Review Vacancy
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleRegional Director, Environmental Conservation
Occupational CategoryAdministrative or General Management
Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $156757 to $197170 Annually
Duties Description Under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner and as the Commissioner’s primary representative in the region, incumbent provides leadership and direction to all regional programs and over 250 personnel within the regional boundaries in service of DEC’s mission to conserve, improve and protect New York's natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being.
Region 9 serves six Western New York counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Niagara and Wyoming, totaling over 3 million acres of land.
Examples of facilities under the oversight of Region 9 include:
-26 boat launch and fishing access sites
-170 miles of public fishing rights
-30 angler footpaths
-Over 97,000 acres of State Reforestation Areas
-Over 14,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas
-Approximately 120 miles of recreational trails
-100,000 acres of State Forest, Multiple Use Area, Unique Area and Day Use sites
-Rushford Environmental Education Camp
-Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve Environmental Education Center
-7 major solid waste landfills
-393 State Superfund sites
-Over 100 Brownfield Cleanup Program sites
-Approximately 40 Clean Air Act Title V facilities
-Over 50 municipal Water Resource Recovery Facilities
Region 9 headquarters is located in Buffalo with a satellite office in Allegany.
Duties include the following:
-Directly supervise the Assistant Regional Director and key senior staff in the region;
-Lead region-wide community relations, including the establishment and maintenance of relationships with elected officials, Indian Nations, community-based organizations, and the regulated community;
-Establish priorities, procedures, and regional leadership for the performance and success of natural resource management (Fish and Wildlife, Lands and Forests, Minerals), environmental quality (Air and Water) and sustainable development (Remediation and Materials Management) divisions serving the region;
-Ensure the Office of General Counsel and law enforcement programs (Forest Rangers and Environmental Conservation Officers and Investigators) are fully supported and working in coordination with regional and statewide enforcement priorities, including reviewing and approving enforcement orders in the name of the Commissioner;
-Ensure efficient permitting procedures that strictly uphold appropriate regulatory standards throughout the region and all regulatory programs;
-Support and direct operations across the region, including facility maintenance, vehicle fleet management, and other DEC infrastructure key to public service, public safety, and regulatory success;
-Define the delegation of responsibility, authority and accountability of subordinates’ work within the regional structure;
-Develop plans and procedures for administering new programs in the region, as directed by the Commissioner;
-Respond to inquiries from the press, elected officials and the public;
-Represent the Commissioner and DEC at meetings, events, and boards or commissions as assigned; and
-Ensure the region can rapidly respond to emergency incidents and provide leadership in coordination with the Office of Emergency Management of emergency incident response.
Essential Functions:
-Support and achieve success in the region for the core functions of permitting, enforcement, and operations in the region.
-Present information thoroughly and effectively to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
-Possess and broaden working knowledge of DEC regulatory programs, including an understanding of technical and/or legal documents key to essential functioning of the region and department.
-Travel to meetings and public events inside and outside the region as required and represent the region competently and professionally in these venues.
-Work collegially with all colleagues at all levels of the organization, setting a strong tone of compassionate, effective leadership that is driven by the mission of the department and Commissioner priorities.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and nine years of experience in a field related to environmental conservation, environmental protection, natural resources, or government administrative experience serving the public, directing government organizations, or government programs, this includes responsibility for organizing and directing a major program or group of programs. Four years of the experience must have been managerial and included responsibility for implementation of program goals and objectives within the established budgets; supervision or coordination of staff to achieve specific program objectives. A relevant Master’s degree may substitute for one year of the specialized experience and relevant doctoral degree may substitute for two years of the specialized experience.
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.
Must be available for emergency response.
Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies.
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.