Assistant Engineer; Environmental​/Engineer Trainee - NY HELPS

Agency

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

Assistant Engineer (Environmental) / Engineer Trainee – NY HELPS

5786 Wide waters Parkway, Syracuse, NY 13214

From $66,951 to $101,121 annually. Assistant Engineer (SG‑20) starting salary $81,193.

Full‑time, Permanent, Competitive Class.

Mon‑Fri, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. 37.5 hours per week. Telecommuting up to 50% may be available. After‑hours response required on rotational basis. Overtime and weekend/holiday work may be required.

• Respond to petroleum and chemical spills, and emergency incidents during the workday and after‑hours.
• Participate in rotational after‑hours standby status for spills.
• Conduct inspections of spill sites throughout the region, prepare detailed inspection reports, and update the spills database in a timely manner.
• Retain, oversee, and manage state‑hired spill contractors where appropriate for Petroleum/Haz Mat spill cleanup and follow-through to closure.
• Manage multiple short‑ and long‑term projects to ensure proper cleanup.
• Investigate releases by collecting data and evidence to identify source, cause, and potential responsible parties for spills.
• Address enforcement cases, including development of referrals, enforcement documents, and provide testimony at hearings and trials. Prepare reports.
• Conduct technical evaluations of investigation and remedial work plans, including engineering reports and plans.
• Review and comment on engineering practices and remedial actions adequacy pertaining to all applicable regulations, including DER 10.
• Review and approve payment applications for state‑hired petroleum spill cleanup contractors in a prompt manner.
• Prepare Investigative Summary Reports (ISR) for cost recovery in a timely manner; assist the Comptroller's and Attorney General's office with cost recovery as needed.
• Articulate Department’s positions at public hearings, technical meetings; participate in outreach and events.
• Conduct sampling and use various monitoring equipment.
• Conduct petroleum and chemical bulk storage inspections.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering or engineering technology. Qualified degrees include:
  • Aeronautical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering Technology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Engineering Technology, Environmental Design Engineering, Environmental Resources Engineering, Environmental Systems Engineering, Forest Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Paper Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Sanitary Engineering, Soil and Water Resources Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or Engineering Science with a recognized concentration in any of the above listed engineering degrees.
• OR pass the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination and have one year of full‑time experience in sanitary, public health, or environmental engineering.
• Engineer Trainee requirements:
  • Must complete a minimum of one year of successful performance as an Engineer Trainee and pass the FE exam.
  • If FE is obtained by the end of the first year, the trainee may be advanced to SG‑20 Grade 20 Assistant Engineer.
  • If FE is not obtained by the end of the second year of the traineeship, the position will be terminated.
• Assistant Engineer (Environmental), SG‑20 requirements:
  • Proof of passing the NCEES FE examination and a bachelor’s degree as listed above.
  • OR proof of passing the NCEES FE examination and one year of full‑time qualifying engineering experience (sanitary, public health, or environmental engineering).

• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift and Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred…