Environmental Program Specialist 1

The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description The Environmental Program Specialist Natural Resources 1 (EPS NR 1) will be based out of the Invasive Species Field Office in Wallkill, NY (part of Minnewaska State Park Preserve) or the Central Office in Albany, NY. This position reports to the Invasive Species Unit Head in the New York State Parks' Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning. The EPS NR 1 will work as part of a team to help guide forest health, pest & disease management related initiatives on NY State Parks & Historic Sites statewide. This position will require extensive communication and coordination with partners, contractors, and other State Park staff and will require travel, including day trips and some overnights, for field work and meetings with agency staff and partners.Duties include:
• Act as a subject matter expert for forest health, pests & diseases for the agency.
• Develop and implement OPRHP forest health statewide priorities and guidance.
• Coordinate and support complex forest health projects utilizing the latest research, survey, and management strategies (e.g., chemical control, biological control, silviculture, drone/uAS surveys, prescribed fire, climate resiliency, etc.).
• Serve as a point of contact on forest pest & disease matters for DEC, Ag & Markets, PRISMs, US Forest Service, and other agencies and organizations.
• Standardize data collection protocol, digital survey forms (e.g., Survey123, Field Maps, etc.), and reporting methods.
• Develop and provide trainings for State Parks staff.
• Perform field work (e.g. forest pest surveys and forest stand assessments).
• Utilize programs such as ArcPro, ArcGIS Online, etc., to analyze data and create comprehensive maps to help inform decision making.
• Develop and manage contracts.
• Write reports and develop presentations.
• Write and submit grant proposals and oversee implementation.
• Supervise staff and/or interns.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications NY HELPS Qualifications: This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).*To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 b/c, candidates must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are: Environmental Program Specialist Trainee 1, SG-14: A bachelor's or higher degree in coastal resources management, conservation biology, cultural resources and historic preservation studies, ecology, ecosystem management, environmental biology, environmental engineering, environmental health, environmental planning, environmental science, environmental studies, environmental toxicology, forest science, forestry, natural resources management, natural resources planning, or urban forestry.For Environmental Program Specialist Trainee 2, SG 16 you must also have: Either 1. One year of qualifying professional experience*; OR2. a master's degree or higher in coastal resources management, cultural resources and historic preservation studies, ecology, ecosystem management, environmental biology, environmental engineering, environmental health, environmental planning, environmental science, environmental studies, environmental toxicology, forest science, forestry, natural resources management, natural resources planning, or urban forestry.For the Environmental Program Specialist 1, SG 18 you must also have: Either 1. Two years of qualifying professional experience*; OR2. a master's degree or higher in coastal resources management, cultural resources and historic preservation studies, ecology, ecosystem management, environmental biology, environmental engineering, environmental health, environmental planning, environmental science, environmental studies, environmental toxicology, forest science, forestry, natural resources management, natural resources planning, or urban forestry AND One year of qualifying professional experience.**Qualifying experience is defined as: Experience in local and/or regional planning involving natural resource analysis; developing and implementing natural resource program policies; writing technical or programmatic reports relating to natural resource program areas; and/or developing, implementing, and evaluating natural resource programs.Advanced placement to the trainee 2 or SG-18 level may be possible depending on education and experience and subject to agency approval.*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 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. Your name will be restricted from appointment from the eligible list until your position is covered-in to the competitive class by action of the New York State Civil Service Commission or otherwise obtain permanent competitive status in the position.COMPETITIVE QUALIFICATIONS: Reassignment Qualifications: You must be a current New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) employee with one year of permanent, competitive or 55-b/55-c service as Environmental Program Specialist 1 (Natural Resources), SG-18. Eligible List Qualifications: Candidates may also be qualified for permanent competitive appointment if reachable on the Professional Careers Oportunities eligible list or Public Administration Trineeship Trainsition Program eligible list. Transfer Qualifications: Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1 of Civil Service Law which requires one year of permanent, competitive status as an Environmental Program Specialist 2 (Natural Resources).55-b/c Qualifications: This position is eligible for 55b/c appointment, and candidates with 55b/c eligibility are encouraged to apply. To be eligible for a 55b/c appointment, candidate must be currently enrolled in the Civil Service 55b/c program and must meet the minimum qualifications listed above. To be considered, you must provide a copy of your letter of eligibility with your response and meet the minimum qualifications listed above.It is essential that candidates clearly and concisely indicate exactly how they meet the above minimum qualifications in their resume. Failure to show how you meet the minimum qualifications above may result in disqualification and removal from consideration.*If verifiable, we will accept and prorate appropriate part-time and volunteer experience.Additional Comments: Approved Salary Ranges:
• Environmental Program Specialist Trainee 1(Natural Resources), SG-14 - $53,764 - $68,630Environmental Program Specialist Trainee 2 (Natural Resources), SG-16 - $59,994- $76,359Environmental Program Specialist 1 (Natural Resources), SG-18 - $66,951- $85,938

Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments Assigned Work Location will be in one of the following locations: Palisades RegionMinnewaska State Park Preserve51 Beecherhill Rd, Wallkill, NY hour work week ORAlbany Main Office 625 BroadwayAlbany, New York hour work weekBENEFITS: Generous benefits package, worth approximately 65% of salary, including: Paid Time Off
• PEF: 44 days – 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 5 personal leave days, 13 holidays
• Three (3) days of professional leave annually to participate in professional developmentHealth Care Benefits:
• Eligible employees and dependents can pick from a variety of affordable health insurance programs
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional costAdditional Benefits:
• New York State Employees' Retirement System (ERS) Membership
• NYS Deferred Compensation
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Paid Parental LeaveTo learn more about our benefits, visit:

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