. The EPS2 will acquire court reporters and an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) for all DAR sponsored hearings held both in-person and virtually. The EPS2 will publish the hearings schedule on the DEC website and will travel to and attend all in-person meetings. The EPS2 will facilitate DAR’s acquisition of hearing transcripts per record retention policy.
The EPS2 in the PPS will serve as DAR’s Records Management Officer and oversee all records maintenance. The EPS2 will maintain all regulatory files for DAR including current rulemaking packages, recently adopted rules, and historic files to be archived. This will require maintenance of the DAR.Regs SharePoint site, DAR regulatory shared network folders, and any hard copies required to be kept per record retention policy. In addition, the EPS2 in conjunction with DAR management and OGC must coordinate responses to public inquiries and FOIL requests pertaining to DAR regulations. The DOS updates the Green Books several times per year which reflect DEC regulatory updates. Upon receipt, the EPS2 must review the Green Books and compare the information with the DAR express terms to ensure changes from adopted regulations are accurately reflected.
The EPS2 in the PPS will be responsible for all DAR regulatory communications, outreach, and training. The EPS2 will provide regulatory updates to rule writers, DAR staff and management, and OGC as needed or on demand. The EPS2 will monitor the Air.Regs shared email box to handle and delegate responses for regulatory, policy, and general questions from the public. The EPS2 will work with the DAR web team and DCEE to ensure the public and internal web pages and calendars are updated with regulatory outreach information, stakeholder meetings, rule changes, comment periods, and DOS updates. As needed, the EPS2 will provide training sessions to DAR staff on the proper DEC rule writing and regulatory process.
The EPS2’s in the TSS and PPS will be responsible for completing special projects as directed.
The EPS2’s in the TSS and PPS will supervise EPS1’s, seasonal staff in their respective sections and/or oversee a complex program as deemed necessary and appropriate by management.
Essential Functions:
•Must be able to solve problems and make decisions.
•Must possess strong communication skills to effectively communicate program findings and information to State and federal counterparts, the regulated community and general public in a clear and professional manner.
•Must be able to supervise the work of subordinate employees, interact professionally with co-workers and supervisors, and work collaboratively in team settings.
•Must be able to prepare detailed, technically accurate, well written reports and publications.
•The ideal candidate will possess extensive computer and database management knowledge and technical skills. This includes the use of Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint along with the knowledge to manage and navigate large data sets and generate output reports. Must have extensive knowledge of WebEx, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint platforms.
•Must have experience with InSite editing and GovDelivery platforms.
•Must have a valid NYS Driver’s license.
Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications For Permanent Appointment:
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
Additional Comments Please include a current resume if expressing interest.
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.
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).
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.