Environmental Program Specialist ; Natural Resources​/Trainee ; NY HELPS - Taconic - DESP

Overview

The Environmental Program Specialist 1 (Natural Resources), SG‑18, is assigned to the Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning. The role serves as the Environmental Project Manager for the Region, coordinating environmental stewardship projects and ensuring place‑based management aligns with regional priorities. The position reports to the Biologist 2 (Ecology), SG‑23.

• Facilitate and implement the planning, design, construction, and monitoring of environmental stewardship projects, from small to large scale.
• Develop expenditure plans for various funding sources to support individual work plan elements.
• Participate in meetings with consultants and agency staff to identify environmental issues and provide recommendations.
• Monitor and oversee district environmental work performed by other agencies, consultants, and contractors to ensure consistency with agency plans and compliance with codes.
• Assist in the development of permits for environmental projects.
• Coordinate with Operations and Capital staff on greening projects.
• Oversee project funding and reporting, including managing funds in relevant databases.
• Utilize New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) data and other information to guide plans and projects.
• Use science and data to recommend nature‑based solutions where feasible.
• Gather data, review alternatives, perform analyses, and provide recommended actions concerning environmental issues.
• Aide in the preparation, bidding, award, and administration of environmental grants and contracts.
• Supervise and maintain close communication with other staff on environmental protection matters.
• Organize and provide technical training for the environmental stewardship team and other staff, including Capital and Operations.
• Lead planning and field investigations for agency initiatives, ecological management plans, and natural resource protection projects.
• Oversee the preparation of work plans with appropriate documentation, including GIS maps, written text, diagrams, and photographs.

• Six years of experience in local or regional planning involving natural resource analysis, development and implementation of natural resource program policies, technical or programmatic reporting, and evaluation of natural resource programs.
• Associate degree may substitute for two years of experience.
• Bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience.
• Master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience.
• Doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.

• Applicants must be reachable on the current eligible list(s) to be considered.
• Applicants with current or former NYS agency employment must provide the last four digits of the social security number in the email response or resume.
• Positions may be filled through the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS) or 55‑b/c Program.

• Generous benefits package (~65% of salary), including paid time off: 44 days (13 vacation, 13 sick, 5 personal, 13 holidays); 3 days of professional leave annually.
• Health care benefits: employees and dependents can select from a variety of affordable health insurance programs.
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.
• New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) membership.
• NY­S Deferred Compensation.
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Paid parental leave.

For more details on benefits and eligibility, refer to the New York State Employment and benefits website. The position may require a background check and/or medical exam prior to appointment.