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Review Vacancy
Date Posted 07/08/26
Applications Due07/29/26
Vacancy ID219401
NY HELPYes
AgencyEnvironmental Conservation, Department of
TitleAssistant Engineer (Environmental) / Engineer Trainee - NY HELPS
Occupational CategoryI.T. Engineering, Sciences
Salary GradeNS
Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)
Salary RangeFrom $66951 to $101121 Annually
Employment Type Full-Time
Appointment Type Permanent
Jurisdictional Class Competitive Class
Travel Percentage 50%
Workweek Mon-Fri
Hours Per Week 37.5
Workday
From 8:30 AM
To 5 PM
Flextime allowed? No
Mandatory overtime? No
Compressed workweek allowed? No
Telecommuting allowed? Yes
County Onondaga
Street Address 5786 Widewaters Parkway
City Syracuse
StateNY
Zip Code13214
Duties Description The Region 7 Division of Environmental Remediation Spill Response Assistant Engineer will participate in all aspects of Spill Response and Petroleum Remediation within our nine counties.
Respond to spills both during the workday and after-hours.
Complete inspection reports while onsite and update spills database in a timely manner. Use knowledge of engineering to ensure proper cleanup is completed for both short and long term remedial work. Retain, oversee and manage State hired spill contractors where appropriate for Petroleum/ HazMat spill cleanup.
Review and evaluate investigative reports, work plans, remedial action plans and spill closure reports for completeness and accuracy. Collect data and evidence to identify source, cause and potential responsible parties for spills. Provide guidance regarding proper cleanup procedures,transport and disposal of spill debris to other responders and stakeholders.
Conduct petroleum bulk storage and chemical bulk storage inspections and enforcement activities as necessary.
Advise RSE of significant events. Keep up on spill truck maintenance. 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 prompt, complete and thorough manner. Assist Comptrollers and Attorney Generals office with cost recovery as needed. Excellent verbal and written communication skills required to communicate with the regulated public, other emergency response personnel, regional staff and central office staff.
KEY DUTIES INCLUDE:
1- Respond to petroleum spills, chemical spills and emergency incidents as required/directed both during the work day and after- hours.
2- Participate in rotational after hours stand by status for Spills
3- Conduct inspection of Spill sites throughout the Region. Prepare detailed inspection reports and update spills database in a timely manner.
4- Retain, oversee, and manage State hired spill contractors where appropriate for
Petroleum/HazMat spill cleanup and follow through to closure.
5- Manage multiple short and long term projects to ensure proper cleanup.
6- Investigate releases by collecting data and evidence to identify source, cause and potential responsible parties for spills.
7- Address enforcement cases, including development of referrals, enforcement documents,and provide testimony at hearings and trials. Prepare reports.
8- Conduct technical evaluations of investigation and remedial workplans, including
engineering reports and plans.
9- Review and comment on engineering practices and remedial actions adequacy pertaining to all applicable regulations including DER 10.
10- Review and approve payment applications for State hired petroleum spill cleanup
contractors in a prompt manner
11- Prepare Investigative Summary Reports (ISR), for cost recovery in a prompt, complete and thorough manner. Assist Comptrollers and Attorney Generals office with cost recovery as needed.
12- Articulate Department's positions at public hearings, technical meetings; participate in outreach and events.
13- Conduct sampling and be able to use various monitoring equipment.
14- Conduct petroleum and chemical bulk storage inspections.
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 (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.
Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC
or
Reinstatement Eligible - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis.
or
Transfer Eligible - One year of permanent competitive service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer in accordance with Section 70.1 of Civil Service Law.
For eligibility under 70.4 transfer or 55b/c, employees must meet the minimum qualifications below. Please note that 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.
Minimum Qualifications for appointment to Engineer Trainee, NS:
A bachelors degree or higher in engineering or engineering technology as listed below;
Qualifying degrees: 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 proof of passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND one year of full-time engineering experience as listed below.
Qualifying experience: One year of full-time experience in sanitary, public health or environmental engineering.
NOTE: Individuals appointed as an Engineer Trainee are required to complete a minimum of one year of successful performance as an Engineer Trainee and pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. If you obtain your FE by the end of the first year, you will be advanced to the appropriate appoint-level-changed (PR-50) Grade 20 Assistant Engineer title. If you do not obtain your FE by the end of the second year of the traineeship, you will be terminated from your position.
Minimum Qualifications for appointment to Assistant Engineer (Environmental), SG-20:
Proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND a bachelors degree or higher as listed below;
Qualifying degrees: 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 Proof of passing the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND one year of full-time qualifying engineering experience as listed below:
Qualifying experience: One year of full-time experience in sanitary, public health or environmental engineering.
Additional Comments *If appointment is at the Assistant Engineer, SG-20 level, the starting salary for this position is $81,193. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $74,193 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000 specific to this title and location.
The job rate for this position is $101,121. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $ 94,121 with an additional geographic pay differential of $7,000 specific to this title and location.
Please note, this is not extended to any trainee titles. If appointed at trainee level, you will receive the differential upon advancement to grade 20.
Must have a valid driver's license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.
Use of personal protection equipment, including a respirator, will be required.
Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.
Must be able to work in remote areas.
Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.
Travel may be required.
Overtime may be required.
Weekends and holidays may be required.
Must be available for emergency response.
Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies.
Must provide 24-hour response on a rotational basis and work during normal business hours.
Must successfully complete (or have completed) the 40-hour OSHA 1910.120 training course and all other required training.
Must complete an annual Health and Safety Program including medical monitoring, fit testing, and 40 (or 8) hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification.
Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule, will be discussed at interview.
We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
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.
Name Megan Miller
Telephone 518-402-9273
Fax 518-402-9038
Email Address PostingResponses@dec.ny.gov
Address
Street 625 Broadway
City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12233
Notes on ApplyingPlease email/mail a copy of your resume and college transcript(s) to the above (unofficial college transcripts are acceptable). Be sure to include Vacancy #26-219401 on your resume and also in the subject line of the email or it may not be accepted.
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