New York State
Environmental Program Specialist 1 / Trainee 1 / 2 – NY HELPS
New York State, Albany, New York, United States
Duties Description
The Fiscal Planning and Management (FPM) Section, in the Division of Water’s (DOW) Bureau of Water Assessment and Management, is an integral part of the DOW’s operational structure responsible for the direct management of contracts and procurement and liaison to DEC’s Division of Fiscal Management (DFM). The Environmental Program Specialist 1 (EPS1), in the FPM Section, is responsible for assisting in the completion of various contracts and contract related activities related to DOW’s water quality programs.
Procurement and Contract Management
Learn about New York State and DEC procurement options, rules, and policies and advise DOW staff on appropriate procurement options for their project(s).
Manage a portfolio of contracts and agreements with a focus on state assistance contracts from the Water Quality Improvement Projects (WQIP), Nonpoint Source Planning Grant (NPG), 604(b) Management Planning Grant programs and Legislative Initiative Funding (LIF).
Review and process reimbursement requests.
Facilitate reimbursement, workplan and budget approvals with Regional and Central Office Project Managers.
Maintain and document regular outreach with municipalities to ensure timely execution of contracts and grants assigned.
Statewide Financial System (SFS)
Develop skills and familiarity with DEC’s internal financial management system.
Process contract transactions, enter contract details, create encumbrances and make payments in SFS.
Develop the ability to utilize SFS Analytics for fiscal tracking.
Federal Grants
Assist with the preparation of federal grant applications and amendments.
Assist with monitoring grant spending during the performance period of the grant.
Work with program staff to amend grants, as necessary.
Accounting/Cash Plan Management
Working with specific appropriations, track and report monthly status to internal stakeholders and reconcile with the Division of Fiscal Management (DFM).
Maintain FPM cash plan documentation as required.
Facilitate cash plan meetings with internal stakeholders as necessary.
Research discrepancies and questions from DFM and resolve as appropriate.
Other
Work with Project Manager 2 to update FPM training (videos, SOPs, PowerPoint training) for internal DOW and Regional Staff, focusing on contract execution and WQIP/NPG process.
Develop familiarity with the state budget process, laws, and resources relevant to procurement in DOW (e.g., State Finance Law, Environmental Protection Fund budget,and Guide to Financial Operations published by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller).
Support general office operations for the DOW (e.g., records management and/or inventory management).
Ensure that internal financial controls are followed.
Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be 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, 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.
Qualifications for NYHELPS or 55b/c* appointment are:
EPS TRAINEE 1: Four years or experience in a position where you have responsibility for the following: development and implementation of program policies and procedures; preparing and interpreting rules and regulations; development, preparation, and management of procurement (solicitation) documents, contracts, or grants; providing non-engineering technical assistance and information to consultants, public officials, and facility managers; collecting data, reviewing alternatives, performing qualitative or quantitative policy analyses; writing technical or programmatic reports; developing, implementing, analyzing, and evaluating programs; developing and implementing expenditure plans, procuring external funding sources, collecting and forecasting the impact of funding or organizational change efforts; assisting with the development of environmental public information campaigns.*An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.
EPS TRAINEE 2: Five years or experience in a position where you have responsibility for the following: development and implementation of program policies and procedures; preparing and interpreting rules and regulations; development, preparation, and management of procurement (solicitation) documents, contracts, or grants; providing non-engineering technical assistance and information to consultants, public officials, and facility managers; collecting data, reviewing alternatives, performing qualitative or quantitative policy analyses; writing technical or programmatic reports; developing, implementing, analyzing, and evaluating programs; developing and implementing expenditure plans, procuring external funding sources, collecting and forecasting the impact of funding or organizational change efforts; assisting with the development of environmental public information campaigns.*An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.
EPS1: Six years or experience in a position where you have responsibility for the following: development and implementation of program policies and procedures; preparing and interpreting rules and regulations; development, preparation, and management of procurement (solicitation) documents, contracts, or grants; providing non-engineering technical assistance and information to consultants, public officials, and facility managers; collecting data, reviewing alternatives, performing qualitative or quantitative policy analyses; writing technical or programmatic reports; developing, implementing, analyzing, and evaluating programs; developing and implementing expenditure plans, procuring external funding sources, collecting and forecasting the impact of funding or organizational change efforts; assisting with the development of environmental public information campaigns.*An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.
EPS 1: * If applying under the 55b/c, candidates must include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55b/c program. Candidates may also be eligible via the following: Reassignment – Currently in the title and an employee of DEC or Reinstatement Eligible – Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis.
OrTransfer Eligible – One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 11 or higher and either: Eligible for transfer under Section 70.4: Must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications below; Or Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: Permanent competitive service as an Environmental Program Specialist 1 (including trainees), Program Aide, Administrative Specialist 1, Biologist1(Aquatic), (Ecology), (Marine), (Wildlife), Public Participation Specialist 1, Environmental Analyst 1 and Trainee 1 & 2, Environmental Engineering Technician 2 & 3, Fish and Wildlife Technician 3, Legal Assistant 2, Mineral Resources Technician2,Pesticide Control Specialist 1 & 2, Public Health Specialist 2 Environmental, Sanitary Construction Inspector 2, Senior Engineering Research Editor.
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to find creative solutions to difficult and complex problems within a team atmosphere.
Experience with competitive and noncompetitive grant programs.
Strong public speaking skills and demonstrated ability to address controversial topics in a public setting.
Familiarity with Federal, State and Local Agencies and Non-Governmental organizations involved in clean water programs.
Experience working with State and Federal financial data systems.
Expertise in MS Office Suite, especially proper best practices in the use of MS Excel.
Ability to develop automated processes in Excel or other spreadsheet software.
Use of MS Teams and Gantt charts in developing project plans and delivery of project tracking.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
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. Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.
Benefits 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.
New York State
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Procurement and Contract Management
Learn about New York State and DEC procurement options, rules, and policies and advise DOW staff on appropriate procurement options for their project(s).
Manage a portfolio of contracts and agreements with a focus on state assistance contracts from the Water Quality Improvement Projects (WQIP), Nonpoint Source Planning Grant (NPG), 604(b) Management Planning Grant programs and Legislative Initiative Funding (LIF).
Review and process reimbursement requests.
Facilitate reimbursement, workplan and budget approvals with Regional and Central Office Project Managers.
Maintain and document regular outreach with municipalities to ensure timely execution of contracts and grants assigned.
Statewide Financial System (SFS)
Develop skills and familiarity with DEC’s internal financial management system.
Process contract transactions, enter contract details, create encumbrances and make payments in SFS.
Develop the ability to utilize SFS Analytics for fiscal tracking.
Federal Grants
Assist with the preparation of federal grant applications and amendments.
Assist with monitoring grant spending during the performance period of the grant.
Work with program staff to amend grants, as necessary.
Accounting/Cash Plan Management
Working with specific appropriations, track and report monthly status to internal stakeholders and reconcile with the Division of Fiscal Management (DFM).
Maintain FPM cash plan documentation as required.
Facilitate cash plan meetings with internal stakeholders as necessary.
Research discrepancies and questions from DFM and resolve as appropriate.
Other
Work with Project Manager 2 to update FPM training (videos, SOPs, PowerPoint training) for internal DOW and Regional Staff, focusing on contract execution and WQIP/NPG process.
Develop familiarity with the state budget process, laws, and resources relevant to procurement in DOW (e.g., State Finance Law, Environmental Protection Fund budget,and Guide to Financial Operations published by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller).
Support general office operations for the DOW (e.g., records management and/or inventory management).
Ensure that internal financial controls are followed.
Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be 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, 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.
Qualifications for NYHELPS or 55b/c* appointment are:
EPS TRAINEE 1: Four years or experience in a position where you have responsibility for the following: development and implementation of program policies and procedures; preparing and interpreting rules and regulations; development, preparation, and management of procurement (solicitation) documents, contracts, or grants; providing non-engineering technical assistance and information to consultants, public officials, and facility managers; collecting data, reviewing alternatives, performing qualitative or quantitative policy analyses; writing technical or programmatic reports; developing, implementing, analyzing, and evaluating programs; developing and implementing expenditure plans, procuring external funding sources, collecting and forecasting the impact of funding or organizational change efforts; assisting with the development of environmental public information campaigns.*An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.
EPS TRAINEE 2: Five years or experience in a position where you have responsibility for the following: development and implementation of program policies and procedures; preparing and interpreting rules and regulations; development, preparation, and management of procurement (solicitation) documents, contracts, or grants; providing non-engineering technical assistance and information to consultants, public officials, and facility managers; collecting data, reviewing alternatives, performing qualitative or quantitative policy analyses; writing technical or programmatic reports; developing, implementing, analyzing, and evaluating programs; developing and implementing expenditure plans, procuring external funding sources, collecting and forecasting the impact of funding or organizational change efforts; assisting with the development of environmental public information campaigns.*An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.
EPS1: Six years or experience in a position where you have responsibility for the following: development and implementation of program policies and procedures; preparing and interpreting rules and regulations; development, preparation, and management of procurement (solicitation) documents, contracts, or grants; providing non-engineering technical assistance and information to consultants, public officials, and facility managers; collecting data, reviewing alternatives, performing qualitative or quantitative policy analyses; writing technical or programmatic reports; developing, implementing, analyzing, and evaluating programs; developing and implementing expenditure plans, procuring external funding sources, collecting and forecasting the impact of funding or organizational change efforts; assisting with the development of environmental public information campaigns.*An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree may substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.
EPS 1: * If applying under the 55b/c, candidates must include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55b/c program. Candidates may also be eligible via the following: Reassignment – Currently in the title and an employee of DEC or Reinstatement Eligible – Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis.
OrTransfer Eligible – One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 11 or higher and either: Eligible for transfer under Section 70.4: Must meet the open competitive minimum qualifications below; Or Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: Permanent competitive service as an Environmental Program Specialist 1 (including trainees), Program Aide, Administrative Specialist 1, Biologist1(Aquatic), (Ecology), (Marine), (Wildlife), Public Participation Specialist 1, Environmental Analyst 1 and Trainee 1 & 2, Environmental Engineering Technician 2 & 3, Fish and Wildlife Technician 3, Legal Assistant 2, Mineral Resources Technician2,Pesticide Control Specialist 1 & 2, Public Health Specialist 2 Environmental, Sanitary Construction Inspector 2, Senior Engineering Research Editor.
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to find creative solutions to difficult and complex problems within a team atmosphere.
Experience with competitive and noncompetitive grant programs.
Strong public speaking skills and demonstrated ability to address controversial topics in a public setting.
Familiarity with Federal, State and Local Agencies and Non-Governmental organizations involved in clean water programs.
Experience working with State and Federal financial data systems.
Expertise in MS Office Suite, especially proper best practices in the use of MS Excel.
Ability to develop automated processes in Excel or other spreadsheet software.
Use of MS Teams and Gantt charts in developing project plans and delivery of project tracking.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
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. Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.
Benefits 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.
New York State
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