Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleCommunications Specialist Trainee 1/2-NY HELPS
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Bargaining UnitOSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA)
Salary RangeFrom $38073 to $58016 Annually
"Other" Explanation Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Workday
Minimum Qualifications Minimum/Preferred Qualifications:
This a two-year traineeship leading to the Communications Specialist 1, Grade 12, title. The structure of the traineeship is outlined below.
Communications Specialist Trainee 1, NS=Grade 8: High school graduation or possession of high school equivalency diploma.
Communications Specialist Trainee 2, NS=Grade 10: Satisfactory completion of one year of service as a Communications Specialist Trainee 1; or high school graduation or possession of high school equivalency diploma and one year of experience as follows:
•police, emergency services, or public safety dispatcher; or
•member of a fire company or emergency medical services squad; or
•radio dispatcher of a mobile fleet; or
•traffic management center; or
•search and rescue position; or
•active-duty service and an honorable discharge under conditions in the NYSRestoration of Honor Act from the United States military, or active deployed service inthe US Army Reserve or National Guard.
Communications Specialist 1, Grade 12: Satisfactory completion of one year of service as Communications Specialist Trainee 2; or high school graduation or possession of high school equivalency diploma and completion of all necessary trainings and certifications and two years of experience as follows:
•police, emergency services, or public safety dispatcher; or
•member of a fire company or emergency medical services squad; or
• radio dispatcher of a mobile fleet; or
• traffic management center; or
• search and rescue position; or
• active-duty service and an honorable discharge under conditions in the NYS Restoration of Honor Act from the United States military, or active deployed service in the US Army Reserve or National Guard.
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 maybe 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 this time, agencies may recruit and hire employees by making temporary appointments. In May 2024, if a temporary NY HELPS employee is satisfactorily performing in the position, the appointment will be changed from temporary pending Civil Service Commission Action to permanent non-competitive and the official probationary period will begin.
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.
Duties Description Working under direct supervision of the DEC Division of Forest Protection, serve as dispatcher for emergency and non-emergency calls from officers and the general public. Most calls are primarily directed to the mission of the DEC. Additionally, obtain necessary information from callers in order to initiate assistance; serve as radio dispatcher of police resources; perform clerical, administrative and other duties related to the dispatch center service. Candidates must be able to communicate and work well with other dispatchers and the public.
Work conditions include: sitting or standing for extended periods of time with headset on while monitoring computer screens; entering information using a computer keyboard; coordinating eye/hand movements while handling calls for the efficient use of radios and computers; speaking calmly and clearly in order to elicit information and giving instructions to a continuous flow of callers under stress; listening carefully to clearly understand caller information; making responsible judgments where timing is critical; and working within hearing distance of other dispatchers working under similar conditions.
Additional Comments Overtime may be required. Weekends and holidays may be required. Weekends and holidays may be required. Must be available for emergency response. Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies. Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.
Overtime and holiday work is required. Shifts are bid by seniority and will likely include nights and weekends. Must be available for emergency response. Must undergo a background investigation prior to appointment that will include fingerprinting.
Candidate is required to pay fingerprinting fee.
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.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.