Duties Description Position Narrative: This posting is for an Assistant Engineer (Environmental), within the Division of Water’s (DOW), Bureau of Water Permits. The candidate will serve as a State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) Permit writer.
Essential Functions
1.Apply knowledge of the Clean Water Act and State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System(SPDES) permit program in developing individual or general SPDES permits.
a.Draft new wastewater discharge permits and periodically review and renew permitsfor consistency and conformance with regulations, polices, and procedures.
b.Review Water Treatment Chemical reports for industrial and municipal wastewater treatment systems and make authorization determinations.
2.Conduct water quality evaluations and derive water quality based effluent limitations for SPDES permits.
3.Review engineering reports, plans, and specifications for industrial and municipal wastewater treatment systems and facilities and make recommendations to supervisor for approval.
4.Support DOW’s asset management program.
5.Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships and communicate constructively with Federal, State, and local government agencies, engineering firms, various non-governmental groups, and the public on permitting issues.
6.Assist in development of regulations, policies, and guidance documents as needed.
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.
To be eligible for appointment under NY HELPS, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications below:
Minimum Qualifications for appointment to Engineer Trainee, NS:
Either 1. A bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or engineering technology as listed below;
Or 2. Proof of passing the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Examination (FE) AND one year of full-time engineering experience as listed below.
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 qualifying bachelor's degree or higher as listed below; 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 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.
Qualifying experience: One year of full-time experience in sanitary, public health or environmental engineering.
Candidates may also be appointed via the following, if applicable:
Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC
or
Reinstatement - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis.
or
Transfer – One year of permanent competitive service in a title designated as appropriate for transfer in accordance with Section 70.1 of Civil Service Law.
55 b/c Appointment - Must meet the minimum qualifications above. Please note that if applying under the 55b/, candidates must include with their resume or application, a copy of the letter from Civil Service which indicates approval for the 55b/c program.
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 pass the FE by the end of the first year, you may be advanced to the Grade 20 Assistant Engineer (Environmental) title. If you do not pass the FE by the end of the second year of the traineeship, you will be terminated from your position.
Preferred Additional Qualifications:
- Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including experiencewith technical writing.
- Experience with public speaking.
- Proficiency working with GIS, Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
- Knowledge of wastewater treatment.
- Familiarity with State and Federal Water Quality Standards and protection programs.
- Possession of an Engineer-in-Training certificate.
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 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.
Travel may be required.
Overnight travel may be required.
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:
- 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.
If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please email:
[email protected].
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.
