Assistant Geologist​/Geologist Trainee - NY HELPS

Job Overview

Project manager for various state-funded and privately-funded remedial program sites, overseeing investigation and cleanup projects in the State's Superfund, Brownfield Cleanup, and Environmental Restoration programs.

• Interact with remedial parties, property owners, the public and governmental agencies.
• Oversee remediation sites, remedial consultants and contractors.
• Review site conditions and data to assess the nature and extent of contamination.
• Evaluate remedial alternatives and remedy selection.
• Design and implement selected remedies.
• Monitor remedy effectiveness.
• Manage multiple projects while prioritizing workload and addressing all site engineering and administrative needs.
• Negotiate difficult terrain, work in remote areas and adverse weather conditions, travel as required, and meet transportation needs.

Minimum qualifications for candidates eligible for 55‑b/55‑c appointment, 70.4 transfer, or NY HELPS appointment:

• Geologist Trainee, NS: bachelor's degree or higher in earth science, engineering geology, environmental geology, environmental geosciences, geochemistry, geological engineering, geology, geological science, geophysics, or hydrogeology.
• Assistant Geologist, G‑20: bachelor's degree or higher in the same fields AND either (1) proof of passing the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) Fundamentals of Geology (FG) examination, or (2) a professional geologist licensure with current registration.

This position is also open to the following candidates:

• Reassignment eligible – those currently in the title and employed by DEC.
• Reinstatement eligible – those who previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis.
• Transfer eligible – those with one year of permanent competitive service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer.

Additional requirements:

• Valid driver’s license or ability to meet transportation needs.
• Use of personal protection equipment, including a respirator.
• Ability to travel, overtime, and overnight travel may be required.
• Successful completion of the 40‑hour OSHA  training course and all other required training.
• Annual Health and Safety Program participation, including medical monitoring, fit testing, and 40‑ or 8‑hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification.
• Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.

If appointment is at the Assistant Geologist, SG‑20 level, the starting salary for this position is $87,693. The job rate for this position is $107,621. Trainees will receive the geographic pay differential upon advancement.

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

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency. DEC does not use E‑Verify, nor does it provide employment visa sponsorship.